St. Mark's Baptist Church
St. Mark Baptist Church was erected in 1877 at Chamberlin.
St. Mark began as a barge structure for 44 years when pulled from
the Mississippi River and taken by wagons to this spot. Over 150
members from Smithfield, Orange Grove, Winterville, and Erwinville
Plantations started the Church. The Church cornerstone contains
the names: G. McQuillon: J. Tackneau: L. Payne: P. Huntley:
C. Payne: E. Savage: and R. Williams. St. Mark was the first school
for many black people in the area. Louise Viola Logan was the
only teacher for all grades. To date, there have been 9 pastors,
who have ministered to members from the northern part of West
Baton Rouge Parish. The Church serves the community as a voting
site, storm shelter, community meeting place, and food pantry.
Originally purchased from the Devall Family and paid for by
member lease for 100 years. St. Mark has saved many souls and
buried many in its two cemeteries: Ashland and Orange Grove
(donated by the Laws family). Ashland Cemetery, located behind
the Church, was donated by the Henry Devall Family. Members
of the Devall family are buried along with black members of
the community and St. Mark Baptist Church.