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A group of settlers, many of whom came from South Carolina and Georgia, met for the first time on the porch of the Hatch residence in Rockledge, on June 2, 1878. This small congregation would form as St. Michael’s, and would later take the name St. Mark’s.
In 1884 or 1885, Sarah Delannoy assisted Bishop Young in the selection of a building site for the new church, and she gave the property, which sits on the banks of the Indian River, to the congregation.
By Thanksgiving, 1886, the church building was, if not complete, at least at the stage where the Thanksgiving service could be held.
The original church was designed and built by Gabriel Gingras from a plan adapted from the neo-gothic (also known as Florida Gothic), and was described by Bishop Reed as “a tiny board and batten church, a perfect gem…” The wood for the interior of the church was from Merritt Island, and local craftsmen made all the all the carvings and furnishings, all of which remain today.
During the “Florida Boom,” the church was expanded by adding transepts and the original board and batten church was remodeled in the Spanish style of the day. Thursby Hall, the parish hall was added in 1942, and the Parish Day School was formed in 1956. The school, consisting of grades Pre-K through six and now known as St. Mark’s Episcopal Academy, is a viable and active mission of the church and in 2015, had an enrollment of 116.
The nave of the church was enlarged in 1994 and the interior of the church was restored to its original ambiance in 2012.
Since St. Mark’s is a downtown parish, it has always been an integral part of the community and participates in many local events.
In 1884 or 1885, Sarah Delannoy assisted Bishop Young in the selection of a building site for the new church, and she gave the property, which sits on the banks of the Indian River, to the congregation.
By Thanksgiving, 1886, the church building was, if not complete, at least at the stage where the Thanksgiving service could be held.
The original church was designed and built by Gabriel Gingras from a plan adapted from the neo-gothic (also known as Florida Gothic), and was described by Bishop Reed as “a tiny board and batten church, a perfect gem…” The wood for the interior of the church was from Merritt Island, and local craftsmen made all the all the carvings and furnishings, all of which remain today.
During the “Florida Boom,” the church was expanded by adding transepts and the original board and batten church was remodeled in the Spanish style of the day. Thursby Hall, the parish hall was added in 1942, and the Parish Day School was formed in 1956. The school, consisting of grades Pre-K through six and now known as St. Mark’s Episcopal Academy, is a viable and active mission of the church and in 2015, had an enrollment of 116.
The nave of the church was enlarged in 1994 and the interior of the church was restored to its original ambiance in 2012.
Since St. Mark’s is a downtown parish, it has always been an integral part of the community and participates in many local events.
Pencil Drawing of
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Main Altar and Window
Brief description
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Current Exterior
Church Street view of St. Mark's
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