by Dennis W. Foust, Senior Minister Since 1975, I have witnessed congregations pick up energy as summer transitions to autumn. Once again, September is revealing this wonderful experience. One of the best things about you, St. John’s, is your consistent expression of commitment. You ask, “How are we doing?” and...

From the Heritage Room Dr. Thomas Graves, Senior Minister, St. John’s Baptist Church December 5, 1987- February 1991 The congregation of St. John’s voted to issue a call as Senior Minister to Dr. Thomas Graves in a church conference on Sunday, September 13, 1987. A reception was held to welcome...

From the Heritage Room— St. John’s and “The Lost Boys of Sudan” In church on Sunday, Phillips Bragg spoke about our support of the Nyarweng School in South Sudan. The following article (here in shortened form) is by Nina Phillips. In 2001 many of us at St. John’s knew very...

From the Heritage Room When Rev. Bob Lasater retired in 1982 after 23 years as Associate Minister, he was instrumental in the formation of a History Committee which collected documents, photographs, committee reports, deacon minutes, church conference minutes and various other church info. A lot of this information had been...

From the Heritage Room— In addition to ministerial staff changes during the 1990’s, there were changes with the administrative and support staffs. Peggy Harrison assumed the job of Church Administrator in September 1990, joining Carolyn Richards, Ace Millsaps, and Judy Abernathy in the church office. Wanda Grantt, previously employed with...

From the Heritage Room— A few more notes about St. John’s in the decade of the 1980’s— In addition to mission activities, the members of St. John’s participated in tennis and golf tournaments, went on camping trips, played softball and basketball, and enjoyed roller skating in gym. There were Family...

The 1980’s was a decade of controversy with regard to the church’s relationship with the Southern Baptist Convention. Following are excerpts (edited) from an article written by former Senior Minister Dr. Thomas Graves concerning this relationship and the church’s response. “In 1979, two conservative Texas Baptists, Paige Patterson and Paul...

The Heritage display in the 2nd floor hallway now reflects St. John’s in the 1980’s. There was a lot of mission activity in the decade of the 1980’s as members of St. John’s continued its many mission activities along with some new ones. Members walked in the CROP walk, donated...

January 19, 2023 The 1980’s at St. John’s was a decade of staff changes, mission opportunities and issues with decisions made by the Southern Baptist Convention. This week- the staff changes: In January 1980, Valerie Hardy came to St. John’s as Minister to Youth, succeeding Tom Stallworth. Summer youth mission...

By Ken Sanford As the eighties began St. John’s was exploring new servant ministries despite troublesome actions by the Southern Baptist Convention. A bequest allowed the establishment of the Hackney Scholarships which have enabled church youth to attend colleges. A mission team from the church, including the Rev. Bob Lasater,...