Church History
St. John Baptist Church
A Chronological Profile (1875 - 2025)
Celebrating 150 Years of Faith, Service & Community
SESQUICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
1875 - 2025 | Corpus Christi, Texas
Timeline Overview
- Founding Years (1872-1920) - Establishing the Foundation
- Growth & Evangelism (1921-1955) - Building the Ministry
- Branch Era (1956-1988) - 32 Years of Transformation
- Johnson Innovation (1989-1997) - Modern Ministry Development
- Reaves Leadership (1998-2025) - Purpose-Driven Growth
150 Years by the Numbers
- Years of Ministry - 150
- Pastors Served - 17
- Church Locations - 4
- People Reached (2025) - 1,223
- Gospel Presentations (2025) - 314
- Professions of Faith (2025) - 210
Founding Years (1872-1920) - Establishing the Foundation
1872 - THE GENESIS: MT. SALEM FOUNDATION
The Free Mission Society landed at the fast-growing town of Indianola. Mt. Salem Free Mission Baptist Church was organized on May 19th - becoming the spiritual parent from which St. John would emerge.
Historical Context: This was just seven years after the end of the Civil War, during Reconstruction when newly freed African Americans were establishing their own religious institutions across Texas.
1875 - ST. JOHN BAPTIST CHURCH ORGANIZED
MILESTONE: CHURCH FOUNDED
St. John Free Mission Baptist Church was organized as the first Baptist church among African Americans in Corpus Christi. This historic moment marked the beginning of 150 years of faithful ministry.
Key Facts:
- Direct offspring of Mt. Salem Free Mission Baptist Church
- Established during rapid growth in Corpus Christi
- Founded on principles of faith, community, and service
1876 - FIRST TEMPLE OF WORSHIP
Purchased lot at 1000 N. Broadway Street and built the first temple of worship. This modest beginning demonstrated the congregation's commitment to having a permanent place for worship and community gathering.
1910-1920 - STRATEGIC RELOCATION
Pastor: Rev. J.D. Daniels
Achievements:
- Purchased new lot at 1305 Ramirez Street
- Physically moved the Broadway building to the new location
- Demonstrated forward-thinking planning for church growth
Growth & Evangelism Era (1921-1955) - Building the Ministry
1921-1928 - ESTABLISHING REGULAR WORSHIP
Pastor: Rev. L.E. Brown - Strong Evangelist
Rev. Brown became the first full-time pastor, holding worship services every Sunday. This marked a significant step in the church's maturation and commitment to consistent spiritual leadership.
1929-1940 - BUILDING & MEMBERSHIP BOOM
Pastor: Rev. E.M. Random
Major Achievements:
- New church building erected at 1305 Ramirez Street
- Over 300 members added to the church
- Established strong foundation for future growth
- Period coincided with Great Depression, showing faith's resilience
1941-1945 - UNPRECEDENTED GROWTH & FINANCIAL FREEDOM
Pastor: Rev. John W. Williams
MILESTONE: TRANSFORMATIONAL YEARS
Major Achievements:
- 1,200 members added to the church
- Building front redesigned for growing congregation
- First educational annex built
- All debts paid off and notes ceremonially burned
This period during World War II demonstrated remarkable faith and community solidarity, with the church achieving complete financial freedom.
1945-1955 - LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT ERA
Pastoral Transitions:
- 1945: Rev. J.I. Jackson called
- 1946: Rev. B.F. Floyd called
- 1947-1948: Rev. B.D. Hinton served
- 1948-1952: Rev. J.T. Stewart served
- Launched radio ministry over station KWBU
- Ministry became city-wide and area-wide
- 1953-1955: Rev. Shelvin J. Hall served
- Focused on leadership development and training
- Prepared competent leaders for every church department
Branch Era (1956-1988) - Expansion & Modernization: 32 Years of Transformational Leadership
1956 - NEW ERA BEGINS
Pastor: Rev. Harold T. Branch
MILESTONE: BEGINNING OF 32 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP
Rev. Harold T. Branch accepted the pastorate on the fourth Sunday of January, beginning what would become the longest and most transformational pastoral tenure in church history.
