A church in Palatka has been added to the National Register of Historic Places, the city announced last week. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church has been recognized as a landmark in African American – and by extension, American – history.
In the late 19th century, St. Mary’s was a refuge for African Americans after the end of the Civil War. According to the Palatka city government’s announcement, the building exemplifies Carpenter Gothic architecture. Built in 1883 and 1884, it is one of the oldest African American wooden churches which continues to hold services to this day.
“The City of Palatka congratulates the congregation of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, the Episcopal Diocese of Florida, Rev. Dr. Jon Davis, Ms. Dianne Taylor, the Historic Preservation Board, and all whose dedication made this recognition possible,” the Palakta city government said in a statement. “This designation reinforces that Palatka’s historic resources are among its greatest treasures and remain central to the community’s story.”
St. Mary’s is located at 809 St. Johns Ave, just north of Palatka’s Rotary Park. Its proximity to Flagler and Volusia counties highlights the rich African American history which can at times go underappreciated. Thanks to its July 1 addition to the National Register of Historic Places, St. Mary’s will be preserved to tell its story of resilience during American reconstruction.
According to the City of Palatka, St. Mary’s was nominated by Dr. Dianne Taylor, a historian who’s dedicated herself to preserving the church’s history. She put in ‘countless hours’ of research and document-filing before submitting the nomination. Also participating in the process was the City of Palatka Historic Preservation Board, and the Palatka City Commission which endorsed the nomination last year.
“The listing of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church on the National Register of Historic Places is a tremendous honor for our community,” said Palatka Mayor Robbi Correa. “This designation recognizes not only the architectural beauty of this historic church but also the generations of faith, perseverance, and community leadership it represents. Preserving landmarks like St. Mary’s ensures that Palatka’s history continues to inspire future generations.”
Palatka had its first inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places in December 1972, when the Bronson-Mulholland House was added. The most recent addition prior to St. Mary’s was Palatka Water Works, which was enshrined in March 2023. Putnam County has 24 historic sites in total, compared to 13 in Flagler County and 107 in Volusia County.
