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In 1885, the east side of Savannah, Georgia, was void for the kind of religiosity so necessary for the
fulfillment of a good Christian life. Through the divine providence of Almighty God, one of His chosen
few, Reverend William Gray, was anointed to relieve the void. Father Gray was a member of the historic
First Bryan Baptist Church. He sought and obtained the permission and the blessings of First Bryan to
go on the east side and establish a church, the St. John Baptist Church.
In 1885, Father Gray organized St. John Baptist Church at 526-28 Hartridge Street. Though the church building, erected in July 1891, withstood a terrible fire on October 24, 1993, the new edifice has been constructed on its original site.
Initially, the congregation was overwhelmed by the devastation of its beloved sanctuary, but it soon realized, as Pastor Brown says, ". . .That after all the church is really not brick and mortar, but the church is people." The church is a group of people expressing faith and belief in God as its Savior. St. John, therefore, dedicated itself to the continued uplifting of God's kingdom on earth wherever it worshiped, until the new "Mighty Fortress" would rise from the ashes. That place of worship for three years and nine months was the West Broad Street Seventh Day Adventist Church. This remarkable occurrence revealed that God's children, regardless of denomination can worship together under the same roof cohesively.
Many obstacles confronted the congregation during this stint away from home, however, the undaunted and tireless efforts of Reverend Matthew Southall Brown and the other church leaders, conquered them all. Widespread assistance was received by St. John during the building efforts that crossed religious, racial, and state lines.
St. John has had only five pastors in its 121 years of existence: Father Gray, Rev. E.O.S. Cleveland, Rev. Cameron Alexander, Rev. Matthew Southall Brown, Sr., and the present minister, Rev. George P. Lee, III. Father Gray was the founder and the first pastor of St. John and served for 35 years. He passed into eternal rest on January 12, 1926. Father Gray was an organizer and argot builder, having the opportunity to oversee the building of two of the five church buildings. After his historic and religiously productive pastorate, God sent another of his beloved sons to St. John in the person of Reverend Doctor Evans Oliver Sylvester Cleveland, a multi-talented Christian preacher. Rev. Cleveland was an organizer, educator, musician and a great evangelist who served 36 (1927-1963). One of the finest pipe organs of the South (Molar Pipe Organ) was installed under Rev. Cleveland. He not only played this instrument beautifully, arranged several hymns that are still favorites, but also organized the "Eighty Voice Chorus" that people throughout the nation remember for their marvelous concerts. At this time, St. John became known as "The Musical Church with the Musical Pastor." God called Dr. Cleveland home on October 25, 1963.
The third pastor served only four years from 1965 to 1969, however those years left a great impact on the church. Rev. Cameron Madison Alexander was a natural organizer who was regarded as having upgraded the operation and spiritual atmosphere of the church. He was not only a great teacher and pastor but also a great builder. He installed the first central air conditioning unit, the public address systems, and built the first parking lot. The "St. John Day" was initiated during his tenure. His service time was short but his giant footprints were left in the hearts and minds of the congregation.
In 1969 the church needed another shepherd to guide the flock. The search led to Rev. Matthew Southall Brown. Service to God and his people is descriptive of Rev. Brown. "No day is too short, no night too long," for this remarkable man to share his members happy times or sorrows. Known throughout the community and nation as "Pastor Brown," his service knows no boundaries. Pastor Brown is truly a "World Outreach Pastor." Under his effective leadership, the old East Broad Street School (½ block from the St. John Baptist Church) was converted into an apartment complex for the elderly and physically challenged, known as the St. John Villa. He brick veneered the entire exterior and refurbished the interior of the church before the fire. He dedicated the elevator in the church on May 28, 1978, so that the senior citizens and physically challenged could gain easy access to the upper sanctuary. Before the fire, Pastor Brown was responsible for the building and refurbishing of the Matthew Southall Brown Learning and Resource Center adjacent to the church.
When the church building burned in 1993, this shepherd of God led his people through the crisis, often putting his pain on the back burners. Pastor Brown is loved and respected by the congregation. His love for the children of St. John is well known and mutual on their behalf. Pastor Brown's leadership kept the church together with the patience of Job and the wisdom of Solomon. For more than 35 years, Pastor Brown led "The Mighty Fortress" with dignity and honor. In 2005, he decided the time had come for the church to move to another level.
Pastor George P. Lee, III began his tenure in January 2006. This brief synopsis will let you know that when he came, he undoubtedly hit the "ground running." My brother said, "when he was ordained a deacon of 47 years ago by Rev. E.O.S. Cleveland, they were encouraged to talk to the young people and invite them to prayer service." Invariably, we were told that "Praying is for old people!" I am telling you this to show you the difference the ages of time make. With the advent of Pastor Lee on the scene, the attendance at prayer service has increased so greatly that it forced Pastor Lee to discontinue the use of the choir room and relocate to the sanctuary with a tremendous increase of young attendees. The service now includes a "call-in prayer line" which is broadcasted over radio station WSOK. He has saved over 200 souls through restoration, Christian experience, and baptism. His first and great baptism totaled more than 40 persons. Other accomplishments include a church-wide needs assessment; prayer warrior workshop; music workshops; and expansion of the music and media ministries.
As Rev. Lee says, "All that I am is because of Thee; all that I am NOT is because of me!"
"St. John is widely known as "The Mighty Fortress,"
Against the devil and sin she stands as a buttress,
She listens to revelation as Christ knocks on her door,
And lets in the young and old, the rich and the poor.
