St. Mark'sEpiscopal Church, Charleston

A historically Black Episcopal parish, since 1865

Rooted in history, open to everyone

St. Mark's began with people determined to worship together, and that welcome still shapes who we are

Two smiling greeters holding bulletins at the entrance to the sanctuary Fr. Michael and parishioners smiling together outside the church Choir members in white robes singing in front of glowing stained glass Musicians playing guitar and upright bass outside the church

What we're here to do

Living inclusively. Promoting justice. Sharing hope.

Parishioners in the pews beside the stained glass windows

Living inclusively

A truly welcoming place where people from every background can grow and thrive in their faith.

Two people in animated conversation at the red church door, one holding a brochure

Promoting justice

Partnering with the Charleston Area Justice Ministry since 2014 on issues like affordable housing, food deserts and flooding.

St. Mark's volunteers smiling together at the Charleston Ronald McDonald House

Sharing hope

Bringing our neighbors together in love and service, from brunch at the Ronald McDonald House to the people right beside us.

Our story

  1. 1865

    A first service on Easter

    Black Episcopalians in Charleston, without a place to worship at the end of the Civil War, organize St. Mark's and hold the first service on Easter Sunday, April 16.

  2. 1866

    A parish of its own

    The congregation is incorporated and registers its charter.

  3. 1870

    Ground at Warren and Thomas

    The parish buys a lot at Warren and Thomas Streets in Radcliffeborough.

  4. 1878

    A temple built of wood

    The church is consecrated on November 8. Designed by Louis J. Barbot in the temple form, it is the only one of Charleston's temple-form churches built of wood.

  5. Today

    The witness continues

    Generations of educators, artisans, business owners and civil rights leaders have called St. Mark's home. We carry that witness forward with a diverse congregation, more than 160 years on.

Fr. Michael in gold and red vestments at the pulpit Fr. Michael smiling beside a fellow priest in the church aisle

23rd Rector of St. Mark's

The Very Rev. Dr. Michael Shaffer

Fr. Michael first came to St. Mark's as Interim Rector in 2023. He was called as Rector on May 25, 2025, and was inducted by the Bishop of South Carolina on September 6, 2025.

Before his more than 25 years of ordained ministry, he worked as a trial attorney. He also serves as Dean of the Charleston Peninsula Deanery. Everyone, whether brand new or long connected, is invited to be part of this next chapter.

Calvary, St. Mark's and St. Stephen's

Three Churches United

Three historic Episcopal congregations on the Charleston peninsula are walking together in a partnership for racial reconciliation: healing the past, advancing racial justice and building a beloved community.

Together we have made "Bending the Arc" racial justice pilgrimages to Georgia and Alabama, and worshiped with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.

More about the partnership
A member of the clergy in red and white vestments and a colorful woven stole, preaching from the pulpit

Church doesn't end at the last hymn

Some of our best moments happen on the porch, on the lawn and around the table

Fr. Michael with his arm around a parishioner on the church lawn A parishioner in a St. Mark's shirt showing off Mardi Gras masks Fr. Michael in conversation with parishioners at a gathering A smiling parishioner in a baseball cap and sunglasses outside the church

Come and see for yourself

We gather every Sunday at 10:00 AM at 16 Thomas St.

Plan your visit