Our History
Explore Our Story
St. John Missionary Baptist Church established in 1948. God paved a way for our church to bless lifes with the word of God for 77 years.
1948
In April, at the home of Bro. and Sis. John Embry, St. John Baptist Church was organized under the leadership of Rev. William Bell. The church was located at the corner of Fifth and Toner Streets for two years. The membership consisted of Deacon John Embry, Church Clerk, Sis. Sara Jorden Hunter and ten members. First Pastor, Rev. William Bell served from April 10, 1948, until his death on September 6, 1950.
Rev. William Bell
1950
St. John was then served by two Acting Pastors: Rev. R.H. Miller from 1950 to 1951 and Rev. Johnson from 1951 to 1952.
1953
In July, the church called Rev. William T. Neal as Pastor. Under his leadership, church membership grew, and relocation was necessary. During this time, Rev. Neal held services in his home and baptisms took place in the Service Station grease pit. One of the first Baptisms was Sis. Bernice Logan.
Rev. William T. Neal
1955
In February, construction of the church began on Kenton Street. The building was raised and digging of the basement began. This construction made it impossible to have worship services, so a tent was sent up in the backyard of the church. Bro. Stanley Lightfoot and Bro. Robert Williams Sr. were added to the Deacon Board. The first Usher Board was organized with Sis. Martha Johnson as President. Basement was completed and dedication services were held on April 10th.
Tent set up in the backyard of church construction site on Kenton Street.
1956
In August, the new Baptism pool and Auditorium complete and dedication services were held.
1962
The Laying of the Corner Stone.
1960
The 1st Church Bus was purchased.
1970
Rev. Neal became ill and was unable to Pastor. During this time Rev. Walter Russell and Rev. William Allen served as acting Pastors. Rev. W. T. Neal passed on May 6, 1973.
1973
November 14th, Rev. Fred D. Croney served as Pastor until his resignation in 1982.
Rev. Fred D. Croney
1977
May 8th, a special meeting was held by Pastor Croney to discuss a negotiation to purchase Northside Baptist Church at 649 Price Avenue for $130,000. July 16, St. John Missionary Baptist purchased the property. On October 23, church members marched to their new church on Price Avenue. Dedication services were on October 30, 1977.
1981
The William T. Neal Library was dedicated.
1982
Rev. Fred Croney gave his formal resignation as pastor, effective Dec. 31st.
1983
June 15th, the church called Rev. Henry Poyntz, Jr. to pastor. Under his leadership, there were twelve Associate Ministers, eight Deacons and five Trustees.
Several committees were formed:
New Members Committee, Stewardship Committee, Brotherhood reorganized, and Baptist Training Union (BTU) reorganized.
Rev. Henry Poyntz, Jr.
1984
May 27th, Church purchased a Parsonage located at 653 Price Avenue of $20,000. A fire destroyed the parsonage on February 4, 1985. A new van was purchased.
1988
Rev. Henry Poyntz resigned as pastor and Rev. Russell serves as Acting Pastor while the church searched for new Pastor. Deacon Alvinus White was the Acting Moderator.
1989
July 9, Rev. Jerome Norwood accepted the call to Pastor St. John Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Norwood ordained 6 Deacons and formed several organizations: Gideon's Army, Children's Church, New Members Class, Nominating Committee, Church Council, Television and Radio Ministry, Praise Team, Brotherhood Choir, Outreach to Destitute Churches, Juvenile Detention Ministries, Blackburn Correctional Institute Program and the monthly newsletter. Property purchased at 655 and 657 Price Avenue and the property developed into a parking lot and a handicapped ramp was built.
Rev. Jerome Norwood
1991
February 10, the Church Mortgage at 649 Price Avenue was paid off and a mortgage burning celebration was held.
1999
January 31, Minister Lynn Bradley was the first woman licensed to preach at St. John Missionary Baptist Church.
2000
St. John moved to 511 Thurman Drive. The church on Price Avenue was sold in June.
2002
In August, St. John Southeast location was established on Centre Parkway, under the pastorate of Minister Robert Williams Jr. and Minister Anna Williams. In 2008, St. John Southeast location was closed due to non-renewal of lease.
2003
In January, three female Deacons and two female Trustees were added.
2017
September 17, God blessed us to pay off our church mortgage at 511 Thurman Drive.
Label Here
2019
Under Pastor Norwood, the church had eleven Elders, four Ministers, ten Deacons, and nine Trustees.
2020
Kentucky Governor, Andy Beshear recommended that all churches cancel in-person services due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. St. John Missionary Baptist Church initiated a Reopening Task Force to properly meet safety measures based on the guidance from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The first meeting was held on May 14, 2020. Reopening Task Force Members: Bishop Jerome Norwood, Bro. Roy Woods, Deacon Theo Babb, Sis. Janice Towles, Bro. Harry Allen, Sis. Mary Porter, Sis. Carol Davis, and Sis. Lois Babb.
2021
March 7th, St. John reopened for in person and virtual services.
2022
In July, Pastor Norwood announces to the congregation that he would be retiring July 2023. In November, Pastor Search Committee selected by the church: Sis. Lois Babb, Deacon Theo Babb, Elder Randel Bush, Sis. Kathy Padgett, Sis. Mary Porter, Sis. Janice Towles, Bro. Roy Woods and two Alternates: Sis. Janet King and Bro. Harry Allen.
2023
In July, Bishop Jerome Norwood retired as Pastor of St. John Missionary Baptist Church. In August, Pastor Search Committee recommended Elder Randel Bush be Interim Pastor and the church approved.
Present
In July, Pastor Henry McMullen accepted the call to become Senior Pastor of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church. In August, his first sermon as Pastor of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church. On October 6th, Pastor Henry P. McMullen was installed as Senior Pastor of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church. St. John has eleven Elders, three Ministers, eight Deacons and nine Trustees. We are currently looking for our great Pastor by trusting God and praying for the Lord’s guidance. God has always smiled on our wonderful special amazing church!