Parish History

St. Mark's has a historic commitment to hospitality, spiritual growth, parish and community involvement.

St. Mark's was founded in 1864. After the congregation worshipped for a year in borrowed spaces, a small wooden church was built and consecrated on the site that is now occupied by the Evanston Post Office.

Rapid growth in the population of Evanston following the great Chicago fire of 1871 resulted in a corresponding growth in the parish and a decision to move from the old wooden structure. The present church building was designed by the Chicago firm of Holabird and Roche. William Holabird was an Evanston resident and a member of St. Mark's, and the architectural services were donated. Construction began in 1890 and the present building was opened on Easter Day, March 29, 1891.

During the 1990s the congregation repaired, restored and reconfigured the church building for modern use. The nave has been completely restored and renovations continue in the other sections of the church building.