Daniel T Parker

St. Mark United Methodist Church Daniel T Parker

Three important events occurred in Chicago in the landmark year of 1893. First was the Chicago World's Fair, second was the founding of Sears Roebuck and Co., and third was the establishment of St. Mark Methodist Episcopal Church, initially located in a storefront on State Street in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood. After 125 years, only St. Mark Church is alive and flourishing. Rev. S. C. Goosley was invited to come to Chicago for the purpose of developing a Methodist presence in the African American community. In 1907, St. Mark moved to Fiftieth Street and Wabash Avenue, and the congregation worshipped there until 1959. The church moved to its present location on Chicago's far South Side. Being the largest African American United Methodist congregation in the region, St. Mark parishioners humbly stand on the strong shoulders of their ancestors as they spread the word of the healing gospel to the community.