History
In 1954 an enthusiastic group of families took on the challenge of establishing an Episcopal mission church in Rosenberg, Texas. In June of that year the first service was held in a Girl Scout hut with Sunday school classes being held in homes. As membership grew, members began planning a new building and in August of 1956 the first service of Holy Communion was held in the new St. Mark's sanctuary.
Two decades later, eight acres of land were purchased in Rosenberg and under the leadership of the vestry, in March of 1978, the doors to the new sanctuary were opened. Many varied projects were undertaken to raise funds for the support of the church. Fish fries, Mexican suppers and other foods were prepared by church members and opened to the community. In October of 1978, the largest project was the Fall Festival which was a highly successful fundraiser.
In 1985 the communicants were confident that the church was sufficiently established to support itself and in February of that year at Diocesan Council St. Mark's was designated as a Parish.
A husband and wife who were founding members of the church built a facility adjacent to their business in Richmond to serve as a community center. In 2008 this couple approached the vestry and offered the building to St. Mark's to serve as its sanctuary. So, after 54 years in Rosenberg, the church moved to Richmond. The dedication and consecration of the church was conducted by the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle in January of 2009.
In 2011 a Strategic Planning Committee met, and envisioning our future, defined twelve strategic goals for the years 2012-2014. Two of these goals were to provide facilities for expanding programs and services and establishing St. Mark’s School. From November 2012 to February 2013 the very successful Growing in Grace capital campaign was conducted to raise the funds needed to realize our vision. On January 5, 2014, our Education Building with a Parish Hall, office, and classrooms was dedicated by The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle. St. Mark’s Episcopal School opened in August 2014.
Our history continues as we faithfully strive to meet our strategic goals focused on growth, expanding our ministries, increasing our outreach to the community, developing a Master Plan to develop our beautiful campus and continuing to foster deep caring relationships with God, each other and those in our mission field.
A quote from a letter written by an early member, and something that could be said by today’s church members, paints a picture of our past and future. “I never worked harder in a church before, but it was a labor of love and a joy to see the church grow. And some of my dearest friends in life were made here.”
St. Mark's had a history of steady growth until the onset of the COVID pandemic. Our growth decreased but with the easing of the pandemic we are once again welcoming members back and seeing new faces at the church.
Moving forward, we are not only focusing on growth, but on quality over quantity. Strengthening our ministries, outreach and community involvement are primary objectives.