What Made This Era Special: The Branch era would span 32 years and include major relocation, new construction, and the church's centennial celebration.
1958-1961 - HISTORIC MOVE TO GREENWOOD DRIVE
Timeline of Relocation:
- 1958: Purchased 3.5 acres on Greenwood Drive for $8,000
- 1959: Formed unified budget system
- 1960: Church voted to relocate to 5445 Greenwood Dr.
- 1961:
- Broke ground for new church home
- September: First fellowship held on new grounds
- October: Congregation moved into temporary facilities
- Applied and accepted for membership in Corpus Christi Baptist Association
1964-1975 - EXPANSION AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
Building Projects:
- 1964: Purchased and remodeled building for Boy Scouts activities ($2,500)
- 1968: Construction began on new Sanctuary (October 7)
- 1969:
- Sanctuary completed and dedicated (May 18)
- Day Care Center launched (September) with Sis. Thelma Caesar as Director
Ministry Expansion:
- 1971: Joined Mount Zion District Association and Missionary General Baptist Convention
- 1973:
- Balcony built to accommodate City Wide Youth Crusade
- Purchased passenger bus for expanded activities
1975 - 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
MILESTONE: CENTENNIAL
On November 2, 1975, St. John celebrated its 100th Anniversary - a remarkable milestone of faith, perseverance, and community service spanning an entire century.
Century of Service: From a small congregation meeting on Broadway Street to a thriving church with modern facilities on Greenwood Drive, the centennial marked 100 years of unwavering dedication to the Gospel.
1981-1988 - HONORING LEADERSHIP, PREPARING FOR CHANGE
Recognition and Transition:
- 1981: Honored Rev. Branch for 25 years at St. John and 50 years in ministry
- 1983: Children's Activity Building completed
- 1988:
- March: Rev. Branch retired after 32 years of faithful service
- April 6: Bestowed Emeritus title on Rev. Branch
Legacy of the Branch Era: 32 years of leadership that transformed St. John from a neighborhood church to a major religious institution in Corpus Christi.
Johnson Innovation Era (1988-1997) - Modern Ministry Development
1988-1989 - PASTORAL TRANSITION TO MODERN MINISTRY
Leadership Change:
- November 14, 1988: Congregation voted to call Rev. Wellington Anthony Johnson
- 1989: Rev. Johnson installed as Pastor
1989 - MINISTRY INNOVATION & EXPLOSIVE GROWTH
Pastor: Rev. Wellington A. Johnson
Membership Growth:
- 231 souls added by baptism
- 366 joined via statement and Christian experience
New Ministries Launched:
- Worship & Music:
- Quarterly Church Conference
- Bible Institute
- Echoes of Joy Choir
- Fellowship & Recognition:
- Christmas Banquet
- Scholarship Banquet
- Footprint Award
- Lest We Forget Memorial
- Media & Service:
- Tape Ministry
- Photography
- Ministry
- Drill Team
- Praise Team
Facility Improvements:
- Day Care Center renovated
- Parking lot repaved
- Two new vans purchased
1993 - $400,000 EDUCATIONAL BUILDING TRANSFORMATION
MILESTONE: MAJOR RENOVATION
Complete Renovation Project:
- Fellowship Hall and Kitchen completely refurbished
- 35' x 100' addition with comprehensive new facilities
New Facilities Added:
- Administrative:
- Church Office
- Finance Office
- Conference Room
- Orientation Office
- Ministry Spaces:
- Music Office
- Pastoral Reception Area
- Pastor's Study
- Community Areas:
- Nursery
- Library
- Computer Laboratory
- Ladies Lounge
- Two additional classrooms
Church families donated beautiful stained glass windows, making this a true community effort.
