Church History – St. John Missionary Baptist Church

St. John Missionary Baptist Church | Church History

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In the early 1920’s , two ladies, Earlene Taylor and Annie Bell Stuart Jackson, got together and formed, with a small group of children, a Saturday tea party and bible study; the meetings were so successful, children membership increased, and more adults started to attend. After the adults continued to attend the tea party meetings a decision was made to have Tuesday night prayer meetings for the adults; meetings were moved from Ms. Taylor’s house to Mr. & Mrs. Coffee’s home on Floyd St. The furniture made for the bible study meetings was made by Mr. Coffee and his son, Carter. The adult meetings also increased in membership which led to a new meeting space, Mr. & Mrs. Carter’s home.

In 1921 a tent was put up on a lot on Lambard St. The floor was made of sawdust and a wood burning stove provided the heat. The first pastor of the St. John Church was Rev. L. T. Walker, from Chicago, Illinois. The first pianist was Willie Mae Smith Bailey. The first revival was held by Rev. Walker at Green Street Baptist Church. Members continued to fellowship in the tent for two years. On December 12, 1923, property was purchased from the Magic Soap Company, located at 1116 East Washington Street for the St. John Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. L. T. Walker died on June 30, 1924 and Rev. Blythe became pastor shortly after.

Other pastors of St. John Missionary Baptist Church include: Rev. Roydse, Rev. Blair, Rev. Gore, and Rev. Bailey.

On May 16, 1945 St. John Missionary Baptist Church members purchased property on Breckinridge Street for $1,800 to rebuild the church building. In 1949, Rev. Bailey died. Rev. J.C. Darby from the Bates Memorial Baptist Church came to assist the church. The next year, Rev. Darby was called to pastor the St. John Church. He continued to pastor until 1992, but in May of 1968 members purchased property from Beech Street Church at 1500 Beech Street. A cornerstone was placed on the church in August of 1968.

After the move from Breckinridge Street to Beech Street parts of the congregation left the church to establish other ministries in the community. They are the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church and Christian Faith Tabernacle. From February 1992 till June 1993, Bro. Michael Frye served as the interim pastor of the St John Church. In June 1993, Rev. L. Bingham from the State Mission Board of the General Association of Kentucky Baptist sent third vice moderator, Dr. Victor McKinney to assist the church in its time of trouble and on July 1, 1993 the first membership meeting was held at the church; officiated by Dr. Victor McKinney. In April of 1994 the church membership called Dr. McKinney to pastoralship and on June 18, 1994 the St John Missionary Baptist Church held an installation service for Dr. McKinney. Many renovations were completed during this time: the basement, lighting in the sanctuary, etc.

Through prayer and dedication of the Pulpit committee and the St. John Missionary Baptist Church family, the search and calling of a Pastor for our Church Family was met. God sent us a God-Fearing Pastor, Rev. Darrick Briscoe in December 2001. Since, Rev. Darrick Briscoe arrival as Pastor, the St. John Missionary Baptist Church moved forward with love and unity; continuously receiving and training new disciples to grow and mature in the Word of God. Under the leadership and guidance of Pastor Briscoe membership increased, and new discipleship classes, deacon, trustees, church van for transportation, new choir and musician areas/stand, new organ, modern sound & speaker equipment, tape and video ministry for the sick and shut in, new kitchen cabinet, padded pews, and new light fixtures for the sanctuary were all added. In 2007: Purchase of additional property for future expansion of our church worship services. In 2008: Renovated of bathrooms, storage, added new carpeting and flooring to the sanctuary and lower level. In 2009: added new video room to church sanctuary. In July 30, 2010 Rev. Darrick Briscoe, resigned as Pastor of St. John Missionary Baptist Church to accept a pastoral position at First Baptist Church in Danville, KY, and left St John Church under the angel-wing of Rev. Derrick Miles, pastor of the Greater Friendship Baptist Church. Rev. Miles has proceeded as interim pastor from July 31, 2010 – November 8, 2011.

Again through prayer and the dedication of the Pulpit committee Led by Lic. Derrick Jenkins and the St. John Missionary Baptist Church family, the search and calling of a Pastor for our Church Family was answered. God sent us a God-Fearing Pastor, Rev. William A. Dickerson, Jr. in November 2011.