Longview, Gregg County
First known as St. Mark Colored Methodist Episcopal Church, this congregation was organized by former slaves about 1867. Worship services were held in a brush arbor built at the present site of Magrill Park. The Rev. Robert A. Hagler served as first pastor, and under his leadership a two-story sanctuary was built in 1876-77. It was replaced by a new frame building in 1893. In 1954 the church name was changed to St. Mark Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. this site was acquired in 1972. Descendants of founding members still attend the church.