St. Mark's Church, Frankford facts for kids

St. Mark's Church is a historic church located in the Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was started in 1832 and is still an active church today.

A Look Back: St. Mark's History

St. Mark's Church began in 1832. It started as a teaching center and then grew into a missionary church. In the 1880s, new leaders guided the church using ideas from the Oxford Movement. This movement focused on traditional church practices and beliefs.

Community Programs and Leaders

St. Mark's Church started two important programs in the 1800s. The first was the Mother's Meeting, which began in 1860. This program helped mothers share life skills and Christian values. It was a way for busy moms to connect and learn.

The second program was Lay Cooperation in Ministry. This idea was that regular church members, not just clergy, could be ministers. Through their actions, they could help countless people.

Important People at St. Mark's

William Welsh was a key member of St. Mark's from 1832 until his death in 1878. He was a merchant, a generous giver, and a strong Christian leader. Welsh helped lead the Sunday school. He also wrote and published several books and even ran a newspaper.

Welsh was part of many groups and committees. He helped start the Philadelphia Divinity School. He also played a big role in creating seven other churches and missions. Beyond the church, Welsh helped found the Wills Eye Hospital. He also worked to change Philadelphia's volunteer firefighting system into a professional city department.

The Rev. Dr. Daniel Sutter Miller was the church's rector from 1853 to 1871. He was a great leader who inspired programs like the Mother's Meeting and Lay Cooperation in Ministry. These programs helped people in need become self-sufficient. They also encouraged wealthy people to help others.

Colonel James Ashworth was a brave leader from St. Mark's. He gathered a group of men from the church to fight in the Civil War. He became a decorated officer and was wounded many times while serving.

Thomas Creighton was another important member of St. Mark's. He loved education and helped start the Historical Society of Frankford. He was also an author, painter, and leader in Frankford and Philadelphia. His son, Frank Whittington Creighton, became a bishop in Mexico.

Over the years, members of St. Mark's have greatly influenced Northeast Philadelphia. More than 16 streets in the area are named after church members. During times of sickness, the church served as a clinic. During the Civil War, 188 troops came from the church. Sadly, 39 members of St. Mark's have lost their lives serving the United States in wars.

Church Building and Design

The church building was designed by Frank Rushmore Watson, who was known for church architecture. It is built in a style called perpendicular Gothic. The ceilings are 56 feet high and look like Noah's Ark turned upside down. The church was built to hold 1,000 people. It was even planned to become the main cathedral for the Diocese of Pennsylvania.

The church is made of Port Deposit granite and lined with Indiana limestone. The beautiful windows were created by Nicola D'Ascenzo. He was a former president of the Philadelphia Sketch Club. Inside, there are 69 stone carvings made by Whiteman Studios of Philadelphia. Many memorials honor church members. A very special part is the amazing stone reredos, which is a decorated screen behind the altar.

Church Organs

The church has had two notable pipe organs. The first was a Haskell organ from 1908. The second, and current, organ is a highly respected 1957 Aeolian-Skinner organ. It was designed by G. Donald Harrison in 1955. This organ has been changed and added to over the years. Only the Great Division (middle keyboard) is the same as when it was first installed.

St. Mark's Church Today

Today, St. Mark's Church continues to serve the Frankford neighborhood.

Past Rectors of St. Mark's

• The Rev. Henry S. Spackman, 1846–1853
• The Rev. Dr. Daniel S. Miller, 1853–1881
• The Rev. Robert C. Booth, 1881–1889
• The Rev. Frederick Burt Avery, D.D., 1882–1892
• The Rev. John B. Harding, 1893–1921
• The Rev. Leslie F. Potter, 1921–1932
• The Rev. Edmund H. Carhart, 1933–1945
• The Rev. Albert Fisher, 1945–1976
• The Rev. Dr. Robert Zimmerman, 1977–1981
• The Rev. David Hockensmith, 1982–1999
• The Rev. Jonathan N. Clodfelter, 2002–2019