Parochial History
The rich history of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church is captured in the 2009 work By Faith: A Century of Progress: A History of the Episcopal Church of Saint Mark, Jackson, Mississippi 1883-2003 penned by dear member of the congregation, Barbara Beadle Barber (1921-2012).
The history of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Jackson, Mississippi, begins in 1883, when it was established as a Sunday School mission to African Americans under the leadership of Bishop Hugh M. Thompson. The initial instructor was Mr. Williams, an African American. The church's early years were marked by significant challenges, including finding suitable worship spaces and securing financial support.
In 1904, the Rev. Richard T. Middleton became the first priest of St. Mark's. Under his leadership, the church began to grow and serve our community. Middleton's tenure was marked by his commitment to providing spiritual guidance and support to the congregation and laying down a foundation for future growth.
Rev. James T. Jeffery arrived at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in 1921. His tenure marked a significant period of growth and development for the church. Under his leadership, the church undertook its first major project: the construction of a new building.
Jeffery's fundraising efforts were instrumental in making this project a reality. He secured donations from various sources, including St. Andrews Church, the American Church Building Fund Commission, and Mrs. Fannie Johnson of Vicksburg. Mrs. Johnson's generous contribution of $20,000, along with an additional $1,700 for pews, was particularly significant.
The new church building was constructed at the corner of Pearl and Poindexter Streets, in a neighborhood with many prominent and middle-class Black families, as well as Jackson State College. The parish house, part of the footprint, consisted of ten rooms, serving various purposes including education, healthcare, and community services.
Despite the church's strategic location, growth was minimal due to the predominance of AME and Methodist churches in the surrounding area. Nonetheless, Jeffery's vision and leadership laid the foundation for Saint Mark's future growth and community impact.
The Fannie Johnson Memorial Clinic, named after its benefactor, opened its doors on October 20, 1930. Led by Nurse Nettye McDowell Perkins, the clinic provided essential healthcare services to Black people in the county. With the support of Black physicians in Jackson, the clinic served a diverse patient population, including Episcopalians and non-Episcopalians.
Beyond healthcare, St. Mark's was actively involved in community outreach programs. Beginning in 1931, the church and its members distributed Christmas baskets and also provided a community Christmas tree. The church was also supported by the Colored Community Welfare League, which Fr. Jeffery founded and led as its first president.
Rev. Arthur Buxton Keeling, ordained in 1935, served as the rector of Saint Mark's from 1935 to 1964. During his tenure, he played a significant role in the church's growth and development.