About | St. Mark UMC Chicago

St. Mark UMC Chicago

African Americans have participated in the life of Methodism since the inception in 1784. In 1868 black preachers in the denomination expressed a desire for support in promoting Jesus among blacks. This advocacy eventually led to the creation of all the black Lexington Conference in 1869. In 1893 the initial effort was made to establish a Black Methodist presence in Chicago beginning with the formation of St. Mark Methodist Episcopal Church.

Due to the work of dedicated members and clergy, the work of God through St. Mark continues to flourish. Our focus areas include numerous ministries in Worship, Congregational Care, Community Presence, and Administrative Committee that bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to life in tangible ways.

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St Mark UMC Chicago 125th Service The Invitation

Our Vision

Making disciples of Jesus Christ who love one another and transform our community through the love of God.

The Pastors of St. Mark

1899 - Present

Reverend J.W. Robinson

Served from 1899 to 1905 and 1912 to 1923

St. Mark dissolved debts, as a result of Rev. Robinson’s leadership. Funds were raised for expanding and upgrading its building.

Reverend John B. Redmond

Served from 1923 to 1937

St. Mark’s membership grew from 2,200 to 4,412 due to Rev. Redmond’s guidance.

Reverend Samuel Sweeney

Served from 1937 to 1940

A business and professional group of the church was organized during Rev. Sweeney’s tenure.

Reverend Matthew W. Clair, Jr.

Served from 1940 to 1952

Sunday School grew to over 1,000 members, with Rev. Clair at the helm. The church became active in all facets of discipleship and stewardship.

Reverend Dr. Damon P. Young

Served from 1952 to 1961

St. Mark moved from 50th and Wabash to a new church at 8441 S. Saint Lawrence Ave during the end of Dr. Young’s tenure. The St. Mark Credit Union was also organized.

Reverend Dr. Maceo D. Pembroke

Served from 1961 to 1981

Dr. Pembroke served as the first National President of “Black Methodists for Church Renewal.” Dr. Pembroke also laid the groundwork for the formation of a St. Mark Manor, a 501(c)3 senior citizen housing facility, presently located in the Chatham community.

Reverend Harry B. Gibson

Served from 1981 to 1987

The former Ombudsman of the United Methodist Church, Rev. Gibson helped the music department, young adult and youth ministries flourish.

Reverend Dr. Charles Wesley Jordan

Served from 1987 to 1992

“Renewal 88” was a campaign led by Rev Jordan to refurbish the church, update the parsonage, and purchase a church bus. The St. Mark Manor was completed during his tenure.

Reverend Dr. Myron McCoy

Served from 1992 to 2003

The Phase II building and renovation project was initiated under Rev. McCoy’s leadership. He also developed the Visitation Ministry.

Reverend Dr. Jon E. McCoy

Served from 2004 to 2013

Phase II renovations were completed. This included the balcony restoration project; a new Fellowship Hall and multimedia system was added to the sanctuary to enhance our worship. The Martial Arts Ministry was formed.

Reverend P. Devon Brown

Serving from 2013 to the present

Implemented a mortgage indebtedness reduction program and restored the youth choir with the “Sounds of Judah.” Shepherded St. Mark through the challenges of pivoting to an online service due to the Covid-19 Pandemic and added live streaming to its platform of worship services.

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