Marks still ministering after 67 years
2023 Bob Weaver
Years ago we wrote stories about Rev. Carl Mark's mother Lucy, saying she never grew old. Now the same could be said for him.
Longtime Calhoun preacher Marks is still moving forward at age 87, having been a minister for 67 years. Marks is currently providing services for the Little Creek Community Church.
He preached his first service at Gip, Braxton County when he was 17, having served churches in Calhoun, Roane and Clay counties, in addition to churches in Ohio.
Carl and his beloved dog still keeps mov-
ing forward on his spiritual journey
Carl and his beautiful wife Barbara Ash Marks
Marks said his spiritual journey began at the age of 15, being mentored by longtime Calhoun preacher Rev. Billy Schoolcraft (1878-1977), who grew up at Nicut and lived for many years at Millstone. He died at 98.
Marks said Schoolcraft was a longtime furrier purchasing animal hides, coming to the Mark's house when he was eight years old to make purchases. Marks said he was trying to make a little money and had trapped some woodrats, skinned them and stretched them on a board, unaware they were not valuable.
Rev. Schoolcraft gave him five cents, then quietly throwing the rats over the hill. He then started going to churches with Schoolcraft, riding a horse.
Marks tells the story about the old preacher: "During the Great Depression Billy went out to preach revivals on Bear Run, Frozen and Walker, a week at each church. His dad got worried about his wife and child, and sent word he should come home."
"Billy said he had no money and one of the men attending the last revival said it might be a good idea to take up a collection. They passed the hat and got one Bullmoose Nickel and a button. He said that nickel looked as big as a $100 bill," Marks said.
Schoolcraft was among few white preachers that traveled to the remote Racoon Run black community to serve.
Marks was from a large family, the son of Curtis and Lucy Marks. His mother, Lucy, was among the most spirited Calhoun women from her generated, dying at 93.
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