What started as a small gathering in a recreation center has blossomed into the vibrant Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church we see today. The story of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church is a testament to faith. It highlights community and the enduring spirit of its parishioners.
In 1990, Rev Mathew Varghese journeyed to Tampa. He was then the vicar of the New Jersey Mar Thoma parish. His visit sparked the idea of establishing a Mar Thoma congregation in the Tampa Bay area. Before this, no such community existed. The nearest one was a four-hour drive away in South Florida. Some families attended local churches. Others went to the Indian Orthodox Church.
On December 25, 1990, history was made. Rev Mathew Varghese led the first Mar Thoma Holy Communion in Tampa Bay. It took place at the Orange River Estates Recreation Center. An ad-hoc committee formed after. They discussed the possibility of regular services.
The Mar Thoma Congregation officially formed in July 1991. This was thanks to a Kalpana from Diocesan Bishop Rt Rev Philipose Mar Chrysostam Episcopa. It served Mar Thoma believers in the Tampa Bay and Orlando areas.
In 1994, a significant milestone was reached. The congregation was recognized as a parish of the Mar Thoma Church. It received the name Saint Mark’s Mar Thoma Parish. Regular services began at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church in Valrico. Holy Communion took place on the second Sunday of each month.
The late 1990s brought changes. Rev TC George became the second vicar in 1997. The year 2000 marked a new chapter. Land was purchased for a dedicated church building. That same year, Saint Mark’s organized the first Southern Region Mar Thoma family Conference.
Rev Joseph Mathew was appointed as the third vicar in 2001. A year later, Diocesan Bishop Rt Rev Euyakim Mar Coorilos Episcopa laid the foundation stone. Construction of the new Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church began.
May 2004 saw Rev Alexander Tharakan become the fourth vicar. November 2004 was a momentous occasion. The new church building was consecrated at its current location on Davis Road. Diocesan Bishop Rt Rev Euyakim Mar Coorilos Episcopa led the dedication.
The church continued to evolve. In 2006, members from the Orlando area formed their own congregation. They shared vicar services with Saint Mark’s Parish. Rev Jose Abraham became the fifth vicar in 2007. Rev T Johnson was appointed as the sixth vicar in 2008. He was the first resident vicar. That same year, a parsonage was purchased for the vicar.
Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church celebrated its Silver Jubilee in 2016. A major Jubilee project established an Endowment Fund. Proceeds supported the higher education of Mar Thoma evangelists’ children.
The church continued to grow. In 2021, the adjacent property was purchased for future expansion and parking. As of 2024, Rev Prem Mathew serves as the eleventh vicar. From its humble beginnings to its present-day vibrancy, Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church stands as a beacon of faith. It shows community and service in the Tampa Bay area.