1996-1997 - HISTORICAL RECOGNITION & LEADERSHIP CHANGE
Recognition and Transition:
- 1996: Received Historical Marker from Nueces County Historical Commission (November 3)
- 1997:
- March 11: Rev. Johnson resigned after 8 years of transformational leadership
- April 23: Rev. Cecil C. Walker Jr. called as Coordinating Minister
Reaves Leadership Era (1998-2025) - Purpose-Driven Growth
1998 - REV. DERRICK E. REAVES BEGINS 27+ YEAR MINISTRY
MILESTONE: NEW PASTORAL ERA
Leadership Transition:
- May 13, 1998: Rev. Derrick E. Reaves accepted pastoral call
- October 1998: Installed as 17th Pastor of St. John Baptist Church
- First four months: 60% increase in worship attendance
1999 - PURPOSE-DRIVEN MINISTRY TRANSFORMATION
Pastor: Rev. Derrick E. Reaves
Five-Fold Church Purpose Defined: Worship • Evangelism • Discipleship • Ministry • Fellowship
Ministry Growth Achievements:
- Youth Ministry restructured: grew from 20 to over 75 youth (36% increase)
- Financial stewardship: Enhanced through General Fund Operating Procedures
- Evangelism: $11,500 Marquee purchased debt-free for daily outreach
- Leadership development: Personnel Manual designed
New Ministries & Programs:
Worship Innovation: Traditional and Contemporary services implemented
Education: Christian Life and Service Seminars (Classes 101, 201, 301)
Service: The Encouragers • Greeters • God's Love Support Group
Leadership: 23 members added to Trustee Board • Ministry Placement Team (SHAPE)
Results: 150+ persons joined via baptism and Christian experience. 52% attendance increase from dual worship services.
2000-2001 - DIGITAL MINISTRY & EXPANSION PLANNING
Technology Initiatives:
- State-of-the-art Sound System purchased
- Web Site Ministry launched - embracing digital outreach
- F.A.I.T.H. Evangelism Strategy implemented
Mission Project 2006 Vision:
- Purchased 4.5 acres for $10,000
- 70% increase in annual giving over three years
- Approved comprehensive building project including:
- Family Life Center
- Senior Citizen Residence complex
- Child Development Center
Vision: "Minister to the total person - spiritually, emotionally, physically and socially."
2005 - CHURCH BECOMES DEBT FREE!
MILESTONE: FINANCIAL FREEDOM
For the second time in church history, St. John achieved complete debt freedom - a testament to faithful stewardship and God's provision.
Historical Significance: This milestone echoed the 1945 achievement under Rev. Williams, demonstrating the church's consistent commitment to financial responsibility across different eras.
2007-2009 - EXPANDING REACH THROUGH MEDIA
Media Ministry Era:
- 2007: "Year of Prayer" - Mary K. Jackson became first female trustee
- 2008:
- Major renovation project completed
- Television Ministry launched (Fox MyKTOV, Public Access channels)
- Deacon Emeritus program established
- 2009:
- Celebrated decade of Pastor Reaves' leadership
- Pastor earned Doctorate from Dallas Theological Seminary
- Daily radio ministry established (KSGR 91.1 FM)
2011-2015 - STRUCTURAL IMPROVEMENTS & DIGITAL INNOVATION
Major Developments:
- 2011: Adopted Human Sexuality amendment and Ministry Core Values
- 2012: Dr. Harold T. Branch Baptist Mission Center built in partnership with STCS and CCBA
- 2014: One-on-One With God Discipleship Training, Church Three-Day Fast, Children/Youth area renovation
- 2015:
- Major parking lot and Fellowship Hall renovation
- Church Website launched
- Online giving made available
- Security Ministry established
2015 - CELEBRATING 140 YEARS OF MINISTRY
MILESTONE: 140TH ANNIVERSARY
Celebrated the 140th Church Anniversary and 54th Homecoming, marking another decade of faithful service and continued growth in ministry impact.
