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The History of St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Irving, Texas |
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St.
Mark's Episcopal Church, the oldest of three established Episcopal
Churches in Irving, was organized by the Rev. William Fox, then residing
in Grand Prairie. Eight persons were present for the first celebration
of Holy Communion, which took place in the Irving Public Library on
January 12, 1947. The Rev. Clarence Westapher was the first resident
vicar, coming to St. Mark's in July 1947. In September of that year the
congregation moved into a converted garage apartment at Sixth and
O'Connor Streets. The garage was the chapel and the apartment became the
priest's residence. Father Westapher served the parish until 1950, when
he was succeeded by the Rev. Jim McLain. In 1952, The Rev. William G.
Brook became rector, a post that he held until his death in 1963. He was
followed by The Rev. Benjamin Harrison who remained at St. Mark's until
the summer of 1965. In August of 1965, The Rev. Courtland Moore arrived
from All Saints parish in Weatherford, Texas, to become the new rector.
Father Moore left St. Mark's in October 1971, to become the
Administrative Assistant to the Bishop of Dallas. Father Ewart Rowland
arrived in August 1972, from Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, where he was
Vicar of St. Philip's Episcopal Church. Father Rowland served our parish
faithfully until he died during the 10:00 a.m. Holy Communion service on
February 27, 1994. A long-time parish member and Assistant Priest, the
Rev. Johnny Johnson, served as interim rector until the church called
The Rev. Kenneth Hunter from St. James Church, Newport Beach,
California. Father Hunter served as pastor from March of 1995 until his
departure in the summer of 1996. The Rev. Laurens Williams served as
interim rector until December 1997, at which time the church called The
Rev. Michael Malone. Father Malone served as rector until July 2001,
when he accepted a call from a parish in Virginia, his home state. The
Rev. Laurens Williams again served as interim rector until the church
called the Rev. Keith J. Roberson who served as rector
at St. Mark's from January 2003 until April 2006. St. Mark's
welcomed The Rev. Greg Pickens from Holy Trinity, Garland, as priest in
charge on Nov. 1,2006. |
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Growth of the Church
St. Mark's is located in the historic southern part of Irving. During
the 50-year history of St. Mark's Episcopal Church, a complete change has
been wrought at the corner of Sixth and O'Connor, from the original garage
apartment. The main sanctuary was built in 1952 and seats approximately 225
people. The adjacent chapel also seats approximately 25. In 1966, new
additions included a wing for offices, a stone bell tower, a parlor/meeting
room and a covered walkway. This wing now also houses the Ewart Rowland
Memorial Chapel and the Silver Lion Book and Gift Shop. In 1984, the large
parish hall and kitchen were renovated. Three years later a two-story,
ten-room Sunday School wing and a Children's Chapel were constructed. The
Rowland Memorial Chapel is currently also used as a columbarium. The
Sacristy and Choir Room are in older sections of the building. In recent
years the entire facility has been re-carpeted, repainted, and redecorated.
The library was renovated and its collection of more than 1,900 books and AV
items was cataloged and placed in a computer database. In 2001, a new organ
was installed. The grounds at St. Mark's include three parking lots and a
Memorial Garden. Our church property is joined on the west by the City of
Irving's lovely new Centennial Park.
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St. Mark's 1965 |
St. Mark's 2005
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Special Places at St. Mark's |
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The heart of our church home... |
...is its lovely nave... |
...the Ark of our salvation |
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Silver Lion Gift Shop has
many wonderful gifts for special occasions. All proceeds from sales
go to Outreach projects. |
St. Mark's Library
includes over 1,900 books and audiovisual titles for adults and
children. |
Rowland Memorial Chapel provides a
comforting place for meditation or prayer. |
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The meeting room is
a special place set aside for the needs of parishioners and their
families. |
As it is in any home, the kitchen of our
church home is usually the center of many activities, such as
receptions, dinners, preparation of food for the stewpot...and most
often...coffee hour. |
In nice weather the courtyard beckons
for out-door activities. |
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