Organized Episcopal presence in Johnstown dates back to 1855, with the first permanent Church being built on the current site in 1874. That Church was completly demolished in the Great Flood of May 31, 1889.
Immediately after the Flood, the American Red Cross, under the leadership of its founder, Clara Barton, set up recovery assistance in a temporary shelter on the church site.
The present structure was built on the same location and dedicated in 1891.
Only two items were salvaged from the ruins of the original building: The wooden body of the Altar from the Lady Chapel and the church bell which was displayed in the Memorial Garden courtyard.
Over 120 members of St. Mark's perished in the Great Flood of 1889. Many of the appointments and objects in the present Church were donated as memorials to those victims.
St. Mark's has since stood through two more major floods. One in 1936 and the other more recently in 1977. The inscription on the reredos above the main altar, quoted from the Song of Solomon, was a tribute to the survivors of the floods and a memorial to those lost.
In 1999 a meditation labyrnith based upon the one found in the floor of Chartres Cathedral was constructed in the middle of St. Marks memorial garden. Please check out our labyrnith page for more information.
An effort to restore the church's bell tower was begun in 2004. On May 8, 2008 the final contruction was completed. For details, please use the links that follow.
Bell Tower Construction Slide Show
Bell Tower Construction Photo Album
List of Members of St. Marks who lost their lives in 1889 Johnstown Flood
1936 Johnstown Flood, WWII and New Parish Hall