Church History

Saint Mark AME Zion Church has served East Palo Alto with faith, love, and resilience since 1962. What began as a small Sunday School founded by Rev. Theodore Loller quickly grew into a thriving congregation, officially joining the California Conference in 1964 under the leadership of Rev. Ruth Lankford.

Under Rev. Lyrtee Gulley’s guidance from 1977 to 2004, the church experienced major growth—relocating, expanding its property, and laying the foundation for a new sanctuary. Successors Rev. Eugenio Watkins and Rev. John Harrison carried that vision forward, culminating in the sanctuary’s completion.

In 2017, Rev. Deborah Lewis-Virges was appointed as pastor. Her leadership sparked a season of revival, birthing impactful ministries like CPR (Counseling, Prison, and Recovery), Bridge 2 Victory, Youth Entrepreneurship, and Adult Literacy. Membership has steadily grown, reflecting a renewed energy and Spirit-filled worship experience.

Today, Saint Mark continues its legacy as a Christ-centered, Bible-teaching, Spirit-led church — transforming lives and uplifting the East Palo Alto community.