Saint john missionary baptist church
kingsland, georgia
About Us
Who are we?
Our Mission
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church of Kingsland, Georgia will, through love and unity equip its members spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially to reach souls locally and globally with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Our Covenant
Having been led, as we believe by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and, on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into this covenant with one another as one body in Christ.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid tattling, backbiting and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale of, and use of, intoxicating drinks as a beverage; to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Savior.
We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and Christian courtesy in speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation and mindful of the rules of our Savior to secure it without delay.
We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we can carry our the spirit of this covenant and principles of God’s Word.
Our ministries
Hospitality
Finance
women's
Missions
Usher's
prison | jail
Youth
Sanitation
Online
audio | Visual
Men's
Public relations
our history
1886
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church was founded by a group of prayer warriors who met on Tuesday and Thursday nights for prayer meetings. Most people in the community were members of Young Zion in the Woodsville community of Saint Mary's. At that time, after much thought and prayer, Mr. Hinds and Mr. Ben Myers brought up the idea of organizing a church in the Adris community, and all the members that were present were in agreement with the idea.
Shortly afterwards, the church was given the name of Saint John by Sister Betsy Campbell, and the church collectively decided that 4th Sunday would be set aside for the Lord's Supper. In 1886, Saint John was just a little log cabin located across the street from the Mush Bluff location. Fun fact, that land was later purchased by the United States Government.
As the record shows, Rev. Anthony Wilson was invited to preach the very first sermon at Saint John. The focal verse of his sermon was centered around Matthew 16:18.
The very first pastor of Saint John was Rev. Thomas Butler of Saint Mary's, Georgia. After his installation, the deacons and officers were also named and took their rightful positions within the church.
Throughout the years, Saint John has seen numerous pastors, to include Rev. GM Mizell, Rev. Norman Way (who served 23 years until the Lord called him from his earthly journey), Rev. Ben Roberts, Rev. Sip Jenkins, Rev. Ross, as well as Rev. Walker Baker.
1986
In 1986 Rev. Roosevelt Rhone and his late wife, Betty Rhone, were the Pastors of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church. After 18 years of faithful service, Rev. Rhone resigned in 2004.
As we reflect on what the Lord has done, we find it worth noting that during Rev. Rhone's tenure, 30 members were added to Saint John Missionary Baptist Church. God is so good! In that same year, the church was declining spiritually and physically, but God stepped in and refused to allow the church to fall. More specifically, God placed Mother Mary Louise Carter, Mother Thelma Myers, and Sister Martha Butler to be the glue that held the church together.
In those days, services had not been held for several months. Nevertheless, these ladies continued to diligently assemble themselves at the church for devotional services, to include singing, prayer, and scripture reading. During those times, Mother Carter, Mother Myers, and Sister Butler stood firmly on the Word of God. For in Matthew 18: 19-20, Jesus said "Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching, anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of the Father which is in heaven. For where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them".
2004
Now, at this time, Pastor Michael H.L. Roberson Sr was a member of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church over in Woodbine, Georgia. This would remain the case until June 13, 2004, when he was called to assist Saint John at the request of Mother Carter. This request was due to the fact that Saint John Missionary Baptist Church was without a pastor. After faithfully providing his assistance, Pastor Roberson was officially asked to become the pastor of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church. After much prayer, Pastor Roberson, accompanied by his family accepted the position as senior pastor of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church in Kingsland, Georgia. And let me tell you something. Under Pastor Roberson's leadership, the church was revived.
Within three months, thirty-one members were added to the church, thanks to the Holy Spirit. Twelve of which were candidates for baptism! On September 11, 2004, Pastor Roberson baptized the 12 candidates at First African Missionary Baptist Church in Kingsland, Georgia. The record also reflects that Dr. E.L. Hart (the Pastor of First African) and Minister Joseph Brown assisted with these baptisms.
2005
In 2005, the church purchased a 15-passenger van in response to this gradual expansion. In addition to acquiring the van, many repairs took place concerning the church's building to include but not limited to the foundation of the building being lifted up a tad bit to prevent sagging, the tin roof on the sanctuary was replaced with shingles, the kitchen counter was replaced, along with a new ceiling, new ceiling fans, and an A/C unit. Lastly, the roof was refurbished in its entirety.
