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ST. JOHN MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH HISTORY
In June of 1917 under the leadership of Reverend Sylvester S. Harkness, and a few followers, in the home of Sister Mary L. Gaines, the St. John Mission was organized. Presently known as St. john Missionary Baptist Church. To accommodate the increasing membership the church moved to the following locations:
3701 South Wentworth Avenue 5353 South Wentworth Avenue 3701 South Federal Street 444 West 63rd Street 3710 South Federal Street 415 East 75th Street
St. John was blessed with the Pastoring of Reverend Sylvester S. Harkness, Reverend Luke Walker, Reverend Lemon C. Burton, Reverend L. W. Gains, Reverend S. Gordon and Reverend William Sanford.
In June of 1939, Reverend Luke Walker was elected to Pastor of St. John Missionary Baptist Church. Under his leadership, the church was chartered by the State of Illinois, December 5, 1945. On December 20, 1969, God in His infinite wisdom called his faithful servant to rest.
St. John Missionary Baptist Church was without a pastor until March 1970, when Reverend L.W. Gains was called. Reverend Gains ministered until December 3, 1973. In 1974, Reverend J.A. Black was elected to Pastor. Under his leadership we moved to, 165 East 115th Street.
The many prayers of the members seeking God's guidance in selecting a new pastor were answered on November 10, 1976. On this day we were blessed with an anointed Holy Spirited filled preacher, Reverend A. Edward Davis, Jr. Reverend Davis was called to the pastorate from Mt. Calvary Baptist Church where he served as the Youth Church Minister.
Under the leadership and tutelage of Dr. A. Edward Davis, Jr., God has truly blessed St. John Missionary Baptist Church. We have continued to grow spiritually, numerically and financially. Here at St. John we recognize that these accomplishments and blessings are from God, "TO GOD BE THE GLORY!"
Just to reflect on a few of the accomplishments and blessings: The church mortgage was burned; we own the building and the land across the street for parking. This land is now where the new edifice was built at the cost of 7.8 million. We where truly blessed and moved in, October of 2005. The growth has provided a place where we can serve as well assist members and non-members unconditionally through the growing and strengthening of support ministries, i.e., Marriage, Singles, Brothers Keeper, Daughters of Zion, Mission, Benevolent, H.O.P.E., HIV/AID, Outreach Ministries, just to name a few.
The continued growth is reflected in the two Worship services that are held each Sunday. The financial growth is reflected by the ability to purchase the entire adjacent block where our new edifice and educational facility is currently located, 211 East 115th Street.
In recognition of the profound impact St. John Church has made on the community at large, the Mayor's Office and City of Chicago honored St. John Missionary Baptist Church by renaming the street, "St. John Drive."
Through Dr. A. Edward Davis, Jr.'s preaching, teaching and reaching St. John has become a stronger, praying, fasting, and 100% tithing church. We pray that God will continue to guide our Shepherd and that we will continue to be good followers as God takes us to even higher heights. When we look back over the many years, only God!
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