Can you imagine a place born from a picnic? That’s part of the story of Saint John Baptist Church. This church has deep roots in the Dallas area. Saint John Baptist Church started with just 13 visionary members back in 1921. They were W. L. Thames, Hattie Thames, Arch Long, and many others.
Initially known as St. John Missionary Baptist Church, the congregation first gathered at Evening Chapel A.M.E. Saint John Baptist Church met there on the first and third Sundays. Later, they moved their meetings to the Dalworth School. This was the designated school for Black students at the time. Saint John’s first building was once an old store. They bought it using money from a July 4th picnic in 1923.
In its early years, Saint John Baptist Church was on El Paso Street in Grand Prairie. Nine pastors served there. They included Reverends W. Scott and C. J. Morse. Then came Rev. J.V. Williams. He led the church to purchase a future home on Spike Street. He also gave the old store building a makeover. During World War II, members often helped both Saint John and Evening Chapel A.M.E. because of manpower shortages.
Rev. L.A. Hancock, another pastor, got approval to buy an army chapel in 1941. The members raised funds to purchase, move, and rebuild the chapel. It stood at 2133 Spikes Street. A new sanctuary balcony and rededicated classrooms came in 1955 under Rev. R. M. Lester. Saint John Baptist Church experienced significant growth during these years. Rev B.E. Collie arrived in 1957. He cleared the church’s debt and bought essential items. These included pews and a new organ. The St. John Credit Union was also established. The Medallion Apartment Complex was purchased under Rev. Collie’s leadership. It later became a Dallas County HeadStart Program location.
Extensive repairs and remodeling came under Rev. Leonard Jordan in 1968. He also improved the parking lot and started the youth choir. Saint John Baptist Church became very active in the community.
In 1991, Rev. Denny D. Davis became the 17th pastor. The membership grew significantly. The church expanded to over 50 ministries. It started holding five weekend worship services. Saint John Baptist Church retired a $500,000 mortgage in 1995. Groundbreaking for the Vision 2000 building project occurred in 1997. By 2001, a four-story complex was completed without any debt. It included the Life-Time Athletic Family Center and classrooms.
Saint John Baptist Church established the North Family Fellowship in 1999. They met at hotels before dedicating a converted warehouse in Southlake in 2000. In 2003, services expanded to NextStage Auditorium. This helped accommodate the overflow from the Grand Prairie location.
In 2006, Saint John Baptist Church broke ground in Southlake. The new facility opened in 2007. It featured a large sanctuary and a Family Life Center. To support the community, the H.O.P.E. Outreach Center opened in 2005. Victory Place Counseling Center followed in 2009. The Grand Prairie campus received a historical landmark designation in 2009.
Saint John Baptist Church celebrated its first centennial in 2021. The church continues to serve God and its community. The founding members’ vision lives on. Saint John Baptist Church’s journey from a humble beginning to a pillar of the community is truly inspiring. As you stand here, remember the dedication and faith that built this remarkable Saint John Baptist Church.