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In order to have a proper understanding and perspective of one's dreams and visions, there first must be a proper understanding of those events, experiences and personalities who have provided the foundation for these dreams. The vision we share in this volume is grounded in the faith story of our past. So, we begin with our history -- the story of how we have come to be where we are today.
St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church has the unique distinction of being the oldest African American church in the Aurora community. Our history is traced back to June, 1862 when seven faithful Black Christian men and women recognized a need to establish a church community in the area. After much prayer and contemplation, the group of seven went to the African Methodist Episcopal Church Annual Conference. There, they expressed their need for a work in the Aurora Area. It was at that time that they were assigned their first pastor, The Rev. Smith.
Since its inception, St. John has had many capable ministers. Included among them are the Reverends Smith (1862), Lackey, Daniel, Lowery, Holt, Washington, Thomas, Henderson, Wingate, Jenkins, Hollman, Thomason, Williams, Moody, and Pastor Jesse.
Over the years, St. John has changed locations to accommodate its growing congregation. The first location was purchased in 1884. The building "depicted above" is the Educational Building built in 1973 by Pastor James Moody and located at East Avenue and Galena Boulevard. St John worshiped at this facility from 1973 to 1983. In 1984, one hundred years after the purchase of the first building, St. John purchased a new place of worship under the leadership of Pastor Jesse.
The growth and success realized in our current facility has been made possible through the commitment and faithfulness of those early pioneers of faith. As we look to the present and beyond, we thank God for our past -- a past which has had both challenges and triumphs. The challenges and triumphs have helped make us the faith community we are today. So, our story continues...