On June 11, 1961, 27 initial
and 60 charter members formed the St. John's Methodist Church at Highland
Road School. The first pastor was Rev. Thomas M. Babington, III.
Services were held for 2 months at Highland High School, and then at a
rental house on Kimbor Drive. Property for the church was purchased
that fall, and the groundbreaking took place in August, 1962. The
first service in the new church was held on April 14, 1963.
By the end of the decade, membership
had risen to 275 and a day care program had been started. In 1972,
the first organ was purchased, and the educational building was acquired
the following year. Constructed in the 1930's, the building was purchased
from the University Presbyterian Church for $1. The building was
dedicated on October 7, 1973. An 8:30 service was started while Rev.
Robert W. Bengtson was pastor (1976-1978).
While Rev. Thomas A. Dunbar
was pastor (1978-1984), the Fellowship Hall and Gym were built, the sanctuary
was remodeled, and the parking lot was enlarged. In 1984, a pipe
organ and parsonage were purchased.
In the 1990's, 3 acres of adjacent
property were purchased (for $165,000), the sanctuary was remodeled (6
pews were added), and several staff positions were added. Current
seating capacity in the church is 292.
SOURCE: History of St. John's |
