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The history of St Mark’s … so far
St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church started with the dream of the Rev. William J. Ducker, Special Missionary of the Board of American Missions, the Rev. D.W.E. Pugh, President of the Florida Synod, and the Rev. C.F.H. Krueger, Chairman of the Missions Committee. The first meeting of the interested persons with these leaders was held at the J.H. Hinck home on July 6, 1938. The second meeting was held at the home of Dr. and Mrs. F.W. Krueger on July 13. Arrangements were made to hold the first service on July 17, 1938 in the Burns-Naugle Funeral Chapel. By November 13, 50 people were ready to organize the new Lutheran Church on the Southside of Jacksonville.
On December 4, 1938, a Constitution was adopted. The congregation took possession of their first property (the South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church building) on February 1, 1939, at the corner of Hendricks Avenue and LaSalle Street. Plans for a new building were developed and lots at 3976 Hendricks Avenue were purchased. In 1948, construction began. The new facilities were dedicated on February 13, 1949. At that time, there was a membership of 88 households, with 197 people.
Due to increasing attendance, two worship services were started in September 1951. An expansion program became imperative, requiring additional property. A master plot plan for adding a Fellowship Hall, Education Building and Nave was developed. The Education Building program became first priority, and dedication of the new facility was held July 24, 1955.
Renovations to provide more adequate educational administrative facilities took place in 1972-1973. During this period, faceted glass windows were added to the Chapel. The Vicar program was initiated in 1975. The decade concluded with a parish commitment of nearly $25,000 for the LCA Strength for Mission Appeal.
In 1984 over 600 people attended the dedication of the new worship and renovated fellowship space. Assistant Pastor Kathy Baines and Cantor Jim Rindelaub joined the staff in 1985. The 50th anniversary observance in 1988 included a love offering of $50,000 for community ministry through Lutheran Social Services. Vision 21, a strategic plan for the 1990's was completed in 1989. St. Mark's Ark Child Development Center opened in 1990. A major capital funds campaign - A Gift for God's Children - occurred in 1994.
At the 1995 Synod Assembly, Pastor William Trexler was elected Bishop of the Florida-Bahamas Synod for a six-year term. Bishop Trexler took office August 1, 1995. The Bishop called Pastor Baines as one of his assistants, and on October 1, 1995 she began her new calling. Associate in Ministry Carol Schickel was elected to serve during the interim.
In May 1996, the Rev. Dr. William F. Scholl accepted a call to serve St. Mark’s as Senior Pastor. During his tenure, the church facilities were expanded to include a new fellowship hall, music suite, kitchen, and offices for the church staff. In July 1998, the Rev. Laura M. Wind accepted a call as Associate Pastor. In October 2000, Nancy Smith accepted the position of Director of Sacred Arts, Music, and Liturgy.
In 2002, Pr. Wind accepted a call to Epiphany Lutheran Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. After consideration of St. Mark’s needs, and the growing number of young families and youth, the congregation decided to call a rostered Associate in Ministry who would work primarily with children, youth and families. In 2002, Shelley Wiskirchen was called to the position of Director-Youth and Family Ministries. A highlight of 2003 was the purchase of a house on London Road immediately adjoining the church property, for future use as an Educational Building.
On October 31, 2004, after more than 8 years of faithful service to St. Mark’s, and more than 30 years in the ordained ministry, Pastor Scholl retired. In January 2005, Shelley Wiskirchen accepted a call as Admissions Associate at Southern Lutheran Seminary. In November 2005, Nancy Smith and her family moved to Atlanta, Ga.
During a time of great change, St. Mark’s was blessed to have Pastor Don Reiter serve as interim pastor. Many members of St. Mark’s gave of themselves to keep ministries and programs running smoothly.
In August 2006, the Rev. Richard W. Dow accepted a call to serve as Senior Pastor.
In November 2006, Tony Cruz accepted the position of Music Director.
In July 2008, Alan W. Peacock was ordained and installed as Associate Pastor at St. Mark's.
The Rev. Alan Peacock resigned July,11, 2010.
The Rev. Richard Dow resigned on September 26, 2010.
The Rev. Thomas S. Hanson began serving as interim pastor on October 1, 2010. On October 2, 2011, the congregation voted to call him as our premanent senior pastor. He was installed on November 20, 2011.
Pastors and years of service
| George F. Hart | January 1939 — January 30, 1951 |
| Paul K. Nordsiek | May 15, 1951 — December 31, 1963 |
| George W. Lingle | July 16, 1964 — 1969 |
| Harry L. Biemiller | June 3, 1969 — May 6, 1979 |
| William B. Trexler | August 26, 1979 — July 31, 1995 |
| Kathryn B. Baines, assoc. | April 14, 1985 — September 30, 1995 |
| Robert L. Keys, interim | August 1, 1995 — November 14, 1995 |
| James H. Reeb, interim | December 17, 1995 — May 15, 1996 |
| William F. Scholl | May 15, 1996 — October 31, 2004 |
| Laura M. Wind, assoc. | July 1, 1998 — April 30, 2002 |
| Don Reiter, interim | November 22, 2004 — June 1, 2006 |
| David Winter, interim | June 1, 2006 — August 20, 2006 |
| Richard D. Dow | August 23, 2006 — September 26, 2010 |
| Alan W. Peacock, assoc. | July 6, 2008 — July 11, 2010 |
| Thomas S. Hanson | October 1, 2010 to present |
page created: 17 JUN 2011
page updated: 18 JAN 2012
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