About Us

Organized in the late 1800s, St, Mark Missionary Baptist Church was originally known as the Black Baptist Church. During this time, Mr. Dan Smith - an African American pioneer businessman and civic leader, heard the call from God and was moved to obey His word. In faith, a small frame building was erected, creating a place for worship & laying the groundwork for a ministry rooted in obedience, service, and trust in the Lord.

 

In 1905, a significant milestone was reached when a corner lot (Lot 15) was donated by Mr. Albert Gilchrist. The building and property were officially transferred into the name of Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church and established the the corner of Dupont Street and Virginia Avenue in Punta Gorda, FL. From that very corner, the Word of God has continued to be preached faithfully for generations.

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Though many earthly disasters have came and gone and although the physical structure of the church has been destroyed and rebuilt overtime, the mission of St. Mark has never changed, Across the years, many preachers, pastors, teachers, leaders, and reverends have served as faithful men of God, each proclaiming the gospel and standing firmly on biblical truth. Every generation has built upon the work of those who came before, believing in the Birth, the Death, and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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From the early leadership of  Rev. G. W. Jones in 1892 to our present pastor, Rev. Howard E. Clarke, St, Mark Missionary Baptist Church has been shepherded by leaders committed to God's Word. Each pastor has stood on the shoulders of previous pastors, preaching the word with conviction and guiding God's people with faith and integrity.

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St, Mark continues to stand on the foundation of Scripture, trusting in God's promise that the gates of hell shall not prevail. We are also guided by the truth found in II Timothy 2:15, which calls us to study and rightly divide the Word of Truth, living as approved workmen of God.

 

Our church is part of the Congressional Auxiliary (Congress #1) of South Florida, the Progressive Missionary Baptist Association, the Progressive Missionary and Educational Baptist State Convention of Florida, Inc., and the National Baptist Convention of America International, Inc. Through these affiliations, we remain connected to the broader mission of advancing the Kingdom of God.

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Today, St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church remains steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing our labor is not in vain. Rooted in faith, strengthened by legacy, and guided by God's Word, we continue to serve, worship, and stand as a beacon of truth and hope in our community.