Church History

he St. John's Baptist Church began in 1948. The Reverend T. O. Mitchell, who was pastor of Union Baptist Church, was led to organize another church. So, in July of 1948, the land was purchased; and St. John's was born.

With Rev. T. O. Mitchell as its first pastor and organizer, and with a small but enthusiastic group of members, the first building was erected at this present site. It was a small frame building; however, with the help of God, the membership began to grow. But in 1952, the first small frame building was destroyed by fire.

In January 1953, ground was broken for a new building. Times were hard and progress was slow. But in July 1955, the new brick building was completed enough to move into. Rev. T. O. Mitchell and other men of the church worked untiringly to erect this structure. After moving into the building, the pastor and members continued to do additional work during the following years. St. John’s grew and prospered, becoming one of the best known churches in the city and the surrounding

After more than a year without a pastor, the church’s prayers were heard. In 1965, God placed in the hearts of the church members Rev. Jesse Lee Davenport, who, at the time, served as an associate minister under Rev. J. H. Chapman, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Frederick, Oklahoma.

Rev. J. L. Davenport was called, and he accepted the challenge to lead our church. He officially became the pastor on the second Sunday in May 1965, and he became the second pastor in the history of St. John’s Church. Pastor Davenport started a vigorous ministry of teaching and preaching, seeking to stimulate the membership and to enlarge the flock of God.

St. John’s has grown from a one-building structure to four buildings. More than 3.5 million dollars have been invested in buildings, land, and equipment to enhance the many ministries supported by St. John’s.

For 22 years, we sponsored the gospel program, "Moments of Experiencing God’s Goodness." We pioneered support for the aged through mobile meals. For over 20 years, we have regularly sent substantial financial support to the Suehn Mission Station in Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa. Thousands of dollars were sent to colleges and other institutions yearly. Locally, we spend several thousand dollars annually for housing, utilities, food, and clothing for the needy of this church and those who are unchurched.

We have completed building The Family Life Center as part of our total commitment to Christian education. We have developed an Education and Media Center that is the most efficient educational program known for the total training needs of our church.

We believe that the only way to please God is to be dedicated to what He is dedicated to. And He has told us what He is dedicated to: He said, "I came that you might have life, and that in abundance. . ." He gave us a commission: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and TEACHING them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age . . ." (St. Matt. 28:19-20 [NIV]).

We have discovered that ours is a teaching ministry. St. Paul asks some very important questions: "How then shall they call on him whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they be sent?" (Romans 10:14-15.) We must tell them through teaching and preaching.

God has continued to bless our church. First, we believe it is because He loves us and has bestowed His grace upon us as a family. Second, we believe it is because we truly want to do His will.

After thirty years of surrendering to God his heart and hands, through which to love and serve humanity without reservations, our pastor, Rev. Dr. Jesse Lee Davenport entered into eternal rest on Friday, 14 January 1994. The St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church feels blessed and eternally grateful to God for placing Dr. Davenport over this flock for more than thirty years.

In October of 1994, the church unanimously called Rev. Dr. Robert E. Fowler Sr. to pastor St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church. Our pastor coupled a strong love for people with a determined vision from God. He combined the integrity of the Scriptures with the zeal of a preacher, and our services were electrified with the presence of God. In November of 1996, Dr. Fowler was called to lead another ministry.

God’s blessings continued to fall upon St. John's as Rev. Tyrone Turner Sr. was called and elected to serve as pastor in May of 1997.

We rejoice and honor God for all He has done through the St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church. We do not know what the future holds, but we have a strong grip on God’s hand, which holds the future.