1 minute read
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church: Active in 175 years of Grand Rapids History
by Karen Hunter
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church was founded in 1836, before Grand Rapids was a city. The history of St. Mark’s and the story of its members is linked with the story of Grand Rapids.
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Karen Hunter will share stories of how the building was born from the river and how some early members’ names live on in Grand Rapids in the form of parks, institutions, and street names. Called the church of mayors, St. Mark's members have been political and business leaders in Grand Rapids and in the nation. She will also share the church’s grand music history and its place in the community today.
St. Mark’s is located at 134 Division Avenue North. Limited parking is available in the lot just north of the building. Other parking, though not free, is located at the southwest corner of Pearl and Ionia
Some of the early members’ names that people will recognize include Wealthy Morrison, Richard Butterworth, David Kendall, and many more.
Early photo of St. Mark’s Home. Date unknown.
Photo courtesy of Grand Rapids History & Special Collections, Archives, Grand Rapids Public Library, Grand Rapids, MI
Other stories include the ‘Disappearing Deacon,’ and his French pony, and why the first bell installed in the current building weighed 1,020 pounds.
“St. Mark's Episcopal Church: Active in 175 years of Grand Rapids History,” b y Karen Hunter, January 12, 2012, 7:00 p.m. Off Site: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 134 Division Avenue North.
