Church History

Our beloved Founder was the late Superintendent Clarence Dunlap. After being ordained in 1947, Elder Dunlap started his first church, St. Mark Church of God In Christ which was located at 30th & “O” Street in Richmond, VA. His congregation grew to the point that he was in need of a larger place for worship. It was then that the church relocated to 26th & “M” Street. The Lord continued to bless Pastor Dunlap’s ministry and it became necessary to acquire an even larger edifice, so the membership moved to 32nd & “O” Street. Subsequently, many souls were saved and Pastor Dunlap’s ministry continued to grow. The hand of The Lord was upon St. Mark and ultimately the congregation moved to it’s current location, 1100 East Brookland Park Blvd. Pastor Clarence Dunlap was known for his powerful preaching throughout Virginia and the surrounding areas. Notedly, from Superintendent Dunlap’s dynamic leadership, 19 churches were birthed. To God be the Glory! 

On December 14, 1998, God called Superintendent Dunlap from labor to eternal rest. He was not only a Pastor, but a Spiritual Father to everyone that knew him. He pastored St. Mark for well over 50 years. The Jurisdictional Bishop, Bishop Samuel L. Green, Jr. appointed Superintendent Dunlap’s son, Elder Samuel Dunlap as the Pastor. The legacy and vision of Superintendent Dunlap continued. Because of declining health, Elder Samuel Dunlap retired in 2013. Bishop Green appointed Pastor Barry L. Winston as the Pastor of St. Mark. With a rich heritage and an undeniable legacy, St. Mark continues to be a strong church in the heart of Richmond, Virginia.