Yesterday: A quick tour of our past is as follows

• Past Pastors

W.M. Massey             1905

Hardeman

Bonner

M.C. Williams            1907-1909

William L. Russell      1910-1911

W.M. Washington      1912-1913

Luke S. Arthur            1913-1916

M.K. Curry, Sr.           1917-1919

A.L. Wright                 1919-1924

M.K. Curry, Sr.           1924-1930

Moses P. Timms       1931-1940

J. A. Kemple              1940-1946

T.R. Smith                  1947-1950

L.B. George               1951-1955

L.D. Bell                     1955-1966

• Organized in 1905.
• Built first church in 1906.
• Constructed the first Afro-American two-story brick edifice in our city.
• Purchased our first parsonage in 1917, built a new parsonage in 1924, and the existing parsonage in 1969.

Today: Today’s focus includes

• Building the Church Through Vision, Short Range and Long Range Planning.
• Extending the mission that Jesus started through Evangelism & Outreach.
• Deepening the Ministry Through Prayer and Personal Growth for the Glory of God.
• Investing ten percent (10%) of monthly “Tithes & Offerings” for future growth and development.
• A multi-cultured teaching and worship experience.

Future: Where do we go from here? Our vision is as follows

• Begin each day with prayer four (4) times daily (Morning, Noon, Evening, and midnight) through Prayer Battalions.
• Double Church School (Sunday School) attendance.
• Develop Core Members.
• Increase Trust Fund (“Planned Giving & Endowment”) for ongoing GROWTH, BUILDING EXPANSION and DEVELOPMENT.
• Build a Family Life Center

Milestones

• 1905: The Reverend W.M. Massey organized our congregation and Mrs. Lizzie S. Richardson named the community of faith, Saint John Baptist Church.
• 1913: Real Property was purchased at 301 Park Street and Garden, and our second place of worship was constructed as a basement only under the leadership of the Reverend L.S. Arthur.
• 1917: The Reverend M.K. Curry, Sr. led the congregation in transforming a basement into a beautiful two-story brick veneer structure. 
• 1921: Under the leadership of our ninth pastor, the Reverend A.L. Wright, Saint Matthew Baptist Church was planted at 412 Dallas Street to meet the spiritual needs of the Kemp Addition.
• 1940: Antioch Baptist Church at 601 Bonner Street was birthed from our congregation.
• 1952: Established a Child Care Center at 421 Welch Street.
• 1958: Under the leadership of the Reverend L.D. Bell, built the third edifice for worship at 1009 Flood Street.
• 1967: Pastor and Mrs. Billy R. Delaney, our sixteenth pastor, was sent to Saint John Baptist Church.  Leased a temporary parsonage at 1001 Williams Street.
• 1968: Sold existing parsonage at 423 Welch Street, and burned an existing mortgage.
• 1969: Purchased two lots and built existing ultra modern parsonage.
• 1970: Launched a “do-it-yourself / pay-as-we-go” renovation project that was completed in ten (10) years.
• 1974: Purchased first Church Van.
• 1976: Established a Savings Fund.
• 1979: Built Learning Center to existing edifice.
• 1980: Pastor Delaney was elected Moderator of the Original West Texas Baptist District Association, Inc.
• 1981: New pews and pulpit furniture donated.
• 1982: Organized Children’s Church.
• 1986: Purchased second Church Van.
• 1988: Sound Equipment & Wrought Iron Railings donated.
• 1989: Burned mortgage on Learning Center.
• 1990: Established Scholarship and Awards Ministry.
• 1992: Automated Chimes, Fiberglass Steeple, Computer and several Real Properties donated.
• 1993: Underground sprinkling system donated.
• 1995: Nursery Cribs, TV & VCR donated.  Pastor Delaney elected Moderator of Original West Texas Baptist District Association, Inc.
• 1996: Krog ProX Work Station donated.
• 1998: Purchased several Real Properties for future growth and expansion.  Established Trust Fund (“Planned Giving & Endowment”).
• 1999: Employed first full time Minister of Music.
• 2000: Purchased Choir Robes.
• 2001: Student Center Annex opened at 1011 Tulsa Street.
• 2003: Purchased several Real Properties for future growth and expansion.
• 2004: Renovated interior of existing facility.
• 2005: Centennial Celebration and Ground breaking for New Church Parking Facility.
• 2006: Dedicated New Church Parking Facility.
• 2007: Celebrated Pastor & Mrs. Billy R. Delaney’s 40^th Anniversary.