Remembering the early days of Saint Mark Methodist Church
The history of Saint Mark Methodist Church begins in the summer of 1955 with a bicycle, an Emory University student, and a mission to gather information about the feasibility of establishing a church.
Samuel H. Poston was a student at Emory University when he took on the mission of canvassing the West Ashley neighborhoods of Geddes Hall, Air Harbor, Edgewater Park, and Stono Park to determine the feasibility of establishing a Methodist Church for the area. His bicycle ride through the greater Dupont area and the canvas of the residents must have been speedy and fruitful.
By June of that summer both Sunday school and church services were being held in the office of Judge Risher located on Wappoo Road (also known then as Edgewater Park Road). Later this building would be the home for The Beauty Nook. By the end of the summer, Aug. 17, 1955 to be exact, a Charter Night was held at the St. Andrew’s Parish Community Center. Mr. Poston’s work was complete. He returned to Emory for the fall semester. Henry A. Spradley was appointed minister and 44 adults became members at the August Charter Night.
The congregation quickly expanded and services were moved to the old airplane hangar located in the new subdivision of Air Harbor. This temporary location worked until the raindrops coming through the leaky roof became a nuisance for the ladies and their hats! By September, property on Geddes Avenue was acquired for the beginnings of a more permanent church home.
Having a suitable place to gather for services, Bible study and schooling prior to the building of a sanctuary is a common thread in the genesis of the churches that were established during this period of St Andrew’s Parish’s history.
Gathering places of any type were few and far between. Thus, any business owner or homeowner that offered an invitation often hosted the first members for worship or fellowship. Because of this simple fact, church archives are often a repository for the historic memories and/or photographs of these secular places.
Saint Mark Methodist Church is no exception. A “History in Pictures,” compiled to have new members become acquainted with the church, is a treasure. Pictures of The Beauty Nook, the St. Andrew’s Parish Community Center, the old airplane hangar at Truluck airport, the parsonage, the early church buildings, choirs, Bible class, men’s and women’s clubs, and the children’s classes are carefully notated for one to learn about St. Mark’s.
For the 54th anniversary a brochure entitled “Vision to Reality” was prepared. Lisa Stine illustrated the front with pencil drawings of all of the places of worship. It is filled with memories from founding and early members of the church. Here are a few:
Nelly and Thomas McConnell are remembered for their bountiful vegetable garden. They shared the produce from their green thumbs with the members.
Ebenezer Newell provided the music on “a small portable keyboard with wobbly legs” at the services held in the airplane hangar.
Nick Margiotta owned Margiotta’s Sewing Machine Company on Savannah Highway near Wappoo Road. He offered the apartment above the store rent-free to the minister.
Vickie and Hartness DuBose were charter members. Hartness served as the first Sunday School Superintendent.
Church stories? Contact Donna Jacobs
at westashleybook@gmail.com.
