A Brief History of St. John’s

Set apart for your worship, the building up of the living, and the remembrance of the dead, to the praise and glory of your Name

- from the Consecration of St. John’s, 1984

In 1789, Colonel Ransom Southerland donated land for a church in which “all denominations” could worship. The community took up a collection and built Wake Union Church serving different denominations for years. It was there that the Episcopal community was served by priests from Raleigh and, later, from Louisburg.

In the early 1920’s it was decided to also serve the needs of the Episcopal community at Wake Forest College, consequently services were moved to various locations in town - private homes, a funeral home, and a college classroom.

In 1953, a building campaign was initiated for a permanent church. On Christmas Day, 1955, the first service was held in St. John’s first home at 601 South Main Street, Wake Forest. Land on which St. John’s is now located was given in 1962. In 1982, a committee appointed by the Vestry began making plans for our present building.

On the Third Sunday of Advent, December 16, 1984, the second home for St. John’s Episcopal Church was consecrated. Lists for those who helped bring about both homes can be found in the narthex, and foundation stones for both are now found in the present foundation adjacent to the entrance.

In 2000, we began another building campaign to create the education building adjoining the church and parish hall. For three years now we have enjoyed this wonderful addition for a lively preschool during the week, an ample space for Sunday school, and a special place for adult programs.

Our history belongs to the realization that, indeed,

God has moved his people to build houses of prayer and praise, set apart places for the ministry of his Holy Word and Sacraments.

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