Our History

“The History of St. John Baptist Church: A Journey Through Faith” 

“Humble Beginnings…1879-1936”  

Founded on Thursday, November 20, 1879, by Reverend Green Hunter, St. John Baptist Church became a cornerstone of worship in Gainesville, GA and has served the community, faithfully, for 145 years. A former slave who had his first educational training in the basement of Friendship Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA, Reverend Hunter provided a rich heritage and foundation of dedication, determination, and true leadership. During his 13 years of pastoral leadership, he founded and built three meeting houses and ordained four deacons. Reverend Green Hunter saw the need for, ‘the gathering of saints for worship’ and established several churches through-out the North Georgia area. Inspiring the members, he called together a group of men to say: “Let’s make a mark on Gainesville by ‘bringing into being’ the St. John Missionary Baptist Church.”  

Reverend Hunter’s nephew, A.F. Marshall, says of Reverend Green Hunter in his book Slavery to Segregation, The Life of Rev. Green Hunter, “The colored community was in need of organization, social structure, work, housing, education, and places to gather for moral support…The Church became an epicenter, conducting all sorts of critical functions needed to help the colored community with everyday needs… quenching the religious thirst of men and women released from bondage.” He knew that ‘obedience is God’s excuse to bless us.’ Through his constant prayers, along with great saints like Deacons Green Stephens, Joe Jordan, General Fields, Elijah Bryant, and Melvin Butler; and members like Dr. N.A. Doyle and Mrs. Asbury Rucker, this church, as well as possibly 50 others he founded or co-founded during his 80 years of ministry, focused its attention on the blessings of the Lord. Reverend Hunter loved the people of Gainesville and as a result, places were named in his honor, the Green Hunter Nursery and the Green Hunter Housing Units on Athens Street.  

Following Reverend Green Hunter’s effective and successful leadership during the early to mid-1900’s, Reverends Washington, Pascal, W.M. Dorsey, Means, Parks, and Albert J. Rucker served as St. John’s pastors through the years.   The eighth pastor, Reverend Eugene J. Thompson, affectionately known as “Professor”, helped further develop St. John through the purchase of new pews, an organ and organization of the church choirs; most notably, the senior choir. After leaving St. John, he was asked to return to Gainesville to head the Baptist School which was founded by and operated under the auspices of the Northwestern Baptist Association. He held the position until his death in 1941. 

St. John continued to grow over the years as pastors Harris, H.H. Anderson, H.D. Martin, H.M. Smith, B.B. Williams, and S.M. Weaver came to serve. Each served short terms. Reverend I.J. Watson was a resident of Gainesville and briefly served as interim pastor following Reverend Weaver’s departure until Reverend J.C. Gaffney was called. Throughout the years, Reverend Watson, a supply pastor, served many interim terms as the search committees worked to find new pastors. The church continued to grow, serving more and more citizens of Gainesville, GA and the surrounding areas. 

“Creating a Legacy…1936-1956”  

Later, in the mid-40s, Reverend W.D. Norfleet became pastor of St. John. During his tenure, the Mother’s Board and Junior Choir were organized. As the children grew older, this choir changed its name to the Young Adult Choir, and later became known as the Angelic Voices.   After Reverend Norfleet, Reverend H.H. Fortson, a Morehouse graduate, pastored St. John for 20 years, from 1936 to 1956, and plans were underway to build a new church. It was during this time that Deacon Frank Wilburn’s minutes show that nine deacons and Rev. H.H. Fortson met with Judge A.C. Wheeler to form a corporation. This corporation was empowered to borrow $5,000 from the First National Bank in order to pay for the building for the Church at the corner of Athens and High streets. The entire Board of Deacons was named as Trustees and Directors of the Corporation. The new church was built in 1941 and still stands today as our historic sanctuary building complex.   Reverend H. H. Fortson became the director of the Northwestern School and served until the school was closed as a private school and integrated into the Gainesville City School system. Reverend Fortson served until his death in 1956.  

Following Reverend Fortson’s death, Reverend Watson served again as a supply pastor until Reverend Thomas L. David was called to serve as pastor. During Reverend David’s leadership, new pews and a new organ were purchased. Reverend David later left St. John to become a Chaplain in the armed forces. He is remembered as the pastor who enjoyed visiting the homes of his members.  

“Spiritual and Physical Growth…Expansion…1957-1966”  

Reverend Warren G. Parsons, a Morehouse graduate, became the next pastor in 1957. It was during his leadership that the educational area of the church building was completed.   Reverend Parsons organized the Birth Month Clubs and fundraising activities to support the educational ministry. These clubs continued raising money for the church’s building fund. The Deaconess Board was also organized while he was pastor.   Reverend Harold C. Turner followed Reverend Parsons and was installed as pastor in 1962. These were times of turmoil in the African American community, and at the height of the Civil Rights era. Reverend Turner was an active member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and through the church, continued in the struggle for equal rights. He was very interested in trying to open doors of opportunity for young people in the church.  

“Knowing…Growing…Serving…and Sharing Christ…1967-1991”  

On April 16, 1967, Reverend C.T. Hester was installed as pastor. Much began to take place under his leadership. The church continued to progress with the hiring of a salaried financial secretary, Veronica Castleberry. The church purchased a new typewriter and mimeograph machine for the church office, a heating and air- conditioning system, church bus, sound system, organ, piano, and pews.         In addition, renovations were underway for roofing, lighting, church steeple, kitchen upgrades, remodeling the sanctuary, library, baptismal, and restroom facilities. The library was named in honor of Clara Poole.   Reverend Hester organized and founded the Children’s Choir, affectionately known as the C.T.  Heavenly Voices. He was always a great supporter and organizer of and for his deacons, trustee board, usher boards, directing guests, and the choirs. During his 20 years of service, he pushed for more Christian involvement of youth ages 20-45 in the Young Adult Christian Circle. He always encouraged St. John to be the best in the church and throughout the community.  

