ST. JOHN BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY

Established 1880

St. John Baptist Church was a branch of the Free Union Baptist Church. Due to the distance the saints had to travel Rev. Daniel Brown, Pastor of Free Union Baptist Church suggested to the people of this community to build a place of worship that would be more convenient for the community to attend. In 1880, Mr. Hinkle a generous resident in the area, donated the land and the church was built.

Brother Wyatt Johnson was elected as the first pastor and was assisted by Rev. Dabney Parker of Gordonsville, VA until Brother Johnson was ordained. The deacons were then selected and ordained. The first deacons of the church were: Sam Johnson, Richard Perkins, Jefferson Johnson and Pleasant Ragland.

The church prospered and grew so much that soon it was too small to hold its congregation. In 1896, the church was enlarged to accommodate the steady growth in membership. At that time, Richard Stewman and Oliver Gardner were added to the Deacon board.

In 1911, Rev. Wyatt Johnson passed and Brother Phillip Hughes was elected and installed as Pastor of the church. Brother Hughes served for three years and Rev. Porterfield Reeves was elected as the Pastor.

In 1916, after the death of Rev. Reeves , Rev. Daniel Cave became the Pastor. Brother Frank Byrd and Brother Ed Anderson were ordained as Deacons. Brother Willie Gardner and Brother Alex Johnson became trustees.

In 1917, a new church was build to accommodate the growing congregation. Rev. Caves served faithfully for 23 years. Three deacons were installed , Lloyd Stewman, George Chatman and Willie Ragland.

In 1939, Rev. George E. Blakey became Pastor of St. John Baptist Church. More deacons were added to the deacons board; Brother Luke Gardner and Albert Singelton. In 1967 more deacons were added, Brothers Harry Byrd , Archie Bowler and Talmadge Robinson and two trustees, William Cooper and Frank Carter.

After 35 years of dedicated service, Rev. Blakey retired in 1974 and Rev. Robert Brown became the pastor. Under Pastor Brown's leadership five Deacons were added and nine trustees. James Butler, Kelvin Hawkins, Raymond Byrd, George Payne, Jr. and George Payne. Trustees Odell Gardner, Charles Johnson, Archied Bowler Jr., Alfred M. Hawkins Jr. Keith Hawkins, Ira Dickerson, Ernest Williams, Herbert Payne and Shelia Johnson.

During Pastor Brown's tenure, the Lord enabled the church family to complete another building expansion. A new addition was added to include a larger fellowship hall and a Pastors Study. Additional property was also purchased to accommodate more cemetery space.

In March of 1976, a Deaconess Ministry was organized by Sister Annie Payne. The members consisted of Ellen Bowler, Mary Carter, Gillie Gardner, Gloria Byrd, Mary Chapman, and Annie Payne.

Under Pastor Brown's leadership five members were licensed to preach the Gospel: Pastor Shirley Chapman, Pastor Kelvin Hawkins, Minister Lashawn Hawkins, Minister Gregory Payne, and Minister Ernreikus Williams.

In October of 2000, the church ordained Minister Kelvin R. Hawkins as the Assistant Pastor of St. John Baptist Church. In January of 2003 the church purchased the old school house adjacent to the church property. The property was needed to build a larger sanctuary. Through many trials, obtacles, and opposition a ground breaking for a new sanctuary took place on December 9, 2003. On July 10, 2004 members of the St. John Baptist Church, visitors and friends marched from the old sanctuary to the new sanctuary for it's ribbon cutting ceremony and the dedication service.

On January 12, 2008 Assistant Pastor Hawkins was installed as the Pastor of the church as Pastor Brown's health began to fail.

Through prayer and faith in the Lord, the church continues to grow. Jesus Christ,our Lord and Savior, has again proven his faithfulness to his word. The Lord has truly blessed this church and its congregation.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR THE GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE.

(434) 979-9338