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.
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).
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:
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
- 2021: Renovation of youth room, food pantry, office area, and classrooms
St. Mark’s has been blessed with its spiritual leadership through the years. The following list of senior 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