Following the flood, St. Mark’s issued a letter appealing for funds to rebuild the church and mailed copies to Episcopal parishes throughout the country, The response was generous and encouraging—with one exception. The Rev. William S. Blackshear, rector of All Saint’s Chapel at the University of Texas in Austin , forwarded this reply on June 15, 1936 in response to St. Mark’s appeal for help:
Gentlemen:
This will acknowledge the receipt of your circular letter asking for contributions to the rebuilding of your church. First, let me assure you of our sympathy in your loss; then, however, let me express to you my mental reaction to your plea for help.
It seems to me that your letter itself proves the inadvisability of restoring your present plant at its present location. It seems reasonable to me to think that sensible human beings, after having had their plant repeatedly destroyed by flood would move the site beyond the reach of a possible recurrence of such a disaster. Even an animal, after having been hurt frequently, steers clear of the locale of the inception of that injury, and learns by a process known as trial and error. If you contemplate, therefore, rebuilding on the same spot where this disaster has happened to you so frequently, I assure you I will make no contribution to such a project. If, however, you inform me that you have learned by experience the necessity for building the new church beyond the probable reach of the flood waters, I shall not only make a personal contribution toward your establishment, but will endeavor, as you request, to get my parish to help also.
Sincerely
Wm. S. Blackshear
St. Mark’s Treasurer at that time responded promptly. On June 22, 1936, this letter was sent to the Rev. Mr. Blackshear.
My dear Sir:
Your letter of June 15th was received by me several days ago. At that time I decided that it would be well to utter a few words in our defense to prove that we are not entirely insane.
First of all to a stranger it does seem folly to rebuild on the same spot that we were on before and therefore your letter was absolutely correct. But, first of all it is necessary to understand the geographical location of this city. The entire city with the exception of one suburb is built in the valley. To the best of our knowledge St. Mark’s Church is in the center of population. Many of our people, in fact the great majority are within walking distance and they are too poor to be able to afford carfare and still be able to make their small contribution toward the physical welfare of their Parish Church. After the flood, the one church in the one suburb that is on the hill were kind enough to permit us to hold services in their Church. The result was poor congregations and numerous complaints because of the unaccessability. Another reason is that there is no market at all for our property. Unless we could see the property we could not possibly build in another locality. To abandon our property would be to abandon the Episcopal Church in this community. Surely you would not have that. The last six years have been difficult ones for everyone. We have managed to keep going, paying sufficient of our debts, that we could still hold up our heads. Along came the flood and we were left with little but four walls, a room and still spirit to go on.
I might say that your reply to our letter was the only one of its kind. The kindness and generosity of the Priests of the Church has been wonderful to see. The Bishop of our Diocese, Alexander Mann has been marvelous. He has by his efforts raised $8,000 for us. Surely, if our Bishop was satisfied that we should repair and refurnish our church, no one need question the advisability of it.
Thank you for your kindness in writing to me and also for your patience in reading this one.
Most faithfully yours,
Treasurer
Embodied in this reply is the philosophy that has sustained St. Mark’s and its people during the past 100 years. Out of each period of adversity came renewed strength and spirit and a determination to “go on” and continue the Lord’s work in Johnstown .
In 1946, St. Mark’s membership totaled about 1,500 communicants. Of the 192 men and women who served in the armed forces during World War II, six were killed in action.
The Rev. Lee W. Burnett’s ministry at St. Mark’s started in November, 1954 and continued until August 1961. Under his direction, the rectory and parish house were razed in May, 1958 for the construction of a new Parish Hall. A massive fund-raising effort, called “Building For Greater Service”, was conducted to secure funds for the ambitious undertaking. The community observed with interest as the new two-story building was being erected. The architecture, while modern, incorporated enameled façade panels and glass window panels in colors that complemented the traditional stained glass windows in the church. In addition to a large all-purpose room and kitchen, the building provided office space, restrooms, a conference room, choir room, nursery and 12 church school rooms. The Parish Hall, erected at a cost of $140,000, was consecrated by Bishop Pardue.