St. Mark’s traces its beginnings to 1651, when Petrus Stuyvesant (the early Dutch settlement leader) acquired land for a Dutch farmstead. By 1660, Stuyvesant had erected a family chapel and, in 1793, the Stuyvesant family transferred the chapel to the Episcopal Church. In 1795, the cornerstone of the current Georgian-style church was laid under the direction of John McComb Jr., the architect of New York City Hall, making it the second oldest historic house of worship in the city. For over a century, St. Mark’s has established itself as a preeminent advocate for social justice, hosting forums, cultural events, and artistic initiatives that amplify marginalized voices and address pressing social issues. In 1911, Rev. William Guthrie created the St. Mark’s Arts Committee, with members including Kahlil Gibran and Edna St. Vincent Millay. Notable poets and writers such as Allen Ginsberg, W.H. Auden, Laurie Anderson and Patti Smith have all been part of the St. Mark’s community. Martha Graham danced in the sanctuary and the renowned Open Theater group performed out of St. Mark’s, including staging Sam Shephard’s first play.

Today, St. Mark’s is an active worshipping community with renewed energy to address the needs of its neighbors and innovate in the arts. It has started a weekly Welcome Center to support migrants and asylum seekers and offers hot meals, haircuts, clothing and toiletries, English tutoring, high school enrollment, legal support, health resources, and one-to-one support for other needs. It plays an integral role in the Food Alliance, which unites local groups working to combat food insecurity in the neighborhood.

A National Fund grant of $250,000 combined with $250,00 in matching funds to be raised by the congregation will renovate the Parish Hall to enhance its ability to serve the community.

Photos by Lucas Thorpe