Ready to explore a spiritual landmark? St. Mark’s Fourth Baptist Church stands before you a testament to faith hope and resilience. It is a place where the community gathers. It is a beacon of light in New Orleans.
St. Mark’s Fourth Baptist Church has a rich history. It starts in the early 19th century. Baptist groups met secretly due to opposition from the Roman Catholic community. These early congregations were diverse. They included Negro slaves whites and people of color. Segregation was common. White masters asserted authority even in the church.
The First Baptist Church organized in 1843. It met in a rented room on Julia Street. From this beginning seven Baptist churches emerged. One of these was the Coliseum Place Baptist Church in 1854. The Shepherd family from Virginia attended this church. They recognized Robert Henry Steptoe’s intellect and leadership. They educated him and made him a free man.
Robert H. Steptoe became a minister. He organized a group of Christian followers in 1854. The Shepherds gave the church a site. Thus St. Mark’s Street Fourth Baptist Church was established. Slave members needed permits to attend services. Officers monitored services to prevent disobedience against whites. Rev. Steptoe’s determination kept the church effective.
In 1867 Rev. Steptoe and others established a corporation. It was for divine worship. It was known as St. Mark’s Street Fourth Baptist Church of New Orleans. The church was located on what is now Magnolia Street. Seven signers including Rev. Steptoe became trustees. They managed the church’s affairs. Rev. Steptoe died in 1884 after thirty years of service.
Rev. Henry Williams administered the Lord’s Supper for two years. In 1886 Rev. Williams W. Davis became the second pastor of St. Mark’s Fourth Baptist Church. Davis had worked in various church departments. He was ordained in November 1886.
Rev. Davis faced a challenge. The church’s site was no longer its property. Rev. Davis organized the means to buy it. The congregation bought the church site for $4000.00. Rev. Davis served effectively for twelve years.
After Rev. Davis’s death Rev. R. D. Diamond led spiritual affairs. In 1900 Rev. Jackson Acox became the third pastor. Rev. Acox had served as Sunday school superintendent and deacon. During his administration a new Act of Incorporation was passed in 1909. Rev. Acox was known for his accessibility. He died in 1919.
In 1921 Rev. I. H. Perkins became pastor. The state bought the Magnolia Street site. This was to expand Charity Hospital. The congregation worshipped in a basement. Later they used a tent.
In 1923 the church bought lots on Galvez and Perdido Streets. They began building the current edifice. Services were held in a small house. Later they were held in the incomplete lower portion. In 1925 the church was completed.
Several pastors followed. They led the church through challenges. These included the Great Depression. In 1931 J. E. Thornton was elected. In 1937 E. C. Thomas became pastor. He focused on clearing church debts.
In 1945 Rev. John F. Williams became pastor. He emphasized tithing. In 1948 Rev. Edward J. Thompson Sr. was elected. He served for a quarter of a century.
In 1974 Rev. Robert Turner Sr. became pastor of St. Mark’s Fourth Baptist Church. Under his leadership the church grew. The physical plant was renovated. Additional property was purchased.
Hurricane Katrina in 2005 heavily damaged the church. Pastor Turner led the cleanup and restoration. By December 2005 the sanctuary reopened. Members supported the church. Renovations were made. The church celebrated its 151st and 152nd anniversaries in 2006.
Today St. Mark’s Fourth Baptist Church continues to thrive. It stands as a testament to faith. It shows resilience and community spirit. The vision continues as they celebrate their 167th Church Anniversary. It is a place of hope meaning and purpose. Come and see what the Lord is doing.