Reverend Hester served as Moderator of the Northwestern Baptist Association for two terms.  Because of his involvement with the Association, our church served as committed members  of this Association in each department: Missions, Youth for Christ, Laymen, Ushers, Men’s,  and Women’s. 

Reverend Hester resigned in 1991 after 24 years of devoted, spiritual leadership. He was guided by faith, hope and love. Reverend Hester truly led with a servant’s heart. He left St. John well-organized and equipped to continue making a positive difference in the Gainesville community. 

“Spiritual Growth and Building Expansion…1992-2007”  

Holding true to the mission of the church and continuing the legacy of spiritual development and growth, Reverend Eugene L. Green was installed as pastor of St. John in August 1992. Under his leadership, the members of the church were encouraged to study the Word. His belief in a solid Christian Education led to his service as Vice Moderator of the Northwestern Baptist Association.  

He continued outreach at St. John which was manifested through the start of  the Love Kitchen, Crisis Ministry, Children’s Church, Pansy Ministry, the Tape Ministry  for the sick and shut in, and the Praise Team. Wednesday night Bible Study for adults, teens  and children was enhanced.  

Reverend Green saw the need for the church to provide transportation for members without transportation. This led to the purchase of two vans and a Crystal Shuttle bus.  

In service to God, church members and community, Reverend Green’s vision of Christ-like  worship and service grew far beyond the walls of St. John. His mission of caring, quality of  leadership and dedication to community outreach attracted people of all ages, all walks of  life and all cultural and religious backgrounds.  

As the church continued to grow, there was a need for more space- space for worship, ministry, and community impact. Reverend Green led the church on an ambitious faith journey to build a new worship center for the Lord.  

This vision became reality as the St. John family along with the Gainesville community celebrated the dedication of the new church on May 21, 2006. There were two services, 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. The Praise Team, led by First Lady Gladys Green, opened the doors of the church to begin spirit-filled experiences. 

After nearly 15 years of service, Reverend Green resigned. He left a legacy of expanding the vision and harvesting the future with love, compassion, and grace. 

“Community of Love…Striving for Excellence…2008-2021”  

Pastor Stephen P. Samuel joined the St. John family as Pastor in June of   2008. Believing that the Lord placed us together through His divine and perfect plan,  his focus was to assist the church in the upbuilding of the Lord’s church, “seeking and  reaching those who were lost and teaching those who were found.”  

During his service, Pastor Samuel preached in season and out of season and  shared the vision of many of his predecessors. The Praise Team grew. Worship and music leaders were empowered. This empowerment led to St. John’s first community Holiday Celebration: ‘Go Tell It on the Mountain.’ The church also partnered with the Community Health Initiative with Northeast GA Medical Center and the community food distribution with the Sunshine Seniors that fed hundreds of people before and during the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Pastor Samuel placed emphasis on Monday Night Discipleship, Wednesday Night Bible Study classes and continued community service and evangelism. The church was involved in many outreach ministries: Project Hope, distribution of turkeys to the community and the Dorcas Circle’s Community Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Dinner. The Tape and Pansy ministries expanded. Children’s Church was revived, along with other ministries such as the Love Kitchen, Pastor’s Support Ministry, Ushers Ministry, and Thursday at Noon Bible Study.  

His leadership highlights include… Initiating all Social Media Outreach, Streaming Services, Online Giving, and Multi-Platform Ministry Content. Under his leadership, Janice McGruder served as the first female treasurer.  

Pastor Samuel served as 9th District President for the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia and President of the Ministers’ Education for the Congress of Christian Education. St. John will forever be thankful for his leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic. There were many churches that closed their doors and did not reopen, but St. John continued to move forward.  

“Honoring Our Legacy, Embracing Our Future…2022-Present”  

In 2023, Pastor Joshua A. Thomas, Sr., First Lady Candice, and their three young children—Ava, Joshua Jr., and Chandler Van Lear—joined the St. John congregation from Baltimore, MD, bringing a new era of leadership and vision. Pastor Thomas’ installation service on March 18, 2023, drew a packed crowd that filled the facility to capacity and over 20,000 viewers who joined the event online. 

Pastor Thomas introduced a progressive ministry mindset focused on robust Biblical education, engaging Spirit-led worship, vibrant ministry offerings, and activities for all ages, intentionally structuring the church for future growth. Demonstrating the church’s commitment to growth, under Pastor Thomas’ leadership, St. John purchased land at 786 Norwood Street, Gainesville, GA in July 2023, which was fully paid in cash. 

St. John has become a place of gender equality in church leadership. At Pastor Thomas’ recommendation, the church, unanimously, voted to ordain women as Deaconesses, creating a new diaconate board that includes both male Deacons and female Deaconesses. The first ordination for women in the diaconate was held on November 18, 2023, as part of the 144th church anniversary celebration. 

In 2024, the congregation embarked on a Spiritual Growth Journey, establishing small group Bible studies and topical classes, available both in person and online. Weekly Sunday worship attendance has continued to grow, both in-person and online. We look forward with anticipation to see what God will continue to do in the life of the St. John Baptist Church. 

Pastor Thomas’ dedication to the Lord’s work touches our hearts and souls daily. His guidance, wisdom, hard work, uplifting spirit, unwavering faith, and devoted love for our Heavenly Father gives us much joy.  

We remain grateful for the Lord’s faithfulness and press forward in bold faith, committed to honoring our legacy and embracing our future—for the glory of God.