Recall December 8, 1960. On that day Reverend Malcolm Riker founded Saint John’s Episcopal Church. It started humbly as a “home church”. The congregation met in a residence on Caddo Street. This location was about two miles east of where we stand now. Saint John’s was one of four “Gospel” churches Father Riker initiated.
In February 1961 the church joined the Diocese of Texas. This happened at the annual church council. By 1963 the congregation had grown enough to erect a building at this very site. The street was then called “Pecusa”. That stood for Protestant Episcopal Church U.S.A.. Later Pecusa Street became part of Parkfield Drive. When Father Riker left in 1964 the church had grown from about 20 to almost 80 people.
Before 1981, several reverends served Saint John’s. These were Cooper, Jackson, Perry and Redmond. They were shared with other area churches. But in 1981 the Reverend Seth Deleery became Saint John’s first full-time vicar.
A significant addition to the original church building occurred in 1987. Reverend Murray Powell led this project. He served as vicar from 1984 until October 1992. In December 1992 Reverend Paul Taft became the 8th vicar. In February 1995 Saint John’s became a parish. Reverend Taft then became Saint John’s first rector.
February 1999 marked another milestone. The Reverend Albert R. Rodriguez became the first priest chosen through a search committee. Under Father Al’s guidance the congregation built a new worship space. It was constructed behind the original building. Bishop Don Wimberly dedicated the new sanctuary in September 2004. The original church building was remodeled. It now serves as the parish hall.
After Father Al’s retirement in December 2013, the Reverend Dr. Matthew Thomas Seddon became Priest-in-Charge in August 2014. He became Saint John’s rector in November 2014. Fr. Matt later accepted a position in Mexico City in October 2018.
In April 2019, the Reverend Ann McLemore became Interim Rector. Rev. Ann led the search for a new Rector. She also guided the church through the shift to online worship during the 2020 Covid19 Pandemic.
January 2021 saw the arrival of the Reverend Minerva Camarena Skeith. She became the Fifth Rector of Saint John’s Episcopal Church.
Today Saint John’s Episcopal Church continues its mission. The church is a community that heals brokenness. It builds bridges and exemplifies borderless kindness. Saint John’s offers services with quiet contemplation. There are also services with full choir hymns and praise songs. A Spanish language service is also offered.
Saint John’s holds music performance and streaming licenses. These are with both the CCLI and OneLicense services. The church welcomes all who seek spiritual growth. It is a place of unity and diversity.