In 1938, a devout Church of England family moved to Tracy, then a community of about 3400. The John Robertsons were disappointed that there was no local parish church, but drove faithfully to Stockton and attended St. John's. There they discovered some neighbors doing the same. The Rev. George Pratt, Rector of St. John's, suggested that those from Tracy advertise and hold a meeting there of all Episcopalians. Ten to fifteen families responded. Fr. Pratt offered to hold services in Tracy every other Sunday evening. Arrangements were made with St. Paul's Lutheran Church on E. 10th Street to hold services there. These flourished for a time, but "several disappointments occurred" and as a result regular services were discontinued.

     Infrequent and irregular services were held in the homes of various members during the years of World War II. In spring 1946, remnants of the original group approached the new Bishop Walters and voiced their frustrations concerning a church in Tracy. The Bishop encouraged them to try again, and on March 7, a meeting was held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Rico. Reports were heard concerning a survey of Episcopalians in Tracy. There was sufficient interest to organize a mission under the sponsorship of St. John's, and services were begun soon after. Bishop Walters conducted their first service in the American Legion Hall on March 24. Some 50 people were present. The Bishop appointed Wardens and a first Bishop's Committee. The first Sunday School class was held on Palm Sunday, April 149 with four children and the first Easter celebration was held on the 21st, conducted by Dean Henry Shires of Church Divinity School of the Pacific.

     Little time was lost in starting a Confirmation class, and organizing the first Women's Auxiliary, with Semis Grant as President. The men did not formally organize, but nevertheless set about making furnishings and appointments to transform the Legion Hall into something more like a church. During the spring and summer, visiting clergy, assisting clergy from St. John's, and Bishop Walters covered the services at Tracy. In November, the Bishop appointed the Rev. Waddell Robey to serve the new mission as part-time Vicar for a few months. On December 2,1946, the Tracy Mission was officially given the name "St. Mark's." On January 19, 1947, the Convocation accepted St. Mark's Mission into union.

     In June, 1947, the Bishop placed Morgan Sheldon part-time at St. Mark's while still a seminarian at C. D. S. P., until his ordination in 1949, when he became St. Mark's first full-time priest. By the fall of 1947, lots were bought on the corner of Emerson and Wall Streets for $1,750. Ground-breaking was held the afternoon of Easter Day, March 25, 1951, Bishop Walters also officiated at Baptisms and Confirmations in the morning. That same month St. Mark's first vicarage was purchased at 1331 Madison.

     The first service in the new building was held on September 9, 1951. The dedication was conducted by the Bishop on November 18, 1951. A year later, Fr. Sheldon left St. Mark's, at the end of December, 1952. Deacon-seminarian, William T. Halstead, then commuted to Tracy to take Sunday services until his graduation in June; when priested in September, 1953, the Bishop placed him at Los Banos. The Rev. Wilbur Caswell, a retired priest living in Patterson, served St. Mark's from September, 1953, to November, 1954. He was followed by another seminarian. Lester L. Westling. During his time, a new vicarage was purchased at 1423 Wilson; it served many a clergy family until the spring of 1980, when it was sold. Fr. Westling left in June, 1955. He was succeeded by the Rev. Wayne Parker who came in December.

     During Fr. Parker's time the congregation continued to grow. The Sunday School. Women's Auxiliary, youth fellowship, youth choir, boys' choir, men's club, several social groups, a Boy Scout Troop, all developed and grew. It became apparent that more space was needed. An ambitious building fund drive began on September 27, 1957, with a goal of $30,000 to he pledged over 3 years. In three weeks, pledges of over $35,000 were received. Ground-breaking for a new parish hall took place on May 15, 1958. The new hall was dedicated on December 28; Bishop Walters presided on both occasions.

     While founders and newer members joined in divers efforts and fellowship, their children were also brought into the many activities. The Sunday School grew from four to over forty by the time the new building opened. The first wee disciples grew into an active youth group and brought in friends from outside to enjoy their activities. Some of these also became church members in time.

     Fr. Parker left St. Mark's in June, 1957, to found St. Mary's in Fresno. The Rev. Roger Strem came as the new Vicar. He was most active with the youth groups. Many of their programs were accelerated under his direction, Fr. Strem left at the end of December, 1963. An interim period from January to April, 1964. was filled by the Rev. Arthur Beckwith of Oakdale Canon Fred J. C. Kepler was appointed Vicar of St. Mark's and served until his retirement in 1967. St. Mark's people considered themselves fortunate to have this older priest of great wisdom and wide experience. The Vicar contributed his expertise as the buildings and grounds were improved by many additions, inside and out. Fr. Kepler was much loved by parishioners and other townspeo-ple of Tracy.

     The financial situation at St. Mark's became strained, and Bishop Walters arranged that Fr. Thomas Corrigan, Vicar of St. Mary's, Manteca. should serve Tracy part-time. In October, Fr Tom became full-time Vicar of St. Mark's and he remained until the winter of 1975, when he left Tracy for San Andreas.

     During his time a large bell was given to the church by Karl Boos, a retired Southern Pacific Railroad man, this was installed, More stained glass windows were added to the sanctuary, and the building refurbished.

     In December, 1975, the Rev. Douglas Judson came to Tracy and served until spring, 1977. His family's studio, Judson's of Los Angeles, executed the remaining stained glass windows which he designed. The last of the 12 windows was not installed until early 1981. At the dedication , five of the original members were able to be present; Richard Alcock, Ray and Rhetta James, Gertrude Newbury, and Dorothy Robertson.

     The Rev. Paul Snider came from Colorado in September and remained through May 1984. In October, 1978, St. Mark's hosted the Diocesan E.W.C. convention, nost successfully. Tracy celebrated its centennial in 1979, and St. Mark's was proud to be a vital part of this growing community.

     The Rev. F. James Kingsley, a retired Air Force Chaplain (Col.), doing doctoral work at C. D. S. P. served St. Mark's on a part-time basis from July, 1954. to June, 1955. His resignation was brought about by his need for serious surgery. It is of interest that the first Vicar, Morgan Sheldon, brought a friend at C. D. S. P. to visit his mission 37 years before, this same Fr. Kingsley! Fr. Kingsley was succeeded by the Rev. John Burk who came from Clovis.