Saint Mark's Episcopal Church

Clifford in Amherst County,Virginia

St. Mark's history began in 1749 with the building of Maple Run Church, a simple log or frame building situated on the present J.V. Howell estate. It was the first Christian church built in Albemarle County, which then included Nelson, Amherst and Buckingham counties. The Reverend Robert Rose was rector of this vast region from 1746 until his death in 1751.

In 1785 the vestry decided to sell the church and move to the new town of Cabellsburg, later called New Glasgow, and now called Clifford. St. Mark's was built probably in 1788 or 1789. It was built by general subscription, with most of the subscribers being Episcopalians. Although it was regularly assigned to them, it was often claimed by others, and on occasion forcibly entered by the Campbellites. However, there was no righteous enforcement by the Episcopalians, for at a vestry meeting held in November 1796 it was ordered:

...that it shall be left discretionary with the church wardens to determine whether Dissenters or any other persuasion except that of the Episcopal profession shall be privileged to preach in the New Glasgow Church.

Finally, the church was bought by the Episcopalians under the rectorship of the Reverend Charles Page. Eventually, St. Mark's was consecrated as an Episcopal church; it became a Parish in April 1982.

In the Spring of 1886, under the auspices of the Reverend W. Clark, St. Mark's was almost completely renovated. A new foundation, new plastering, a new roof, and a new front fence were added at a cost of more than $300. In July 1887, the Reverend Hobson had the interior repainted at a cost of $20. BY 1898 a new organ, lamps, a chancel carpet and stove were added. The bell and vestibule were added at later dates. The interior of the church has been redecorated as near to its original appearance as possible. The lamps have been converted to electricity. The wide board flooring and old pews are unchanged. The parish House was added in 1950. It is used by others denominations, and is truly a community center for the area.

Through the years, many donations have been made in memory of past members of St. Mark's, including memorial plaques and windows. A plaque on the outside front wall, dedicated in 1959, was given in memory of the Reverend Robert Rose by his descendants.

St. Mark's seems always to have been a congregation of caring people. In 1918, the Reverend George Zachary said:

It is a very great pleasure to minister to the congregation of St. Mark's. They give you a most cordial welcome into their homes and attend in full force all the services of the church. Women are inclined to run affaires (sic) and the men are willing to let them have their way.