A Brief History of St. Mark's
The first documented activity of Lutherans in the north Alabama region began with
Mrs. Joseph C. Hawkins, of Huntsville, in 1942. She assumed the responsibility of
contacting a Lutheran pastor to conduct services for a few Lutherans residing in
Huntsville. The services were first conducted in her home; later, the group assembled
in the Russell Erskine Hotel for Lutheran worship.
During the immediate post-World War II period, activities at Redstone Arsenal were
sharply curtailed. Then in 1950, the Army transferred its small group of German
rocket and missile scientists to Huntsville to re-activate Redstone Arsenal and
develop Marshall Space Flight Center. These men and their families had come to
America under the guidance of the U.S. Army and were 1st settled in El Paso, TX.
Mrs. Joseph C. Hawkins, of Huntsville, in 1942. She assumed the responsibility of
contacting a Lutheran pastor to conduct services for a few Lutherans residing in
Huntsville. The services were first conducted in her home; later, the group assembled
in the Russell Erskine Hotel for Lutheran worship.
During the immediate post-World War II period, activities at Redstone Arsenal were
sharply curtailed. Then in 1950, the Army transferred its small group of German
rocket and missile scientists to Huntsville to re-activate Redstone Arsenal and
develop Marshall Space Flight Center. These men and their families had come to
America under the guidance of the U.S. Army and were 1st settled in El Paso, TX.
From this initial small group, they were able to secure earnest money to purchase
the first church property, a funeral home to be converted into the first church
and a house for the parsonage. This property was located on the northwest corner
of Franklin and Longwood Drive.
On February 1, 1951, mission developer, the Reverend George F. Hart was sent to
organize the work in Huntsville. By October 1951, 77 adults and 43 children were
enrolled for membership. 66 of the confirmed members were German scientists and
their wives when the congregation was organized formally on Reformation Day, 1951.
On February 5, 1952, the Reverend George F. Hart was installed as St. Mark’s first
pastor. On September 9, 1956, a ground-breaking service was held for the original
sanctuary on the southeast corner of Franklin Street and Longwood Drive (current
location).
the first church property, a funeral home to be converted into the first church
and a house for the parsonage. This property was located on the northwest corner
of Franklin and Longwood Drive.
On February 1, 1951, mission developer, the Reverend George F. Hart was sent to
organize the work in Huntsville. By October 1951, 77 adults and 43 children were
enrolled for membership. 66 of the confirmed members were German scientists and
their wives when the congregation was organized formally on Reformation Day, 1951.
On February 5, 1952, the Reverend George F. Hart was installed as St. Mark’s first
pastor. On September 9, 1956, a ground-breaking service was held for the original
sanctuary on the southeast corner of Franklin Street and Longwood Drive (current
location).
On April 28, 1957 the church facility was officially dedicated. The new structure
consisted of the church proper, a parlor and a pastor’s study. The seating capacity
of the nave was 250. An additional 150 could be seated in the adjoining parlor at
the rear of the nave.
Since this humble beginning, St. Marks facilities have been updated and renovated
numerous times:
consisted of the church proper, a parlor and a pastor’s study. The seating capacity
of the nave was 250. An additional 150 could be seated in the adjoining parlor at
the rear of the nave.
Since this humble beginning, St. Marks facilities have been updated and renovated
numerous times:
- 1963: Educational Wing
- 1965: Westmoreland Avenue property purchased
- 1966: Nave addition including a balcony
- 1990: Renovation of entrance, the narthex, the fellowship hall & kitchen
- 2004: New sanctuary
- 2010: Parking lot
St. Mark’s has been blessed with its spiritual leadership through the years. The
following list of pastors have faithfully led the congregation here:
diverse members through the years. The faces, hair and clothing styles may have
changed, but the commitment of service to our Lord has remained strong and unwavering.
following list of pastors have faithfully led the congregation here:
- Rev. George F. Hart
- Rev. Curtis E. Derrick, Jr.
- Rev. Robert H. Loshuertos
- Rev. Henry M. Williams
- Rev. W. Vernon Luckey, Jr.
- Rev. Dennis R. Fakes
- Rev. Gary Soop
diverse members through the years. The faces, hair and clothing styles may have
changed, but the commitment of service to our Lord has remained strong and unwavering.
