The St. John Baptist Church was organized in 1921 in Nouse Hall on Highland Avenue. The Church was organized so that there would be a place of worship close to the Baptists that lived in the Middletown Community. Holy Temple Church, now Tabernacle Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. T.A. Johnson.

Rev. Johnson was instrumental in helping the new church get started. In fact, Rev. Johnson allowed several deacons from his church to assist in St. John Baptist Church's organization. St. John Baptist Church was headed by Pastor, Rev. Hogan.

In 1922, St. John Baptist Church purchased a lot at 1600 Maupin Avenue and built its second home. Sis. Leona Thompson, who joined the church in 1922, was the organizer and developed many of the Church's activities. In 1926 the Church accepted the resignation of Rev. Hogan. Rev. Hogan recommended Rev. T.P. Wright as a replacement.

 

In 1927, the Church called Rev. Wright to pastor. Although at first the attendance was small, the few who attended remained faithful under the leadership of Rev. Wright and vigorously worked to increase the membership. In 1935 the building on Maupin Avenue was enlarged to accommodate the increased membership. However, in 1946 the Church Building was damaged by fire. While the building was being repaired, services were held in the Lovejoy Public School Building.

St. John developed a building fund in 1947 and purchased our present site from the First Baptist Church in 1954. In 1962 the mortgage was burned and the building was dedicated. Rev. Wright served as pastor of St John Baptist Church from 1927 until his retirement from active leadership of the church in 1984. Rev. Wright was given the title of Pastor Emeritus.

Rev. Willie J. Williams was voted by the membership to be the third pastor of St. John Baptist Church. He was installed as pastor on January 27, 1985. Pastor Williams graduated from Brooklyn School and served in the United States Army. He was employed at Jefferson Smurfit in Highland for more than 20 years. Pastor Williams dedicated his life to serving the Lord and loving his wife, Sis. Betty Williams, as God loves the church. Pastor Williams and First Lady Betty Williams were soul mates for nearly 30 years.

In 1991, Pastor Williams lead the movement to have the church incorporated and formally drafted the church by-laws. Although the church was in existence for 70 years, he realized the importance to have the church recognized as an organization by the State of Illinois. This marked another significant era for the church.

Pastor Williams knowing the importance of African American History for our youth instituted an Annual Black History Month Celebration in 1998. This month long celebration serves to educate people about the contributions and the struggle of African-Americans. Pastor Williams wanted to ensure that our youth understood both local and national contributions made to African American History. This helps the people of this community to develop a sense of ownership and pride in the community.

In 2001, Pastor Williams with the blessing of the church set aside two young men for the Deacon Board. After nearly two years of training and instruction on December 15, 2002, Pastor Williams ordained the first deacons during his tenure at St. John.

On June 26, 2003, Pastor Williams was laid to rest after nearly 20 years of faithfulness. After nearly 30 years of marriage to our former First Lady, Sis. Betty Williams, she continues to attend St. John and carryout the legacy set by Pastor Williams.

On January 9, 2004, St. John voted in its’ fourth Pastor of the church, Rev. Edwin M. Coleman. During this time, the church made bold moves by electing an Assistant Pastor, Rev. Velda C. Peals. Rev. Velda C. Peals has made history at SJMBC as being the first female minister to serve on the church's Pastoral Staff Team and as the first Assistant Pastor of the church's history.

Pastor Coleman brought a new vision to St. John. Pastor Coleman had a vision for “Restoration & Reconciliation” in church and in the community. In 2004, the church’s motto was “Same No More 2004.” In 2005, the motto was “Grace Alive in 2005”, and in 2006 the motto was “Get in the Mix in 2006.” Under the leadership of Pastor Coleman, St. John pledged to strive in faithfulness and the advancement of God’s Kingdom. Pastor Coleman served the church until his resignation on August 31, 2006.

In September 2006, Assistant Pastor Velda C. Peals was voted as Acting Pastor of St. John Missionary Baptist Church. Her faithfulness and conviction to God and His church has made the church transition between administrations hopeful and seamless. Pastor Peals’ motto during this transition is “Still Standing!” Pastor Peals wants St. John and the community to know that we are still here doing the Lord’s work.

On Saturday, January 20, 2007, Rev. Velda C. Peals was voted as the first female Pastor in St. John Missionary Baptist Church’s History. Pastor Peals vision for the church is "Success is our destiny… failure is not an option."

Throughout history St. John Baptist Church along with a dedicated band of members, has faithfully carried out the GREAT COMMISSION, called sinners to repentance, baptized believers, visited the sick, helped the needy, ordained Deacons, appointed Mothers, and licensed ministers to pastor.

St. John has been the Church home for many families for several generations. Several churches came out of St. John over the years to ensure that God’s Word will continue to spread throughout Alton and the worlds. Pastor Emeritus Wright often said, ''Once a member of St. John, always a member!''