History Continued:

The church's first Nuptial Mass united Herman Dean Chidester to Gladys Marie Autry on May 1, 1951. The Chidesters continue to attend St. Mark's.

After Father Forner's death in 1948, Father Gerald Phee served the mission in Pryor. He was followed by Father Francis Wrigley in 1956. In 1948, Father Wrigley moved to Pryor and the church's status changed from mission to parish.

Father Patrick Murtagh was appointed as parish pastor in 1959 , and he began the task of building a new church. On property donated to the parish on South Vann Street, a new rectory and church were built. In 1963, the church was renamed St. Mark's, the first Catholic church in Oklahoma to be named under the patronage of St. Mark.

After Father Murtagh, the following priests served as pastor: Father Edwin Buxton (1965-67), Father James Halpine (1967-68), Father Vincent McGouldrick (1968-71), and Father Lawrence Lange (1971-79).

In 1979, Father Justin Gavin became St. Mark's parish priest and began the task of making plans for a new facility. Much of the money for the new church was collected during his tenure. But the new facility did not become a reality until Father Leonard Higgins became pastor in 1988.

Construction began on the new building that incorporated the old building in mid-1991. A dedication and open house for the new facility was the highlight of 1992, the parish's 50th anniversary in Pryor.

Under the leadership of Father Art O'Hara, who served from 1993 to 1998, the debt for the new church was paid off. Father John Jangam, a priest from India, served the parish from 1998 to 1999. During his time at St. Mark's, a new rectory was finished.

In October 1999, our present pastor, Father Ken Harder, was assigned to St. Mark's. Under his skillful leadership, many programs have been added and the church has grown spiritually and in enthusiasm.

Our Parish's Future: Children at School