Church History

Saint Mark Church has been a beacon of faith, service, and transformation in East Palo Alto for over 60 years.

Founded in 1962 by Rev. Theodore Loller as St. Mark AME Zion Chapel, the church began as a Sunday School for both children and adults. In 1964, it officially joined the California Conference and was renamed Saint Mark Church. That same year, Bishop J.D. Cauthen appointed Rev. Ruth Lankford as the first pastor. Early services were held on Saratoga Avenue in East Palo Alto.

In 1977, Rev. Lyrtee B. Gulley was appointed as pastor. Under her leadership, Saint Mark experienced significant growth. That year, the congregation relocated to a garage on Bay Road, and in 1983 moved to a home at 1794 Bay Road, where it remained for over two decades. Rev. Gulley led with vision and care, overseeing the installation of a parking lot and the acquisition of the adjacent property at 1796 Bay Road.

Following her retirement, leadership continued under Rev. Eugenio Watkins and Rev. John Harrison. During Pastor Harrison’s tenure, the long-awaited new sanctuary—originally planned under Rev. Gulley—was constructed and completed. It was officially dedicated by Bishop W. Darin Moore. Though membership declined in subsequent years, the church remained steadfast, sustained by a faithful few.

A new chapter began in 2017 when Bishop Staccato Powell appointed Rev. Deborah Lewis-Virges, a former Local Preacher and Pastor of Victory Center, to lead Saint Mark.

Under Rev. Virges’ dynamic leadership, the church has seen a spiritual and community revival. Several impactful ministries were launched, including:

• CPR (Counseling, Prison, and Recovery)

• Bridge 2 Victory (Addiction and Recovery)

• Youth Entrepreneurial Initiative

• Adult Literacy Program

During her first year, over 40 new members joined the congregation. By the second year, an additional 32 new members were added — a testament to the Spirit-filled, community-rooted worship experience offered at Saint Mark.

Today, Saint Mark continues to blend traditional values with innovative ministry, offering a worship experience that meets people where they are — and calls them higher.

We are grateful for our past, faithful in our present, and hopeful for the future.
Saint Mark stands as a Christ-centered, Bible-teaching, Spirit-led church dedicated to transformation in East Palo Alto and beyond.