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Learn our history
The St John Baptist Church History
Upon this rock I will build my church. And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it
Matthew: 16:18 (KJV)
In true church form, the St John Baptist Church of Carrollton, Texas has indeed withstood the test of time. For 116 years, it has stood as a testimony to the truth of Christ's words noted above.
The history of this church is a two-fold story, as is common amongst African American church history. In their formative years, African American Baptist churches and African American Methodist churches would often share the same building. After years of slavery and the war of the states, the Negro people could no longer worship with their master. Rev Myers donated some land so that they could erect a place of worship. St John Baptist Church was named after John the Baptist of the Bible. Simms Chapel was name after Rev Wash Simms.
In the 1890’s when Carrollton Texas was known as Elm Forks settlement, the building was shared by St John’s Baptist Church and Simms Chapel Methodist Church. On the first and third Sundays, St John Baptist Church would gather for worship. The second and fourth Sundays Simms Chapel would gather to worship. On the fifth Sunday, the two churches would have a combined service.
St John and Simms Chapel stayed together for 31 years from 1890 to 1921. In 1921 the church bought land from Mrs. Fannie Mae Bush for $250.00 and paid her in installments of $25.00. The church has sat at its current location for over 85 Years and has been a fixture in Carrollton for close to 117 years. St John is the only African American structure still left in historic Downtown Carrollton.
The Founders and leaders of this great church left an indelible heritage. Rev A A Cobb led the church to great heights. Under his leadership, the church was successfully renovated. Rev May followed Rev Cobb. Under his leadership the membership grew to a full house. In 1956 Rev Ray Boswell became the pastor and remained faithful until his death in November 24, 1976. From 1979 to 1997 Rev Daniel McClane pastored the church. He served as a good and faithful servant until he became ill and the church had to close. In 1997 through GOD given vision, the Rev R Michael Stromile began pastoring the church by signature authority and witness of two members. Pastor Stromile is presently leading the church. Under his leadership and direction the membership of the church has grown from 3 members to the present day roll count of 50 + members. In addition to growing the membership he has lead the present restoration of this historic church building. Our motto is "We are a little piece of leather, but we are well put together". We are a “Nu Nation” crossing over to the promised land.
The author John Newton said it best “Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come, twas grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.” The history is only a short story of the 116 years of this church’s existence. This history is to serve as a reminder and documented keepsake for years to come.
Submitted by
Pastor R Michael Stromile
And
The St John Baptist Church Family
Upon this rock I will build my church. And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it
Matthew: 16:18 (KJV)
In true church form, the St John Baptist Church of Carrollton, Texas has indeed withstood the test of time. For 116 years, it has stood as a testimony to the truth of Christ's words noted above.
The history of this church is a two-fold story, as is common amongst African American church history. In their formative years, African American Baptist churches and African American Methodist churches would often share the same building. After years of slavery and the war of the states, the Negro people could no longer worship with their master. Rev Myers donated some land so that they could erect a place of worship. St John Baptist Church was named after John the Baptist of the Bible. Simms Chapel was name after Rev Wash Simms.
In the 1890’s when Carrollton Texas was known as Elm Forks settlement, the building was shared by St John’s Baptist Church and Simms Chapel Methodist Church. On the first and third Sundays, St John Baptist Church would gather for worship. The second and fourth Sundays Simms Chapel would gather to worship. On the fifth Sunday, the two churches would have a combined service.
St John and Simms Chapel stayed together for 31 years from 1890 to 1921. In 1921 the church bought land from Mrs. Fannie Mae Bush for $250.00 and paid her in installments of $25.00. The church has sat at its current location for over 85 Years and has been a fixture in Carrollton for close to 117 years. St John is the only African American structure still left in historic Downtown Carrollton.
The Founders and leaders of this great church left an indelible heritage. Rev A A Cobb led the church to great heights. Under his leadership, the church was successfully renovated. Rev May followed Rev Cobb. Under his leadership the membership grew to a full house. In 1956 Rev Ray Boswell became the pastor and remained faithful until his death in November 24, 1976. From 1979 to 1997 Rev Daniel McClane pastored the church. He served as a good and faithful servant until he became ill and the church had to close. In 1997 through GOD given vision, the Rev R Michael Stromile began pastoring the church by signature authority and witness of two members. Pastor Stromile is presently leading the church. Under his leadership and direction the membership of the church has grown from 3 members to the present day roll count of 50 + members. In addition to growing the membership he has lead the present restoration of this historic church building. Our motto is "We are a little piece of leather, but we are well put together". We are a “Nu Nation” crossing over to the promised land.
The author John Newton said it best “Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come, twas grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.” The history is only a short story of the 116 years of this church’s existence. This history is to serve as a reminder and documented keepsake for years to come.
Submitted by
Pastor R Michael Stromile
And
The St John Baptist Church Family