February 6, 2021

Sharing from the Congregation – Sue Biggerstaff

Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. - Acts 20:28

This month we celebrate the 65th anniversary of St. Mark. In doing so, we need to remember those who have passed through its doors and kept the faith.

When a small group of people decided that a Methodist Church was needed in the Rocky Hill area, they went to work to make it happen. The first congregation met at the Rocky Hill Elementary School on February 26, 1956. They then obtained land on Northshore Drive to construct an educational building. They moved into this building in September of 1958. With a growing attendance, more space was needed, and a sanctuary was dedicated on October 11, 1964. The church was named for St. Mark because his gospel is known as a gospel of action. Our founders were definitely people of action.

Over the years we have seen many changes to the building and grounds. Some of these include an extension to the educational building, the purchase of land on both sides of the property, and the addition of the St. Mark Memorial Garden.

Another change that was barely noticed over the years was the name. From early documents and pictures, the church was named St. Marks Methodist Church. At some point, according to bulletins, it became St. Mark's. Finally, at an unknown date, it became St. Mark. According to one report, a former minister commented that the church was not St. Mark's but God's. Thus the apostrophe was eliminated.

As the years have passed our church and grounds may look different, and our name has changed a little, but our mission remains the same.

Rev. Larry Carroll expressed it this way:

"We are a pilgrim people. We like our spiritual ancestor, Israel, are also moving, growing, changing, becoming. Becoming the individuals and church God wants us to be is our goal. So long as we are faithful to this task, God provides the necessary resources to overcome any obstacles. This is a promise from God through Jesus Christ."

This past year has been difficult because we could not come together for fellowship and worship. Perhaps it has been a time to remind us that we are the church. We are the ones who spread the good news. We are the ones who carry out the Great Commission. Our founders were people of action. Are we carrying on their mission?

Gracefully Submitted,
Sue Biggerstaff