ABOUT US

HISTORY

The St. John Missionary Baptist Church was founded on May 8, 1925, under the leadership of Reverend Barber. Initially established on McCulloch Street as Mt. Zion Baptist Church, it later relocated to Hayden Street. After Reverend Barber’s passing, the church called Reverend Duncan as its new pastor and moved to the corner of Smith and Thayer Streets. It was at this time that the church's name was changed to St. John Missionary Baptist Church.
Reverend Duncan served for two and a half years before being succeeded by Reverend Crooms, who held the position for a brief period. Reverend P.L. Drinks was then called and served the congregation for six years. Reverend Duncan was recalled for another two-year term before Reverend Whitmore briefly assumed the pastoral role. Reverend P.L. Drinks was called again and served until January 1, 1961.
For three months following Reverend Drinks’ departure, the church was without a pastor. In April 1961, Reverend James W. Bledsoe was invited to become the pastor of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, accepting the call, and leading a congregation of 29 members.
In 1966, the Redevelopment Organization acquired the church's property at Smith and Thayer Streets for housing development. As a result, the church purchased a new site at 2421 S. Hanna Street. On Wednesday, June 7, 1967, a prayer meeting was held in the basement of the new location, with 11 attendees. The service, which began at 7:40 pm, concluded at 7:55 pm.
Groundbreaking services for the new church building were held on June 11, 1967, with Reverend John Dixie and the Pilgrim Baptist Church as special guests. The cornerstone ceremony took place in November 1967, with Reverend John Dixie and the Prince Hall Masons conducting the service. Many members of the congregation devoted countless hours of labor to help build the church at its new location.
On December 23, 1968, the congregation held its first full worship service at the new site on South Hanna Street. The service was marked by a procession from the old church on Smith and Thayer Streets to the new building.
Today, the St. John Missionary Baptist Church is home to a variety of auxiliaries and ministries, including the Official Staff, Sunday School, Ministers, Deacons, Missionaries, Nurses' Guild, Courtesy Committee, Usher Board, Mass Choir, and Youth Choir.