St. John No. 2 M. B. Church History 1870 – 2012
142 Blessed Years in Existence
Giving Honor to our Father who is:
Our Redeemer
Our Comforter
Our Guide
Our Teacher
And to our Shepherd of this Great Church, Rev. Arthur J. Hannah, Sister Hannah,
Guest Pastor, Rev. Collins and Sister Collins, Visiting Ministers, Visiting friends and our St. John Church family,
We praise Almighty God for this joyous celebration of St. John No. 2 M. B. Church History, which I would like to share.
At the close of the Civil War, a faithful group of Christians came together to worship God and organize St. John. #2 Missionary Baptist Church. For many years they worshipped God under a Brush Arbor. With the sound of the War song ringing in their ear and uttered from their soul “Glory Hallelujah, His truth is marching on”. The members had a burning desire to erect a building. The Rev. Mose Walker donated the land.
In 1876, Reverend J.H. Bond led the membership into the first church building. Some of the other ministers that kept the church on the upward march were: Rev. Sye Chatman, Rev. Aubrey Walker, Rev. Jake Dawson, Rev. Joe Transou, and Rev. Mose Walker.
In 1910, the Rev. Ferguson let the congregation into another church building, followed by other ministers serving which were; Rev. Perkins, Rev. Oren Howell, assisted by Rev. Wake Bond.
God sent a dynamic preacher named Rev. E. Motley, the church was packed to capacity as he expounded on the word of God.
Another God sent minister was Rev. A. Terrell, who was loyal, and taught the church to be strong in the doctrine and the works of God.
At the height of the depression, God sent us a pastor, community leader, civic and welfare leader, a business advisor, a friend, and a teacher; the Rev. L. Nelson.
In 1948 a new brick building was erected and many new ministries were established. After the pastoral ship of Rev. L. Nelson the Rev J. L Webb was called to pastor.
In 1961, Rev. Webb was called to another church which left us in the capable hands of assistant pastors; Rev. Roger Henning and Rev. Henry Greer.
Rev. B. F. Odeneal was called to pastor in 1961. Under his leadership, new land was purchased and the cemetery was up-graded.
In 1975 the St. John Church was blessed with an energetic, dynamic, and articulate, preacher; the Rev. Roy L. Bell. Under his leadership the church and its membership flourished. New ministries were added, membership grew and Christian education increased. Eventually, the old structure would be vacated and the St. John family moved into a new edifice in April 2006.
On February 5, 2008, a terrible storm struck the Denmark community and destroyed our new edifice. Also our shepherd the Rev Roy L. Bell of 33 years was called home the same year in June of 2008.
Almighty God allowed us to rebuild and complete a new edifice in April of 2009.
God would not leave his children without a leader so he sent the Rev. Dennis G. Rainer to watch over his flock but in 2009, he too was taken from us to be with our Father in heaven in February of 2010. Being a loving and caring God, He would not leave his children without spiritual guidance. God sent us a strong, spiritual dynamic leader, preacher and teacher, our present Pastor- the Rev. Arthur J. Hannah.
We have kept the pace of our ancestral heritage. As Christian leaders, we have a great task ahead of us to continue this heritage so that our young will look back and remember with pride that we too, provided spiritual direction and guidance that yielded a great influence in sending into the world men and women who will become preachers, teachers, doctors, civic, social workers and many God sent leaders.
We Thank God for his Guidance during these One Hundred Forty Two years and praise him for the years to come!!!!
Rev.Mose Walker gave the land for St. John Church
Past ministers of St. John M. B. Church
J. H. bond
Sye Chatman
Aubrey Walker
Jake Dawson
Joe Transou
Mose Walker
Ferguson
Perkins
Oren Howell
Wake Bond
A. Terrell
L. Nelson
J. L Webb
Roger Henning
Henry Greer
B. F. Odeneal
Roy L. Bell
Dennis G. Rainer
Arthur J. Hannah