Our Story

How it all started...

St. John's United Methodist Church was founded in 1856. In the beginning, St. John's parishioners gathered in a small white chapel in the middle of the block on Richland Avenue between Chesterfield and Newberry Street. Before long, a need arose for a larger space to worship, and the congregation raised $245 to purchase the remainder of the block. The classic Greek revival building that served as St. John's first sanctuary was completed in 1859. Some of the furniture purchased for that sanctuary is still in use today at St. John's, reminding us of our rich history and humble beginnings.

The small white sanctuary served St. John's congregation until 1956 when the church built an educational building and fellowship hall so Sunday school classes and church gatherings could be held. It was clear by the late 1950's that the beautiful old white sanctuary that had served St. John's for over 100 years was no longer able to manage the church's growth. Plans for a brand new sanctuary featuring a Williamsburg style exterior with a pseudo Gothic interior containing exposed arches and natural brick walls were drawn up, and in September 1964, the new sanctuary was open for worship.

In 1991, the Long Range Planning Committee determined there would soon be a need for more staff and additional facilities. In 1999 Construction begun on the Ebenezer Center, which houses the SEED Preschool program as well as additional classrooms, a full-size gym with bleacher seating, and a state of the art kitchen. This building was consecrated on August 2000.

In 2014, the congregation approved the building of the Faith Center to house the contemporary 9:02 worship service and provide more room for the growing youth program, church events, and classrooms. This building was completed in May 2015 and consecrated in February 2019 .

Who We Are...

Our Mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Our mission is based in the Great Commission which says in Matthew 28:19-20, "to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything He has commanded of us."

At St. John's, our vision to make disciples is through love, service and worshiping with passion. The best way to see the vision is to get involved in one of our many ministries: SEED, Children, Students, Young Adults, Adults 55+, Music, Missions, and Support Ministries.

What You Will Find...

St. John's is a warm, friendly, multi-generational church that has much to offer to children, youth, and adults of all ages. We invite you to join us at any of our five dynamic worship experiences and grow with us through involvement in any of our numerous Bible Studies or Sunday School classes.

You will find a wonderful place to call your spiritual home and many brothers and sisters in Christ with whom to worship! St. John's offers a sense of community and belonging to all who choose to join us. 

Be a part of our story...

Join us every Sunday as we gather to worship together at 8:30am, 9:02am (Contemporary) ,  11:00am (Traditional),  & 6:00pm