"In 1868, the main part of this church was built. In 1886, the people wanted a more "imposing house of worship, and wanted a grand bell tower built as well, like the great British churches. The foundation of the bell tower wall was sunk 15 feet deep, to support the later to be 60 ft massive structure, with walls 4 feet thick. The building of the tower was stopped for a long time because the masons working on it disappeared.
When building the tower was finally started again and finished in 1927, a room to please the tower ghost was added, just below the eleven carillon bells, that weigh 20 tons. This ghost room has an inlaid wood floor, and big gothic windows that surround it. The ceiling is hand-plastered, with a chandelier hanging from it. This special room can only be reached by climbing an 85 ft spiral stairway, which starts in the church basement." (from (
visit link) )
The plaques read:
ST. MARK'S
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
PIONEER CHURCH OF WYOMING
A National Historic Place
Finding "the wickedness unimaginable and appalling," the Rev. Joseph Cook organized St. Mark's Parish Jan. 27, 1868, in Cheyenne, Dakota Territory, the a railroad winter camp. The first church at 18th and Carey Avenue was dedicated in August 1868 and was the first church building erected and dedicated in Wyoming.
This present edifice was constructed in 1868 and was patterned after Stoke Poges Church, Buckinghamshire, Engalnd.
The ministry of St. Mark's is historically linked with the settling and development of the frontier west. The church register records the burial service of cavalrymen killed by Indians, the wedding of the acting governor, and use of the Parish Hall as a social and cultural center.
The Rev. George Rafter, Rector, was asked to "pray over" Tom Horn during his public hanging in November 1903.
In August 1915, the wife and three daughters of General John J. Pershing were buried with solemn military rites from this church. They lost their lives in a tragic fire at the Presidio, San Francisco. Hundreds of cavalry troops from Fort D.A. Russell participated in the burial procession.
On Sunday, Oct. 11, 1936, President and Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt worshiped here.
Historical Marker Erected in 1972
In Loving Memory of
Ruth Beggs Parker
By Her Family and Friends
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ST. MARKS
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
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The first church
edifice built in the
State of Wyoming
August 23, 1868.
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Placed by
Historical Landmark
Commission of Wyoming
[NOTE: Wyoming was not a state until July 10, 1890]