St. Mark's Episcopal Church (Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania) facts for kids
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St. Mark's Episcopal Church
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St. Mark's Episcopal Church, HABS Photo, 1979
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Race and Susquehanna Sts., Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania |
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| Built | 1867–1869, 1887 |
| Architect | Richard Upjohn |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 77001135 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 26, 1977 |
| Designated NHL | December 23, 1987 |
St. Mark's Episcopal Church is a very old and important church building. It is located at 21 Race Street in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. The church was finished in 1869. It is a great example of the Gothic Revival style of architecture. A famous architect named Richard Upjohn designed it.
This church is special because it was one of Upjohn's last designs. Wealthy members of the church helped pay for it. Many of them made their money from coal mining and railroads. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. It was later named a National Historic Landmark in 1987. This means it is a very important historical place in the United States.
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A Look Inside St. Mark's Church
The church building stands in a special spot in the old part of Jim Thorpe. It is built on a hillside. Stone walls help support the church on this slope. The church is made mostly of local gray stone. Red stone is used for decoration.
What Does the Church Look Like?
St. Mark's Church has a shape like a cross. This is called a cruciform plan. A tall, square tower rises from one corner. This tower has an eight-sided staircase that goes up higher than the tower itself. The top of the tower has a cool, castle-like design.
Inside the Church Building
The inside of the church is very detailed and beautiful. It has several levels. The main entrance and a small chapel are on the lowest floor. Sunday school rooms and the church office are on the middle level. The main worship area is on the third floor.
The interior is decorated with fancy materials. These include English Minton tiles and dark Black Walnut wood. The church also has amazing stained glass windows. Some of these were made by famous artists like Louis Comfort Tiffany. There are also special artworks, like brass pieces and a 24-karat gold decoration. Many pieces are hand-carved.
History of the Church
The church community started in 1835. Their first church building was finished in 1848. That first church was taken down in 1867. This made room for the beautiful church building you see today. The current church was officially opened on October 25, 1869.
Asa Packer's Contributions
Asa Packer was a very important person in the church. He was a leader for many years. He and his family gave a lot of money to build the church. They also helped pay for new parts added later.
The Asa Packer Memorial Building was added to the church in 1881. It was designed by Addison Hutton. Asa Packer's daughter, Mary Packer Cummings, paid for a big update. This project connected the church and the Memorial Building with an elevator. A new pipe organ was also installed. When Mary Packer Cummings passed away in 1912, the Memorial Building was renamed after her.
Joining Together
During the Great Depression, fewer people attended the church. So, St. Mark's Church started sharing costs with another local church, St. John's. The two churches officially joined together in 1980. The St. John's church building was later sold in 1984.
Images for kids
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The church tower reaching high.
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A view of the church's detailed architecture.
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An ornate lamp inside the church.
