- October 31, 2024
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Deacon Aura Suarez, Bishop Pedro Suarez, Senior Pastor Vince Iocona, Pastor Brenda Piper and Deacon Peggie Aiello. Courtesy photo
Sherri Hunter (left), a member of St. Mark by the Sea Lutheran Church for 48 years, with her daughter Leeanne Pringle and Pringle's children, Theo and Cassidy. Pringle and her children were all baptized at St. Mark. Courtesy photo
St. Mark by the Sea Lutheran Church family celebrating 50 years. Courtesy photo
On May 12, 1974, Pastor Marc Otterbein leads the first service at the Yacht Club where St. Mark originally held services until its church was built. Courtesy photo
As the town of Palm Coast marks its 25th anniversary, St. Mark by the Sea Lutheran Church, 303 Palm Coast Parkway NE, is celebrating 50 years of serving the community.
The city of Palm Coast did not become incorporated until 1999. Its roots, however, can be traced back to Oct. 29, 1970. This date marks the grand opening ceremonies for ITT Development to usher in the future.
Roads and lots were then carved out of the wilderness for the promise of future houses in an expansive planned community.
The first residents moved into their home on Casper Drive on Jan. 21, 1972. One year later, there were 75 families. The “town” boasted a golf course but no stores, gas stations, schools or doctors. Despite the lack of amenities, worship services were occurring.
The Jewish community met in a model home. The Catholics worshipped with Father Cody at the original Yacht Club (now gone). The Protestants attended a non-denominational service also held at the Yacht Club. The Lutheran Church of America had sent a mission developer, Pastor Marcus Otterbein, to this remote development, and he conducted the first Protestant service on Easter Sunday, April 22, 1972, with 52 attending.
One year later, on April 7, 1974, St. Mark by the Sea Lutheran Church became a sanctioned Lutheran church with 100 members signing the first charter. Pastor Marc continued as its minister. Services continued at the Yacht Club until just two years later, when on July 4, 1976 (the country’s bicentennial), the new church building was dedicated. St. Mark by the Sea Lutheran Church officially became “The First Church of Palm Coast.”
Today, the church is still nestled under the oak trees on Palm Coast Parkway. At the time of its completion, it was in the heart of Palm Coast. Soon, a nearby drug store and a Publix were added at what is now called Island Walk.
Palm Coast Parkway was reconfigured into a two-lane, one-way way road, which now passes both the front and the rear of the church. Other changes have occurred over the years, most significantly, many protestant denominations built their own churches.
By 1981, St. Mark moved from a blended interdenominational format to using the customary Lutheran Liturgy. Today, St. Mark holds two worship services led by Pastor Vince Iocona. The Heritage Service is a traditional service with familiar hymns and readings. The Adoration Service uses technology, focusing on modern songs of worship.
It seems to be a full circle moment of meeting worshippers where they are, just as the church did by sending Pastor Marc Otterbein to Palm Coast over a half century ago.
As history has proven, St. Mark by the Sea is continuing to meet the needs of the community. There is a rich history of service that includes a preschool that is celebrating 40 years in operation. The “Love in a Backpack” ministry fills bags with weekend food and distributes to over 200 students in seven schools.
Every Thursday, “A Joyful Day” occurs where a group of volunteers provide respite care. A caregiver can drop off a loved one for quality interactions, while having a few hours for themselves. The women in the “Piece Corps” have met most Wednesdays since 1975, hand crafting hundreds of quilts that have been sent to other countries through the Lutheran World Relief Mission.
St. Mark By the Sea Lutheran Church is proud of its 50-year history, which started when very few families lived in Palm Coast. It is committed to the future, as a thriving church in today’s expansive community of 100,000 people.
The congregation celebrated its 50th anniversary on Oct. 20. Bishop Pedro Suarez, The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Florida-Bahama Synod bishop along with St. Mark’s Pastor Vince Iocona led the worship service. A catered brunch followed for the members and many regular visitors.
