EPISCOPAL PARISH OF ST. MARK

In Jim Thorpe, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, the Episcopal Parish of St. Mark and St. John is a monument to outstanding architectural design and historical significance. This famous building, which was once known as St. Mark's Episcopal Church, is located at 21 Race Street in a prominent location. Richard Upjohn, a pioneer of this particular architecture, is credited with designing the church in the eminent Gothic Revival style. One of Upjohn's final works, this masterwork, which was finished in 1869, displays his unmatched brilliance.

This architectural wonder was built in 1835, the same year the church was founded, and has a long history. The first church was built and publicly consecrated in 1848, demonstrating the locals' dedication to their religion. But the congregation's aspirations inspired the construction of an even more magnificent structure. The first church was demolished in 1867 to create room for the opulent building that remains today. A famous congregation, comprising titans of the railroad and coal industries who had earned enormous fortunes, provided the funds for this project.

The church's prime location on the south side of Race Street, next to Susquehanna Street, in the center of Mauch Chunk's historic quarter, increases its significance from a distance. The Episcopal Parish of St. Mark and St. John, an architectural masterpiece of the area, not only reflects the religious importance but also acts as a living piece of history, expressing the steadfastness of its founders and the extraordinary ability of Richard Upjohn. Visitors and locals alike are enthralled by this landmark's continuing heritage, which offers a window into the past and serves as proof of the Gothic Revival style's enduring popularity.