The history of Saint John Baptist Church is a testimony to God’s provision, preservation, and fulfillment of His purpose. Saint John traces its beginnings back to 1874, when a Sunday school was organized in an area of York County, Va., known as Black Swamp Hill (the present location of the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station). Humphrey Payne served as the first superintendent. Classes were held each Sunday, except the first Sunday, when the group would attend First Baptist Church-Williamsburg to worship and receive Holy Communion.

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In 1879, a group of worshipers from Black Swamp Hill began discussions with a peer group known as the Queens Creek Wing about establishing a church. Deacon John Roberts led the Black Swamp Hill Wing, and Brother Jacob Holmes led the Queens Creek Wing. Both men were members of First Baptist Church, Williamsburg. Together, the two Wings consisted of approximately 53 members.

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A petition was made to First Baptist for permission to establish a church in York County, Va. The petition was granted, and the church was formally organized. A committee of seven persons was appointed to suggest a name. The proposal of Deacon John Roberts, Sr., to call the church Saint John Baptist Church was adopted.

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The newly formed body then called a recognizing council composed of the following area ministers: Rev. John M. Dawson (First Baptist Church, Williamsburg), Rev. L. W. Wales Sr. (Mount Ararat Baptist Church, Williamsburg), Rev. Edward Cheeseman (Shiloh Baptist Church, Yorktown), Rev. Charles H. Green (Grafton Baptist Church, Grafton), and Rev. Thomas Wright (Rising Sun Baptist Church, Lackey). The council recognized the body as an independent church in 1884, and Rev. John M. Dawson served as the first pastor. The first deacons were John Roberts Sr., Andrew Randall, Jacob Holmes Sr., John Banks, Thomas Hardy, Isaac Wynne, and Monroe Lee.

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In July 1886, the Board of Trustees secured a parcel of land in York County containing approximately one-half acre. A deed was made between John Roberts Sr. and Margaret Roberts, his wife (members of St. John), and John Roberts, Jacob Holmes, and Andrew Randall, trustees of Saint John, in consideration of the sum of Eight Dollars ($8.00). The first church was built on this property. Since the late 19th century, this area has been locally known as “the Reservation.”

In 1911, Rev. William Green was elected pastor. He died after serving only three months. Rev. John Dawson returned to serve as interim pastor until the election of Rev. William Knight, who served 1911–1912.

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Rev. James H. Edwards of York County, Va., was called as the fourth pastor in 1912. During his pastorate, a presidential proclamation gave the U.S. government the right to acquire the church's property by eminent domain.

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On November 1, 1918, all landowners were ordered to “abandon such land within thirty days; just compensation to be worked out later.” On November 15, 1918, a petition was signed by 80 families asking that they be given until the spring to find adequate housing. The date was extended to April 1919.

St. John’s congregation eventually agreed to accept and receive from the United States government the award of Four Thousand One Hundred and Sixty Dollars ($4,160.00). The trustees—Walter Roberts, Joseph Hundley, Samuel Taliaferro, Moses Lee, and James Payne, Sr.—secured a parcel of land in the Bruton District of York County containing approximately five acres. The land was purchased on Penniman Road for $375.00, and a new building was completed by 1922.

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Though enduring a difficult time, membership grew to more than 100. Contributions were made to Home Missions and Virginia State College (now Virginia State University), and the church became affiliated with the Tidewater Peninsula Baptist Association. As Rev. Edwards’ health failed, Rev. Daniel Davenport, a member of St. John, and other ministers from the area supplied the pulpit. Rev. Edwards passed in 1938, having served faithfully for more than 25 years.

Following Rev. Edwards were Rev. George T. Hall (1940–1949), Rev. E. L. Alexander (1949–1951), and Rev. Oscar E. Davis (1953–1957). The church prospered, new ministries were organized, and the gospel continued to be proclaimed.

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In August 1958, Rev. Solomon M. Wesley became the eighth pastor of Saint John Baptist Church. At only 25 years old, Rev. Wesley brought unique energy, motivating older members while inspiring the young. He initiated the change to hold morning worship services each first through fourth Sunday and oversaw the organization of several auxiliaries. These included the Men’s Chorale (later Men’s Chorus), Junior Usher Board (1/17/1960), Nurse’s Aide (5/11/1961), Boy Scouts (5/11/1961), Busy Bees, Hospitality Committee (now Hospitality Guild), and Altar Guild.

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Growth during the next five years created the need for additional space. Members committed to a building campaign, and on June 1, 1969, the new edifice was dedicated. Improvements continued in the decades that followed, including a $350,000 expansion providing classrooms and meeting space.

Rev. Wesley retired in August 2004 after 46 years as pastor of Saint John. In appreciation of his faithful leadership and service, the church conferred upon him the title Pastor Emeritus.

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A search committee was appointed to begin the process of selecting the next pastor. Deacon Brady Graham ably led the congregation during the initial interim period following Rev. Wesley’s retirement. Though without a pastor for more than two years, God continued to add new members. During this time, four members were ordained and licensed: Associate Minister Alverita Mack (ordained in 2005) and three sons of the church licensed to ministry—Minister Rex Ellis (2005), Minister Raymond Palmer (2006), and Minister Quinzel Chestnut (2007).

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In the years that followed, leadership during the absence of a pastor continued faithfully. Deacon Curtis L. Lassiter guided the church through the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing stability and direction in an unprecedented time. He was succeeded by Deacon Bernard Payne, who ably led the congregation through the remainder of the pandemic and the season when the pastoral search committee was formed.

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Rev. Walter Hudson became the ninth pastor in June 2007. Under his leadership, the congregation was called to spiritual growth through Bible study and deeper community involvement in evangelism and outreach. New ministries included Jail Ministry (2007), Family and Friends Fellowship, Culinary Ministry, Junior Missionaries (2009), Intercessory Prayer Ministry, Children’s Ministry, Marriage Ministry, Health Ministry, and Praise Team Ministry, as well as participation in Warm Nights (a Community of Faith Mission partnership providing shelter for the homeless) and the Magruder School “Good News Club” (an evangelism program reaching unchurched elementary students).

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Ministers licensed and ordained during Rev. Hudson’s tenure include Rev. Lynn Spratley, Minister Melvin Habersham, Minister Patricia Habersham, Minister Marlon Spratley, Minister Carla Payne, Rev. Carlon Lassiter, and Minister Wendy Muse.

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In January 2023, Rev. Dr. Carlon L. Lassiter became the tenth pastor of Saint John Baptist Church. Under his leadership, the congregation has continued to build on its rich legacy. The church purchased property on Lodge Road and implemented a three-year strategic plan to guide its growth, ministry, and community engagement into the future.

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We are privileged to be part of this history, and we are thankful for the hand of God not only on those who came before us but also upon us in our own day. TO GOD BE THE GLORY, GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!