St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Nokomis is the outgrowth of Lutheran work in Audubon Township.  This began in 1852 when a group of Lutherans came to that community from Ohio.  A temporary organization was effected in 1853 and worship services were conducted by the Rev. Amos Bartholomew, who divided his time between Audubon and Bost Hill.  Soon more Lutherans came from Ohio and settled near Audubon.  In June, 1855 the Rev. D. D. Swaney was called to this field.  A congregation was formally organized known as Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.  A church building was erected in 1856.

Of the thirteen who signed the constitution, nine bore the name of Easterday and two had the name of Culp.  In the present membership of St. Mark’s there are descendants of the Easterdays and of the Culps, also of the Rev. Swaney.

After the completion of the railroad through this part of the country a number of the members of Audubon moved to Nokomis, where other Lutherans had settled.  The congregation was reorganized and a house of worship was erected in 1866, at the corner of Oak and Union.  This building is still in use, facing now on Union instead of Oak as it did originally.

Through the years many improvements have been made, there being three periods of major accomplishment.  A basement was excavated and equipped for Sunday School use about 1920.  In this connection it is of interest to note that a part of the money for this project was raised by the Brotherhood through sponsoring a lecture by the famous author, Lloyd C. Douglas, a son-in-law of Dr. F. M. Porch, pastor at the time.

In 1949 the front entrance was changed, definitely altering the appearance of the building.

In 1954-55 extensive interior improvements were made.  This included a complete remodeling of the chancel, a Hagren organ, new lighting and interior decorating, and an oil furnace.  In addition many special memorial gifts were received.  The project culminated in the celebration of the church’s centennial during the week of June 5 – 12, 1955.

A fourth improvement period is anticipated in the near future, as plans are forming for the expansion of the educational unit.

In addition to the ministry of its pastors, both in and out of the pulpit, the educational, devotional and evangelism programs are fostered by the auxiliaries:  the Church School; Ladies’ Aid; Women’s Missionary Society; Brotherhood; Happy Homes, an organization for young married couples; Ladies’ Evening Circle; and the Luther League, for the young people.  An excellent choir contributes to the spirit of worship.

The value of recreational activities is not overlooked.  Outstanding in the field is the Bald Memorial Park, where there is a cabin, and where a lake has recently been constructed.

The temporal affairs of the church are administered by a Council, consisting of nine laymen and the pastor.

Through the merger of several synods in 1918 the United Lutheran Church in America came into existence.  St. Mark’s continues to be affiliated with this body.

The congregation has been served by the following pastors:  D. D. Swaney, S. L. Harkey, John Regan, J. E. Wesner, D. M. Henkel, J. F. Booher, D. L. Roth, W. A. Lilly, D. A. Shetler, E. A. Rees, C. R. Sherck, H. C. Funk, T. B. Hersch, J. N. Lentz, P. J. Alberthus, L. F. Gunderman, B. B. Uhl, F. M. Porch, G. W. Styer, J. J. Gent, E. J. Johnson, C. C. Warfel, Al. L. Angersbach, and the present pastor, J. S. Rhine.

Taken From the Nokomis Centennial Booklet 1856-1956.