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To explain St. Mark's beginning, it is necessary to explain a little Greenwood County history. In the early 1960s, Greenwood County was experiencing rapid industrial growth bringing in not only new jobs for the area, but also an in flux of new families.
In 1964, it was determined that there was a need for a new Methodist church in the northwest section where many new subdivisions were being built. This included Sheffield, Beckridge, Kimbrook, Westover, Westgate, Timberlake, Chinquapin, and others.
A first meeting was held at Main Street Methodist Church on November 17, 1964, to explore the possibility of a new church in the area of the new homes. The Rev. Harry Chandler, District Superintendent, opened the meeting and explained the purpose for the meeting. Eleven people were present. Flyers were distributed that asked, "Interested in a new Methodist church?" To test the waters, a decision was made to hold worship services to determine interest and enthusiasm for the proposed church.
It was now March 14, 1965. The Rev. James Williams, pastor of Tranquil Methodist Church, agreed to conduct services each Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. in the basement of the American Legion building.
He continued as the interim pastor until early June when the Rev. Don Cavin was appointed the new church's first full-time minister at the annual conference. The name "Trinity Methodist Church" was chosen for the new church. Worship services and Sunday school continued in the American Legion building basement for approximately two years although five acres of land were purchased from Greenwood Mills and W. F. Mauldin in 1965 at a cost of $11,370.
At the Rev. Cavin's first Sunday service, June 27, 1965, 27 members were received into the church. Of these, 20 came from Main Street Methodist Church, representing 10 families. Temporary and inadequate facilities (three small rooms) resulted in a slow growth for Trinity Methodist Church the first year. Although the Rev. Chandler held the organizational meeting on May 30, 1965, and 19 charter members were enrolled, charter membership remained open until June 27, 1965.
As of 2004, the following 11 charter members are still active: Barbara Jean Smith, William and Jeanette Vaughn, Felix Peebles, Bill and Martha Hoole, Ansel and Martha Talbert, Mel and Mary Ann Riley, and Mary Kay Addy.
Key Dates in St. Mark UMC History
1965
A parsonage was rented on Montague Avenue and later relocated to Northgate subdivision.
1966
The church name was changed to St. Mark to avoid confusion with another church in the district named Trinity.
1967
As the church continued to grow, ground-breaking services for the first structure were held in October 1966, and the first unit of the church building was completed and consecrated on September 9, 1967. This housed the current social hall (the first sanctuary), office, kitchen, and seven classrooms. Total cost: $96,000.
1968
Charter meeting of the Women's Society of Christian Services (WSCS) was held on October 28th. The current parsonage in Belle Meade subdivision was purchased for $24,700. The first vacation church school began in August.
1973
Seven additional classrooms and two baths were added at a cost of $86,900.
1982
The new sanctuary was completed at a cost of $195,000 and was consecrated by Bishop Roy Clark.
1988
New scout building completed.
1995
The child development center (Kids' World) began with a class of 3 - year olds. The picnic shelter was constructed.
1996
A class for 4 - year olds was added to Kids' World. The parking lot was paved.
1997
A class for 5 - year olds was added to Kids' World.
2000
The new education wing is completed and consecration is held on February 13th.
2001
Contemporary worship services begin.
2003
The church bus was purchased and a shelter was built to cover it.
2004
Planning stages for a new 750 - seat sanctuary facing the 72 Bypass continue. Plans call for the existing sanctuary to become a fellowship hall. The proposed front view includes, along with a sanctuary, a music wing, a tower, and a covered drop-off plus additional parking. Estimated cost is $3.8 million. This current plan is needed to accommodate our growing and changing membership and ministry in a fast changing world in which we live.
2008
Property was purchased on Rivers Street and named The Rivers St. Campus. Plans are to occupy this new space by February 2009. Sunday Morning Blend, the contemporary worship service, and children (e.g., KREW, VBS) and youth ministries (e.g.,UMYF) activities will also be located in the new facility at Rivers St.
A Video Tour of St. Mark UMC