2016-2017 - SIMPLIFIED MISSION & CRISIS RESPONSE
Mission Simplification: Mission Statement simplified to: "Equip Christians to Love God, Love People and Make Disciples"
Key Events:
- 2016: Mission Process Development team created
- 2017:
- Hurricane Harvey damage and community relief efforts
- New Small Group curriculum: Disciples Path Journey
- Constitutional amendments and revised policies
- Milton (Joe) Grisham appointed deacon
2020-2021 - COVID-19 CRISIS & DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Crisis Response (2020):
- Government Stay at Home orders issued in March
- Church building temporarily closed for safety
- Administrative staff worked from home
- Online worship via YouTube and Facebook
- Food Bank ministry remained operational
- Implemented comprehensive safety protocols
Community Service (2021):
- St. John became COVID vaccination hub site
- Strategic 50% then 75% reopening phases
- 24/7 Prayer Line established
- Website redesigned with enhanced features
2021 - FULL REOPENING & 146TH ANNIVERSARY
MILESTONE: 146TH ANNIVERSARY
On Church Anniversary Sunday, November 14, 2021, St. John welcomed the congregation back to 100% capacity for the first time since the pandemic began.
Celebration Highlights:
- 146th Church Anniversary celebration
- 60th Homecoming recognition
- 23rd Pastoral Appreciation for Rev. Reaves
2022-2024 - STRATEGIC PLANNING & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Key Developments:
- 2022: Financial restructuring, personnel reclassification
- 2023:
- Emergency Succession Planning established
- Children's and Youth discipleship platform created
- Constitutional and Bylaws amendments
- 2024:
- 4th Sunday Community Fun for outreach
- 21 Days of Repentance and Prayer focused on Great Commission
- Baptismal Video Testimonies implemented
- Voters Registration Campaign
- 2025 Vision cast with two vital components
2025 - SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
MILESTONE: 150TH ANNIVERSARY
VITAL COMPONENT 1: MODIFIED WORSHIP SERVICES
Program Details:
- Starting: January 2025
- Schedule: 2nd and 4th Sundays, 10:45 a.m.
- Program: Gospel training sessions (in-house and virtual options)
Results (August 2025):
• 314 Gospel presentations delivered
• 210 professions of faith by God's grace
• 1,223 people heard the Gospel through outreach
Weekly QR Code Outreach: Every Sunday, members receive five Invite Cards for people they meet. Recipients scan QR codes to watch Pastor present the Gospel and receive Christ's salvation message.
VITAL COMPONENT 2: MULTI-GENERATIONAL L.Y.F.E. GROUPS
Implementation Details:
- Implementation: Q4 2025
- Structure: 5-8 groups, less than 15 people each
- Focus: Study, Support, Community Service
COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS
2025 Community Initiatives:
- Home Ownership Workshop implemented
- First Summer Gospel Concert featuring Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church (Houston, TX)
- Community-wide Job and Health Fair
- 150th anniversary commemorative souvenir book produced
Looking Forward
As St. John Baptist Church celebrates 150 years, we continue the mission to "Equip Christians to Love God, Love People and Make Disciples" - carrying forward the legacy of faith established in 1875 into the next century of service.
From 1875 to 2025: A testament to unwavering faith, community dedication, and God's faithful provision through every season of ministry.
Pastoral Leadership Summary
- 1910-1920: Rev. J.D. Daniels - Church relocation to Ramirez Street
- 1921-1928: Rev. L.E. Brown - First full-time pastor, weekly services
- 1929-1940: Rev. E.M. Random - New building, 300+ members added
- 1941-1945: Rev. John W. Williams - 1,200 members, educational annex, debt-free
- 1945-1955: Various Pastors - Radio ministry, leadership development
- 1956-1988: Rev. Harold T. Branch - 32 years: Greenwood relocation, major growth
- 1989-1997: Rev. Wellington A. Johnson - Ministry innovation, major renovations
- 1998-2025: Rev. Derrick E. Reaves - 27+ years: Purpose-driven ministry, 150th anniversary
