Our Story

At St Marks Church we believe every person is created by God to be in relationship with God and to live out God’s purpose for their lives. Each of us has a unique set of gifts, abilities, passions, and experiences that can be used for the advancement of God’s kingdom. It is our goal as a church to help everyone discover their God-given purpose and live it out in the world.  As we embrace God’s plan for our lives we feel fulfilled. St Marks is not about filling slots but about fulfilling God’s mission. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11


At St Marks church we are a friendly group of people who truly care for one another. Our fellowship is much like a family that values community, informality, fun, and commitment. St Marks is a place where you can be yourself and be accepted. Through small groups like Sunday school classes, Bible studies and fellowship groups we build trusting relationships that allow us to draw closer to the heart and mission of God and to know one another and to be known. We encourage one another, lift each other up, forgive one another, and love each other; always striving to become shaped more like Jesus. “Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you.” Romans 15:7 “that the members should have the same care for one another” 1 Corinthians 12:25)


At St Marks church we are a diverse group of people growing together in the Lord. We realize that we don’t have it all together, or have all the answers nor do we pretend to. Rather, we understand that all of us make mistakes and everyone can learn and be informed by others and we all need to know and receive forgiveness. Our goal is to continually mature in the faith regardless of our backgrounds, our abilities, our economic status or our station in life.  In the example and teaching of Christ we recognize that there are no barriers and that God loves us all. We celebrate our uniqueness as well as God’s greatness in all that we do. “Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our area of activity among you will greatly expand.” 2 Corinthians 10:15 (NIV)

Our History

St Marks dates back to 1852 when it became part of a three church circuit of the United Brethren in Christ church.  It at first met in homes until a regular meeting place was arranged at a school house on West Front St in Findlay.   In 1854 a new church was started and completed before the close of the year and that building still stands on the southwest corner of West Crawford and West streets.


In 1865 the church was incorporated and became “The Findlay Church of the United Brethren in Christ”. In 1884 the church became a single pastorate church with a membership of 160.  In 1888 a new church was built at the southeast corner of West Hardin and South Cory streets.


Investigation for nearly 20 years for relocating and building a new church that would remain in the downtown area of Findlay resulted in ground breaking in 1950 of the present 800 S Main location.  It was renamed the “First Evangelical United Brethren Church” as a result of the nationwide merger of the “United Brethren in Christ” and “The Evangelical Association” in 1948. 


In 1968 with the nationwide merger of the United Brethren in Christ with the Methodist Church, St Marks adopted its present name, St Marks United Methodist Church.  An elevator was added in 1974 to the back of the church building. 

In 2005 a brand new building was built and dedicated as the DOCK (Doors Open for Christ’s Kingdom).  This multifaceted facility has served in many capacities serving the community with Red Cross blood drives, United Way training sessions, Domestic Violence Awareness training sessions, a temporary police station during the 2007 flood, Upwards girls and boys basketball, fifth quarter parties after home Findlay Trojans football games, weekly hosting of Findlay’s Kiwanis club, housing Boy Scout troop 308 and Cub Scout pack 3308 and it serves as our worship center for our 11:15 Sunday progressive service, “the Gathering.”


For over 160 years St Marks church has had a proud heritage of changing lives and reaching out into the Findlay community.  We invite you to join us to impact the future with God’s grace in even greater ways than we have impacted the past.