Mission Statement
St. John’s is an inclusive worship community that embodies God’s love by working for justice, freedom, and peace.
History of St. John's
Dillard L. Love (1838 – 1923) played a major role in the history of our parish. In 1879, Mr. Love and his niece Sarah were the first members of what was then St. John’s Episcopal Mission to be confirmed. The year was 1879, and Bishop Lyman of the Diocese of North Carolina visited the Love home to plan the Episcopal Mission. Mr. Love became an ardent benefactor of the mission, which met in the Webster School.
In 1892, Mr. Love offered an upstairs room of his Sylva Lumber yard office building which was then fitted as a chapel. Not only were Sunday School classes and Sunday worship held there, but academic classes for about 75 students were held during the week.
In 1912, Mr. Love donated the land on Jackson Street, to the diocese where the church continues its presence. A frame church was erected which included a church bell and tower. The frame building was replaced in 1956 by the current building. The bell and tower were placed a few feet from the front door. The bell, chosen by Mr. Love, continues to be rung each Sunday morning, calling all to worship.
St. John’s Episcopal Church celebrated its centennial year at its Jackson Street location in 2012 and continues to faithfully serve the community in many ways, following the Great Commandment to love God and to love our neighbors. Sharing the healing touch of God’s love, parishioners serve the sick, the hungry, the lonely and gather for worship to share the blessings of this life in this community.
In 1997, the parish established a Memorial Garden to be a place of beauty and remembrance for members of St. John’s. A dedicated committee tends the grounds of the Memorial Garden creating a space of prayer and meditation for everyone. In 2009, a special pet memorial was established within the Memorial Garden.
In 2010, St. John’s received permission from First Citizen’s Bank and Trust to use the land directly behind the church as a vegetable garden. Twelve raised beds were placed on the land surrounded by a split-rail fence. The produce grown in this garden is donated to United Christian Ministries to supplement the non-perishable food that they provide to families across our community.
Since 1879, the parishioners of St. John’s have sought to share God’s love to everyone within our reach through prayer, study and worship. We continue our vision to bring love and reconciliation to our community.
