History:

St. John's story is one of endless contributions made by faithful people.  Not all of those contributions can be chronicled here.  This is but a brief overview of the long history of the church and its congregation.

The Rev. N.H. Cobbs began worship with a small congregation with regularity in in the Masonic Lodge, in a room which became known as "St John's Chapel" in the 1840's.  By 1845, the Rev. David Caldwell was Rector and land located at 305 Bridge Street was purchased for the construction of a church.  The building was consecrated on September 4, 1847. St. John's first lasting Rector was the Rev. Nelson Sale, who served from 1847-1859. John A. Wharton was ordained deacon in 1847 and  led St. John's  and the community through slavery, the Civil War and Recontruction as harmoniously as any region in the South. 

In 1897, St. John's observed its semi-centennial under the leadership of the Rev. Dallas Tucker.  A three day celebration was arranged and a pamphlet detailing the first fifty years was complied.  In 1907 Norfolk and Western Railroad found it necessary to widen the right-of-way and lay a double track.  The change brought the railroad nearer the church, and the noise disrupted the the services so much that congregation wanted to move at once.  Several different lots were purchased, and eventually the current location was settled on.  The corner stome was laid on June 24, 1923.  Services in the new church began on June 8, 1924.  St. John's beautiful Tiffany window was a gift from Lettie Pate in 1924.

St. John's acquired a level of pastoral stability in 1930, with the call to the Rev. William C. Marshall.  He served St. John's until 1951, when his health began to fail. 

Since that time St. John's has overcome obstacles both from within the church, and from outside influences.  It reamains a steady rock, in a ever-changing stream.  Its people are warm and welcoming and its mission is one of faith and spritual renewal.