Question 1

When was St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church founded?

Accepted Answer

On November 6, 1931, a small group of Christians holding a prayer meeting
decided to start a church.

Question 2

Who was the first Pastor of St. Mark, and what early steps were taken?

Accepted Answer

With great vision and hope, this group called The Reverend J.S. Stokes as 
their Pastor, purchased land on 11th Street North, and named their humble 
gathering St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church.

Question 3

What developments took place under Reverend James Atkinson’s leadership?

Accepted Answer

In 1932, the Reverend James Atkinson was called as St. Mark’s second
Pastor. Under his direction, the first Sunday School was organized as well as the
church’s first choir.  The construction of the first sanctuary took place under his
leadership. This edifice was designed with a pool under the choir stand and
indoor rest rooms.

Question 4

When was the first sanctuary dedicated, and who led during this period?

Accepted Answer

St. Mark’s third Pastor, The Reverend S.C. Caldwell was called in October 
1939. Under his leadership, the first sanctuary was dedicated in 1939. He served 
10 years.

Question 5

What major expansions occurred during Reverend W.J. Glover’s tenure?

Accepted Answer

With the calling of The Reverend W.J. Glover in November 1949, St. Mark
experienced tremendous growth.  In the following decades, a new edifice and
fellowship hall were constructed, a parsonage was added, a marquee was
installed as well as the laying of the Corner Stone.

Question 6

Who led the church after Reverend W.J. Glover’s illness and passing?

Accepted Answer

During the illness and demise of The Rev. W.J. Glover, we were under the 
divine leadership of The Reverend Isaac McNeal.  With the passing of The 
Reverend W.J. Glover in 1988, St. Mark began its search for a new Pastor.

Question 7

When was Reverend David Thompson, Jr. installed, and what was achieved under his leadership?

Accepted Answer

Installing its fifth leader, The Reverend David Thompson, Jr., on February 
16, 1989. Under his leadership, our new edifice was constructed at 1301 37th 
Street South and dedicated on March 24, 1991.

Question 8

How did Rev. Dr. Brian K. Brown become our pastor and what has he done?

Accepted Answer

Our current leader, The Reverend Brian K. Brown, was installed as St. Mark’s
sixth Pastor on June 13, 1995. Under his leadership, we have been blessed with
the following events:
• New church van purchased in November 1995
• A new marquee was installed in May 1996
• A double-wide shed was built in May 2001
• March 2005 - Ground Breaking for The Rev. W. J. Glover Education Wing,
housing the Rev. Isaac McNeal Library, and Administrative Offices.
• May 28, 2006 - Dedicatory Services for the new Education Wing, Library,
and Administrative Offices.

Question 9

Why is our church’s history important today?

Accepted Answer

Knowing where we’ve come from helps us understand who we are and where we’re going. Each generation of leadership from those early prayer‐meetings, through building ministries and facilities, to the present has laid a foundation so that we can serve our community, worship in truth and live out the Gospel in the 21st century. We honor our past so that we can more faithfully follow Christ and disciple one another into the future.

Question 10

Why is our slogan “Bible-based haven of Hope, Help & Healing”?

Accepted Answer

From our earliest days, St. Mark has sought to be more than a building  we strive to be a place where people experience hope, receive help, and find healing through Christ. As a Bible-based church, our teachings and ministries align with God’s Word, and we aim to offer sanctuary, instruction, service, and community. This slogan captures our mission and identity in the greater Tampa Bay area.

Question 11

How has our history prepared us for today and the future?

Accepted Answer

Our chronological journey from a prayer meeting in 1931, through multiple building and ministry expansions, stable pastoral leadership under Rev. Brown, and organizational growth positions us to minister effectively in today’s world. Our past investments in infrastructure and people enable us to engage families, youth (especially important for your sons!), community outreach, and discipleship. In short, our history informs our present and shapes our future as we follow Christ together.

Church History

OUR HISTORY