About Us – St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church

Our History

Evident in the history of St. Mark Baptist Church, later named St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, is a legacy of commitment and dedication to God. This legacy has allowed this church to stand proudly on the shoulders of the group of faithful servants of God that united in 1902 to do the will of God. Under the leadership of the Founder, Reverend Miller, this dynamic God inspired leader, was able to build a strong spiritual foundation in the church and community. God has abundantly blessed St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church to experience leadership, ministry and teaching from the following Pastors: Reverend(s) Miller, Jones, Brown, Welch, Brinkley, Baugh, Taylor, Tyler, Sharpe, Harrell, Ash, Watson, Edmonds, Riddick and now Lamb, Sr.

The 1900's

Throughout the 1900’s, St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church had both “mountain and valley” experiences. A review of the history reflects these experiences; however, in an old hymn “We’ve come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord” is a testament to our abiding faith in God. This faith girded the humble, ordinary people who tabernacled at/on Graham Street in 1902; and, after thirty-six years, the church was blessed to move to 2710 Columbus Avenue in 1938. During, the fruitful pastorate of the late Revered Dr. R. M. Watson (1954-1991), St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church experienced years of prosperity. The edifice was remodeled, an educational wing was added, debts were resolved, and many sons were called to preach and pastor. The drama department’s spiritual presentations and men’s choir performances were widely acclaimed in the community. Following Dr. Watson’s retirement, God’s anointed visionary preacher, Dr. Curtis E. Edmonds Sr. became the Pastor in 1992.

Building God’s Kingdom: Growth, Leadership, and Expansion

By 1995, the membership tripled and St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, was in dire need of a new home. The church purchased several acres of land at the site on Frederick Boulevard and Elliot Avenue.
St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church worshipped on Columbus Avenue for sixty- three years until their relocation. On March 9, 2002, the dedication of the new church with bibles buried under the sanctuary
floor and which included a state of the arts banquet facility, was earmarked with a march from the former St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church on Columbus Avenue to the new site on the corner of Frederick
Boulevard and Elliot Avenue. Pastor Curtis E. Edmonds Sr. envisioned a Christian environment that would integrate academic excellence with Christian principles. Following consultation with educators and
diverse staff, St. Mark Christian Academy was officially opened in September 2007 and continues to operate today. Most noteworthy, also in September, was Pastor Edmonds’ consecration to Bishop. This
was a most momentous occasion and was the first in St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church’s history. Bishop Edmonds elevated the church in so many diverse ways, which included, Bible teaching and studies, fellowship and ministering to the “sick and shut in”. The church became a closer and stronger church family with a greater testimony of the goodness of God. Under God’s anointing, Bishop Edmonds gave the St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church family a vision and this church was blessed to be connected to his “kingdom-building.”

A Time of Transition and Endurance

On March 9, 2019, Bishop Edmonds retired, after 27 years of faithful service, leaving a rich legacy of servant leadership to St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church. Following his retirement, Reverend Dr. Dwight Shawrod Riddick II was called to serve as Pastor in June 2019. Pastor Riddick was instrumental in leading this church through the Pandemic when the world was challenged with COVID-19. After the departure of Reverend Dr. Dwight Shawrod Riddick, II on September 30, 2023, St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church continued its steadfast and unmovable commitment to the Lord as we searched for a New Pastor.

Continuing the Legacy: A New Era Begins

After 123 years of existence, St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church is still writing history. A new chapter
began on June 7, 2025, when Elder Antonio L. Lamb, Sr. was installed as the new pastor of St. Mark
Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Lamb’s primary goal is to nurture spiritual growth through teaching
and committed prayer, Bible study, Sunday School and worship, empowering each of us to make
disciples and commit to developing and empowering our next generation of Christian leaders, through
our youth and young adults. His vision is to engage us all in our nursery, children and youth church, youth
Bible study, mentorship programs, community service, field trips and educational opportunities. He
inspires to also nurture our spiritual growth and equip us to be strong, compassionate leaders. Pastor
Lamb is a servant leader and serves with a heart for God and God’s people. His guiding scripture in life is
Psalms 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God…” So, St. Mark, “Let’s Go To Work”.

We look forward to beholding what God has yet in store for us. “Eyes hath not seen and ears hath not heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

“Let The Redeemed Of The Lord Say So”

Our Mission

The mission of the Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church is to be a witness for Jesus by telling others about His birth, life, death, and resurrection so that they may come to Christ. Our mission is to extend this gospel message into the community, in which this church is located and into other parts of our city. We will strive to reach the young, old, hungry, homeless, drug addicts, and others that are destitute to liberate them and elevate them through the teaching and preaching of God’s Word.

We will equip members of this church for service for the Lord through Bible Study, preaching, Sunday School, workshops, and by prayer. Furthermore, we will glorify God by lifting up the name of Jesus.