In the early days St. John's was served by the assistant rector of Emmanuel Parish, Cumberland (The Rev. Harry Edwards) who also had charge of the mission churches in Mount Savage and St. Paul's, Eckhart. In 1854 the lot on which the present church is built was purchased by the Reverend John W. Nott. Among those who attended the Episcopal services were Lord Napier (from the British Embassy) and his family. Mrs. Hazen, who later became the wife of Admiral Dewey, also attended services at St. John's.

The cornerstone was laid July 23, 1890 and the two-foot thick walls were finished in 1891. The whole building was completed at a cost of $6,300.00 furnishings and all. The church was built by local stone masons, four Hill brothers from Midlothian, using local fieldstone in the construction. The brothers were members of St. John's as early as 1876. The first service was held September 1, 1892 and the building was consecrated on June 17, 1902 when it was free of debt. The present tower was dedicated in 1926 as a memorial to the Rev. Alexander C. Haverstick, who was responsible for the building of the church. Since Rev. Haverstick there have been nine resident priests.