2006
By 2006, the men's restroom was completely rebuilt, with the addition of ceramic tile, which also covered the hallways and the foyer as well. Furthermore, the pulpit and choir stand were rebuilt, the pulpit chairs were refurbished, and the Pastor's study was completely remodeled.
2008
History shows that 2008 had been an awesome year for Saint John. The record reflects that this was mainly due in part to the increase in church members. More specifically, on February 23, 2008, Deacon Joe Willie Davis joined the Saint John family, making him the first deacon in over five years.
Under the direction of the Holy Spirit and with the help of the building committee, chaired by Brother Joseph Shirah, the vision given by God to Pastor Roberson of expanding the church was already in motion. Brother Shirah, along with his wife Claressa, Brother Edward Miller, Brother Derrick Carter, Mother Thelma Myers, Sister Barbara Robinson, and Sister Angel Winn worked diligently to make this vision a reality.
After developing a plan to enlarge the church building, the aforementioned group found themselves at a bit of a stalemate. The owners of the adjacent property (which was needed for rebuilding) were not willing to sell it. With that said, Saint John continued to touch and agree through prayer and supplication, despite their situation. Little did they know, God had already made a way for them to relocate entirely.
By June of 2008, Saint John Missionary Baptist Church had purchased its brand-new church home, located at 715 Winding Road in Kingsland, Georgia. From there, the church building was painted, trees were cut down, and sheetrock was installed in the sanctuary. Pastor Roberson and the Saint John family walked into the new sanctuary on Sunday, September 28, 2008 singing "We Come This Far By Faith, Leaning On The Lord". The first sermon in the new building was delivered by Pastor Gary Tyner, (Pastor of First African Baptist Church in Saint Mary's).
As we continue through history, it's important to note that none of this was possible without the guidance of God and the supervision of our building project supervisor, Brother Troy Teeter and our Building Committee Chairman, Brother Joseph Shirah. More specifically, each Saturday morning was set aside for all members to come out and lend a helping hand in completing the project.
2009
Saint John was blessed on June 14, 2009 to have its first Deacon Ordination Service, in which Brother Joseph Shirah was ordained. On Sunday, August 23, 2009, Pastor Roberson performed the first baptism in the baptism pool located directly behind the church. Deacon Joe Willie Davis (Chairman) and Deacon Arthur Dawson worked diligently to get the pool ready for the milestone event.
During Pastor Roberson's tenure, several choirs were formed. These choirs include the Adult Choir, the Adult Praise Team, the Youth Choir, the Youth Praise Team, the Men's Choir, as well as the Men's Praise Team. Additionally, several ministries were formed as well. These ministries include but are not limited to the Outreach Ministry, the Food Bank Ministry, the Prison/Jail Ministry, the Dance Ministry, the Hospitality Ministry, the Security Ministry, the Prayer Ministry, as well as the Audio/Visual Ministry. Along with this expansion, a new sound system and video equipment were acquired, which was vital in our efforts to establish an Online Ministry.
More notable accomplishments during this era in time would include repainting the interior of the church, the inclusion of two classrooms, two restrooms, as well as a finance office, a Pastor study with a restroom, a kitchen, and a fellowship hall, which was all done through the hands of the members of St. John Missionary Baptist Church, by the grace of God.
Additionally, the exterior of the church was repainted and the adjacent property and trailer were purchased, along with other property surrounding the church building as well.
2018
In 2018, the Cornerstone was placed on the front of the church's building, which is still there today.
2024
In 2024, the sanctuary, pulpit, and choir stand were all updated with new carpet, and the pews were replaced with fabric chairs.
Over the years, the Lord has added many souls to the church at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church in Kingsland, Georgia. He's also called some home to be with Him once their work was finished here on Earth. With that said, we at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church in Kingsland, Georgia would like to honor the long illustrious line of believers who came before us in this mission of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.
In Loving Memory of
Mother Margaret Hamilton
Mother Betty Myers
Mother Mary louise Carter
Mother Thelma Myers
Mother Sarah Wilson
Deacon Orange sapp
brother daniel hamilton
sister lila henderson
sister donna myers
sister mary winfrey
sister juanita williams