Saint Mark's United Methodist Church
Belpre, Ohio
History Period
1789-1820
1821-1866
1867-1937
1938-1973
1974-2003
Parsonages
Last 25 Years 1974 - 2002
The Reverend Earse Mauler family came in 1974. During his 9 years of leading the church a number of "Firsts" took place. The crusade for pensions was held under the leadership of Raymond Craig and oversubscribed its goal. Jan Dever directed the first Lenten Breakfast for the youth of the community. The musical group "Lightshine" was organized. The first "Hanging of the Greens" party was directed by Jean Jones. Dave and Jean McVey narrated a pictorial review of the year with slides of activities. The first girls to become acolytes were Jennifer
Andris, Theresa Backus, Tina Ledsome, Kelli Mongell, Niska Hinkle, and Lee Ann Hayhurst. The first girls to become ushers were Tina Ledsome, Cindy Ledsome, and Tammy Robinson. A Hobby Night was coordinated by Roger and Lois Gifford. The monthly newsletter "The Lamplighter" was started by Reverend Mauler.
The retired minister, Reverend William Scarborough moved to Belpre in 1971 and he became a member of St. Mark's in 1973. In 1998 he celebrated his 99th birthday. He was very active in promoting the ministry of St. Mark's.
Rev. William Scarborough
Pastor Cole began his ministry in 1983. As 1984 marked the celebration of 200 years of Methodism in America, this special time was marked with the addition of history leaflets in the Sunday bulletins, a float in Belpre Homecoming Parade and a walk after church one Sunday with guides pointing out the site of the former church, parsonages, and other points of interest. A New Year's Eve slide show of St. Mark's history ended the celebration year. In 1985, Pastor Cole and several members of St. Mark's made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
In 1986, Nancy Schwartz (now O'Dell) was transferred to St. Mark's. These were busy years with both air conditioning and elevator dedicated in 1987.
On April 17,1988 St. Mark's celebrated its 50th anniversary. The following account written by the late Mary Louise Parks best tells about that special day
"There just had to be smiles in Heaven on Sunday, April 17, 1988, for St. Mark's 50th Anniversary in our present sanctuary". When I think of the original builders and other faithful members and friends who have passed on, I feel they were surely pleased with the accomplishments and the celebration.
Our historical record, so well presented by Ruth Lee, cited our progress over the past years for which we must be thankful. The response by our fifty year members was great and when you total the years of devoted service by those honored, you can readily understand the stability of St. Mark's.
It was a glorious moment when Herman and Gertie Wagner joined us for the program. Although Herman has been quite ill, he made a commitment to attend and he was not to be denied. His "moving" tale of his encounter with the runaway cow brought much laughter to all of us. This took place when we had the live Nativity Scene and the animals were housed in Rev. Schaffer's garage.
Due to Glen Varner's illness, he was unable to be with us and Essa had to leave before the program, but we know they were thinking of us as the day progressed. We can all learn from their examples of devoted service.
Albert Gearhart, despite his health and confinement at home, surprised us by doing an oil painting of the church. This was unveiled by his family during the worship service. What a lovely gift!
1988 Tree Planting
The thoughtful gift of the dogwood trees by Dean and Betty Tippens - the new speakers in the sanctuary, given by the Delbert Deem family, a real blessing to each of us - the gift of faithful service by the women in the kitchen, led by Marilyn Parker - the gift of the young children who made many trips from the sanctuary to provide us with hymnals downstairs - the special, talented gifts of Jean Jones, Chairman, who tied this all together into one beautiful day - TO ALL - WE SAY "THANK
YOU".
Yes, there are many more memories of this day and probably others to thank for their good efforts, but one thought keeps going through my mind. The real success of this day was a very important ingredient - PEOPLE!!!". I think of that old statement "What if you had a party and nobody came?" WELL! St. Mark's had a party and the response was something to behold. It was a real privilege for me to be a part of that warm and loving fellowship that was evident in every area. From what I witnessed - St. Mark's is in good hands!"
There was no let down after the anniversary. New drapes were needed in the educational building. The church children began the collection of aluminum cans, recycled them and helped buy the drapes. Church families replaced old hymnals with the newly published edition. Shelving was installed in the Wesley Room to house the church library, which Lots Craig organized. As Belpre was celebrating its bicentennial, many activities were related to this time. Rev. Nancy planned services patterned on the services of long ago. She also boated across the Ohio River to Blennerhassett Island early one Sunday morning and conducted worship services for the men and families present on a Brigade of Revolutionary War encampment. Bible School this week was called the "best ever". The youngsters learned their church history, old time crafts, pioneer style snacks, and even had a circuit rider preacher stopping his horse right at the church steps. For the adults, Raymond Craig conducted 2 sessions on Protestant Church history and early Methodism. One evening was devoted to a display of old quilts and crafts. The week ended with an old fashioned picnic and ice cream social.
In 1990 a new roof was installed, the exterior trim of the windows and some inside rooms painted and new carpeting laid. Upgrading of the parking lot and removal of roots raising the sidewalks all these made for a busy year.
The Reverend Richard Royalty and Judy Royalty began their ministry at St. Mark's in 1991. About six weeks into their moving here, a fire erupted in the parsonage and caused much damage. Trustees were kept busy either doing the repair work themselves or overseeing work being done.
Repair work was practically finished in March. In 1992, the Administrative Board voted to spend $5,000 on a sanctuary remodeling project. The choir area was extended to provide more room, the sanctuary pews were padded and upholstered, a new pulpit was given, and new carpeting installed and painting done. A new pictorial directory was published.
During these years 1991-97, the parking lot was resurfaced, a new door installed for the entrance from the parking lot. Both of these projects were done with the generous giving of two members.
During the ministry of Rev. Royalty, several of the area churches formed the Belpre Area Ministries (B.A.M.) designed with a central food bank and funds to give help to area persons in need. Each member church served a week in turn, taking calls and determining the needs.
Protective window coverings were placed over the stained glass windows to prevent further damage.
As St. Mark's celebrated 130 years of ministry in 1997, former ministers and friends were invited I to a dinner and program recalling memories of the
former years.
St. Mark's 130th Year Celebration 1977
Rev. Schaffer, Rev. Wigal, Rev. Mauler, Rev. O'Dell and Rev. Royalaty
The ministry of Pastor Dave and Grace Hubbard at St. Mark's began in July of 1997. At that time their family consisted of two dogs, Brubeck and Beauregard. On January 14, 1998 Jason Paul arrived to become the third parsonage baby our
church has welcomed.
Pastor Dave, Jason and Grace
Other children born during their father's ministry were Rev. D. Y. Murdoch and his wife became parents of a daughter, Helen (1884). At that time the parsonage was located on Main Street. She married a missionary, Mr. Lacy, who taught in a boy's college in Foochow, China.
On January 2,1944, Rev. and Mrs. L. C. Rucker became the parents of Catherine, when they lived in the Second Street parsonage.
The church gables, bell tower, and gutters all were repaired by a construction company. a need for Bibles to be used in the pews was addressed by the congregation. Each Bible could be given in honor or memory of a loved one.
St. Mark's bought the 310 Maple Street property in September, 1998 looking forward to future expansion. Church membership now is 346 and attendance at worship services increasing.