The Evolution of St. Mark’s Church
Born in 1858 through the efforts of a handful of citizens and soldiers in a rowdy frontier outpost, the first members of St. Mark’s sought the highest standards as they struggled to complete a house of worship designed, improbably, by the nation’s top church architect. From the earliest days the rectors reflected a strong spirit of devotion and reasoned tolerance that nourished prosperity in good times and resilience in years of hardship. By the time of its centennial, St. Mark's was recognized as “one of America's great parishes.” St. Mark’s has continued onward, proclaiming the Gospel, celebrating its sesquicentennial in 2008 and reaching new heights as members minister to each other, their community, the nation and the world.

For our web site, St. Mark's history is briefly recounted in 5 sections.  Click the section title to read the history for that era.  Each section is also in the maroon banner above.

• Section 1-Getting Established, 1858–1910
• Section 2-Rising to Greatness, 1910–1970
• Section 3-Coping With Change, 1970–
• Section 4-Architecture
• Section 5-Clergy

This history was drawn by Lewis F. Fisher from his book Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church: 150 Years of Ministry in Downtown San Antonio, 1858–2008 (Maverick Publishing, 2008). The book is available by CLICKING HERE or through your favorite bookstore.