“Another place of worship is needed”. That’s what some religious leaders in Dallas thought in the summer of 1903. These leaders planted the seed that would become St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church.
Under the guidance of Rev. C.L. McPherson, Rev. A.S. Jackson, Rev. Z.T. Partee, and Rev. S.G. Gates, St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church was formed. These men were pastors of other Baptist churches in Dallas. They saw a need for a new church in the east Dallas area.
Early in 1917, St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church built its first structure. It was a simple 20′ by 30′ box. Later, they updated it with a wood frame church. This church had a baptismal pool. It also had a bell tower. The bell could be heard throughout the neighborhood. St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church grew under several dedicated ministers. One of these was Rev. L.D. Bell.
In 1954, under Rev. A.D. McGraw, the church built a brick building. After four and a half years, Rev. McGraw left to pastor in Ennis, TX. Rev. E.W. Thomas then became pastor of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church.
Rev. C.A. Wilson became pastor in 1962. During his time, a fire completely destroyed the church. But St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church held to their faith. Roe’s Chapel Baptist Church offered their space for services. In nine months, St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church was rebuilt. Classrooms were added. A Hammond organ was purchased. In 1969, Rev. Wilson moved to Fort Worth, TX.
In 1970, Rev. Charles Reed became pastor. During his leadership, St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church bought two lots. They also paid off all church debts.
In July 1984, Rev. Allen G. Madison II became the pastor. Under his leadership, the congregation grew. St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church bought eight more lots. They acquired a church bus. They also started outreach and educational ministries. Rev. Allen G. Madison is a native of Dallas. He served in the U.S. Army. He received a B.A in Theology from Carolina University.
In 1995, St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church renovated the sanctuary. They worked to buy the surrounding lots on Philip and Bank Streets. The pastor wanted to build a Family Life Center. It would meet the spiritual and educational needs of the congregation. Through prayer and effort, they secured most of the land. They then began Phase I of the building plan. During this time, new ministries were added at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church.
The 2000s saw the construction of the Family Life & Educational Facility. Construction began in December 2002. The facility has ten classrooms. It also has a fellowship hall. There is a conference room. A commercial kitchen completes the building.
In August 2004, the St. Mark Education Center was dedicated. This 7,000 sq. ft. facility serves the church family and the community. It hosts various activities and functions.
St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church is a member of the Galilee Griggs Memorial District association. In 2006, it joined the Southern Baptist Convention. This allows them to use resources for leadership training.
Assistant Pastor Louis Berry is also a Dallas native. He earned degrees from Criswell College and Dallas Baptist University. He leads The Leadership Team. He also leads Disciples “R” Us. This ministry helps new members.
St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church has accomplished much. Yet, there is more to do. The church continues to pray for God’s grace and mercy. They want to continue to be a blessing. St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church welcomes visitors. Sunday School is at 8:30 am. Sunday Worship is at 10:00 a.m. Prayer Service is on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm via teleconference.