She thanks God for letting her for 121 years prosper and stay,
In 1885, Father Gray organized St. John Baptist Church at 526-28 Hartridge Street. Though the church building, erected in July 1891, withstood a terrible fire on October 24, 1993, the new edifice has been constructed on its original site.
Initially, the congregation was overwhelmed by the devastation of its beloved sanctuary, but it soon realized, as Pastor Brown says, ". . .That after all the church is really not brick and mortar, but the church is people." The church is a group of people expressing faith and belief in God as its Savior. St. John, therefore, dedicated itself to the continued uplifting of God's kingdom on earth wherever it worshiped, until the new "Mighty Fortress" would rise from the ashes. That place of worship for three years and nine months was the West Broad Street Seventh Day Adventist Church. This remarkable occurrence revealed that God's children, regardless of denomination can worship together under the same roof cohesively.
Many obstacles confronted the congregation during this stint away from home, however, the undaunted and tireless efforts of Reverend Matthew Southall Brown and the other church leaders, conquered them all. Widespread assistance was received by St. John during the building efforts that crossed religious, racial, and state lines.
St. John has had only five pastors in its 121 years of existence: Father Gray, Rev. E.O.S. Cleveland, Rev. Cameron Alexander, Rev. Matthew Southall Brown, Sr., and the present minister, Rev. George P. Lee, III. Father Gray was the founder and the first pastor of St. John and served for 35 years. He passed into eternal rest on January 12, 1926. Father Gray was an organizer and argot builder, having the opportunity to oversee the building of two of the five church buildings. After his historic and religiously productive pastorate, God sent another of his beloved sons to St. John in the person of Reverend Doctor Evans Oliver Sylvester Cleveland, a multi-talented Christian preacher. Rev. Cleveland was an organizer, educator, musician and a great evangelist who served 36 (1927-1963). One of the finest pipe organs of the South (Molar Pipe Organ) was installed under Rev. Cleveland. He not only played this instrument beautifully, arranged several hymns that are still favorites, but also organized the "Eighty Voice Chorus" that people throughout the nation remember for their marvelous concerts. At this time, St. John became known as "The Musical Church with the Musical Pastor." God called Dr. Cleveland home on October 25, 1963.
The third pastor served only four years from 1965 to 1969, however those years left a great impact on the church. Rev. Cameron Madison Alexander was a natural organizer who was regarded as having upgraded the operation and spiritual atmosphere of the church. He was not only a great teacher and pastor but also a great builder. He installed the first central air conditioning unit, the public address systems, and built the first parking lot. The "St. John Day" was initiated during his tenure. His service time was short but his giant footprints were left in the hearts and minds of the congregation.
In 1969 the church needed another shepherd to guide the flock. The search led to Rev. Matthew Southall Brown. Service to God and his people is descriptive of Rev. Brown. "No day is too short, no night too long," for this remarkable man to share his members happy times or sorrows. Known throughout the community and nation as "Pastor Brown," his service knows no boundaries. Pastor Brown is truly a "World Outreach Pastor." Under his effective leadership, the old East Broad Street School (½ block from the St. John Baptist Church) was converted into an apartment complex for the elderly and physically challenged, known as the St. John Villa. He brick veneered the entire exterior and refurbished the interior of the church before the fire. He dedicated the elevator in the church on May 28, 1978, so that the senior citizens and physically challenged could gain easy access to the upper sanctuary. Before the fire, Pastor Brown was responsible for the building and refurbishing of the Matthew Southall Brown Learning and Resource Center adjacent to the church.
When the church building burned in 1993, this shepherd of God led his people through the crisis, often putting his pain on the back burners. Pastor Brown is loved and respected by the congregation. His love for the children of St. John is well known and mutual on their behalf. Pastor Brown's leadership kept the church together with the patience of Job and the wisdom of Solomon. For more than 35 years, Pastor Brown led "The Mighty Fortress" with dignity and honor. In 2005, he decided the time had come for the church to move to another level.
Pastor George P. Lee, III began his tenure in January 2006. This brief synopsis will let you know that when he came, he undoubtedly hit the "ground running." My brother said, "when he was ordained a deacon of 47 years ago by Rev. E.O.S. Cleveland, they were encouraged to talk to the young people and invite them to prayer service." Invariably, we were told that "Praying is for old people!" I am telling you this to show you the difference the ages of time make. With the advent of Pastor Lee on the scene, the attendance at prayer service has increased so greatly that it forced Pastor Lee to discontinue the use of the choir room and relocate to the sanctuary with a tremendous increase of young attendees. The service now includes a "call-in prayer line" which is broadcasted over radio station WSOK. He has saved over 200 souls through restoration, Christian experience, and baptism. His first and great baptism totaled more than 40 persons. Other accomplishments include a church-wide needs assessment; prayer warrior workshop; music workshops; and expansion of the music and media ministries.
As Rev. Lee says, "All that I am is because of Thee; all that I am NOT is because of me!"
"St. John is widely known as "The Mighty Fortress,"
Against the devil and sin she stands as a buttress,
She listens to revelation as Christ knocks on her door,
And lets in the young and old, the rich and the poor.
She thanks God for letting her for 121 years prosper and stay,
On the same spot of ground until that awful October, 1993, day,
When fire destroyed the building, the wood and the tin,
But "THANK GOD ALMIGHTY," look what we have built for Him."
-Composed by Dea. Dr. Bejamin F. Lewis, B.S.J.D.