Parish Name: St. Mark the Evangelist
Location: Harlem (Manhattan), New York City, New York
Founded: 1907
Diocese: Archdiocese of New York
Pastor: Father Freddy Washington, C.S.Sp.
Number of Parishioners: 350
Parish website: www.stmark138.com
What makes your parish different from other parishes?
The first parish in Upper Manhattan opened its doors to African Americans and immigrants from the Caribbean in 1907. Today, this parish continues to welcome all peoples as well as new immigrants from the French-speaking countries of Africa and the Caribbean. From its early beginnings, St. Mark the Evangelist has been staffed by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost Fathers), a French missionary community of priests and brothers founded more than 300 years to work among Africans, African Americans, and immigrants throughout the world. The parish school was founded and built by St. Katharine Drexel and staffed by the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.
What’s the most distinguishing characteristic of your church building?
The building has a small, mission-style structure which creates a very family-style and warm community. Simple wooden furnishings add to the warm feeling from the time one enters the worship space.
Who is your most interesting parishioner, and what makes him or her so interesting?
Mr. Leon Thompson is probably one of our longest practicing parishioners. At 98 years old, he has known every pastor of this 107-year-old parish. Serving on many of the boards and ministries of this parish, he has seen the greatest challenges and successes of St. Mark’s.
What’s the most popular event, ministry, or holiday tradition at your parish?
The most popular ministry is our parish food pantry. Every Saturday, more than 100 families are serviced with bags of groceries to help combat the needs of the poor. These are the people who make the choice of whether to pay their bills or to eat. A great holiday tradition is our annual Thanksgiving Day community dinner. It serves the poor, the lonely, and those who want fellowship at Thanksgiving by providing a meal with “all the trimmings” to whomever comes, no questions asked. Come to the welcome table and eat.
If we asked parishioners what they love most about the parish, what would they say?
The parish is truly a welcome station and a refuge for those who are seeking peace and tranquility to help in their faith journey.
To see a list of all previously featured parishes, click here.
Main image: Photo courtesy of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church
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