Our History

“Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.” 

These words of Jesus mark the beginning of the Universal Church and in particular, the ST. MARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH; A realization until nineteen centuries later when a group of ex-slaves with their children purposed in their hearts to leave a spiritual heritage to prosperity. 

In the year A.D. 1872, a dedicated group of workers, guided by the Spirit of God and led by Rev. H. Harris, took steps to acquire land from Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Nelson. Their goal was to build a structure named ST. MARK CHURCH and SCHOOL. Among this group were notable individuals such as W. H. Shelton, M. C. Moon, Louis John Wesley, Henry Clay, Perry Jefferson, and Josh Clemmons. 

John Cooper and his wife, Clara Williams Cooper, generously donated land for the establishment of a school known as Coopers’ School, which many of our members attended. Coopers’ School operated from 1917 until its closure in 1954. In the same year, a new school named George R. Ellis opened in Munford, Tennessee. 

In 1936, Rev. A. L. Williams took on the role of pastor and held this position until 1963. Under his dynamic and inspiring leadership, the church flourished, leading to the establishment of a junior church. Reverend Williams introduced the congregation to various local and national Christian organizations, including the beloved Singing Union, which was organized by his wife, Mrs. Willie Mae Williams. 

Reverend Williams will be fondly remembered as a visionary, a singer, a farmer, a poet, and a counselor. He guided the church through several significant national events, including World War II, the Korean Uprising, and the 1954 Supreme Court Decision. In reference to the latter, he poignantly stated, “We are the problems on the table.” 

Following Reverend Williams, Rev. Napolean Rodgers took the helm in 1964. A man of spiritual leadership and insightful administration, Rev. Rodgers guided the congregation in acquiring some land from Robert and Bertha Strong on Wilkinsville Road. In line with his vision, plans were set in motion for a new sanctuary, an outdoor baptismal pool, Sunday School classrooms, and a spacious parking area to serve the expanding community. 

St. Mark can genuinely attribute its growth to the dedication of this dynamic, tireless, and beloved Pastor. However, in 1974, Rev. Rodgers chose to pursue a greater field of opportunity, with God’s blessing. 

On December 15, 1974, after an extensive ten-month search for a new pastor for St. Mark, a remarkable pulpiteer emerged in the form of Rev. C. W. Waller.  He is recognized for establishing The Children’s Hour, the Carol Choir, and introducing the chanting of the “Lord’s Prayer” during morning devotionals. He also created a structured Order of Service, revitalized the Women’s Home Mission Society, and fostered a cooperative family spirit among the congregation. 

Rev. Waller served until December 19, 1975, when he was called to rest in the embrace of his Creator, yet St. Mark cherished the valuable months of his dedicated service. 

In late 1975, after the passing of Rev. Waller, St. Mark was on the lookout for a new leader. With the devoted and passionate prayers of its congregation, Reverend Leo M. Gray, Jr. was called upon in April 1976 to serve the Wilkinsville community. At this pivotal moment, Reverend Gray’s pastoral journey can only be described as charismatic, as he has undoubtedly prepared the hearts and minds of the people for a fresh awakening. 

Under Pastor Gray’s guidance, we transitioned to worshipping every Sunday instead of just on the first and third Sundays, and we also established regular weekly Bible study sessions. 

Reverend Gray concluded his ministry at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in June 1992. 

Whether you believe in it or not, circumstances and destiny often guide our journey, and where we find ourselves is not always within our control. On the fourth Sunday, September 27, 1992, an enthusiastic young man visited St. Mark for the first time, leaving a lasting impact. This impression was so profound that on December 6, 1992, Reverend Keith LaShun McGee was commissioned and installed as the 14th Pastor of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church. Building on the legacy of 13 remarkable predecessors and drawing from a rich spiritual tradition, Rev. McGee’s ministry led St. Mark into the 21st century. 

Pastor McGee conveyed his deep gratitude for the blessings that God had granted him. He encouraged the congregation to place their hope and trust in God, reminding them that by following His guidance, success would inevitably come. He took great pleasure in challenging and motivating individuals to reach the potential for which God had destined them. Under his leadership, an additional sixteen acres of land were acquired for the future expansion and development of St. Mark M. B. Church. He envisioned plans for a Church Family Life Center and aimed to fully utilize all the land and resources that God had entrusted to the St. Mark community. 

As we welcomed the new Millennium in 2000, St. Mark experienced an outpouring of God’s blessings! With our growing community and increasing membership, the necessity for more space and appropriate accommodations became clear. Pastor McGee played a crucial role in implementing numerous improvements to the church facilities and worship services. We have made significant progress in creating a worship experience at St. Mark that is both comfortable and more meaningful. 

In January 2004, Reverend Julius Beasley was brought on board as the first salaried staff minister at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church. 

In 2007, we officially ordained our three associate ministers: Reverend Brenda Fayne, Reverend Romey Green, and Reverend Nina Tidwell. 

In 2017, Reverend Andrew Fisher was ordained as Associate Minister. 

In April 2016, Reverend Keith L. McGee concluded his ministry at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church. 

“It is in your moments of decisions that your destiny is shaped”. Turning to the Lord Jesus Christ for guidance, the St. Mark church family began the search for a new leader. In September 2016 a charismatic and exciting preacher stepped into the pulpit. 

On November 20, 2016, Reverend E. Allen Redwell, Jr. was appointed as the Senior Servant of The Saint, marking the beginning of a new era in the history and legacy of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church on Wilkinsville Road. As our 15th leader, Pastor Redwell has embraced this journey with unwavering faith, courage, and determination. 

Under the leadership of Pastor Redwell, many incredible advancements have taken place. Our weekly Bible Class, known as Monday Manna, has flourished, along with the revitalization of our Praise and Worship Team. Additionally, our Mother’s Ministry has been reestablished after several years and is now proudly referred to as “Redwell’s Rubies,” among other initiatives. 

On April 24, 2022, we proudly celebrated our 150th anniversary!