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ST. CHURCH
OUR HISTORY
St. John's African Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 2402 North 22nd Street in Omaha, Nebraska, was organized in the fall of 1865 with a membership of 5 souls by Rev. John Wilkerson. John was organized four years before Nebraska became a State. It was a territory then. The meeting for organization
thus antedated the Statehood of Nebraska by two years. It was held in a private home on Capitol Avenue and 9th Street. The first minister sent by the conference was Rev. Hubbard who remained 2 years. The Annual Conference was first hosted by the Church under severe physical limitations of church accommodations in 1884. The frame work of the church was built during the pastorate of Rev. Burrell Mitchell. The church had board floors and the walls were not plastered. Nevertheless, the hosting of the Annual Conference resulted in an era of prosperity and general uplift. The ministers who followed met the challenges as they found them. Rev. Henry Blanton Parks, one from among the distinguished line of pastors was named Bishop in 1908. In 1908, Rev. William Dyette was able to enlarge the building at 18th and Webster Street, and a new brick front was built. The church continued to prosper for the next five years during the pastorate of the Rev. W.T. Osborne. The membership grew to 390 and had an indebtedness of $2,752.00 when Rev. W.C. Williams took charge. One year later, with the cooperation of James Jewell, property was purchased at 24th and Grant Street, at the cost of $I,100.00 where the new edifice was moved. In 1918, a parsonage was purchased for $3000.00 at 2416 Binney Street. Three lots on the corner of 22nd and Willis Avenue were purchased in 1921 for $2,500.00, and in 1923 a stone foundation costing $12,000.00 for the new St. John's was built. On Easter morning in 1923, the congregation led by Rev. Williams, followed by associate ministers, John Adams and W.S. Metcalf, the entire
official family, and choir singing to, 'We're Marching to Zion", from 24th and Grant to the new final location, at 22nd and Willis Avenue. Worship services were held in the lower level of the church. Ridley was replaced with Rev. E.B. Childress four years later. While serving 3 years, walls were plastered in the sanctuary, lights were installed, the choir loft and alter were built in addition to a new organ being purchased. The Twentieth Century Club was organized, as well as a Scout Troup and Teenage Choir. The membership marched upstairs on Easter Sunday, April 6, 1947. Annual Conference was held in 1948 at which time Rev. S.H. Lewis maintained his assignment for 8 years. In 1956, Rev. McCoy Ransom arrived to assume the leadership. His first project was to remodel the parsonage at a cost of $8,000.00 and establish a church nursery, which was furnished at the cost of $I,600.00. Edward Sneed Foust was assigned by Bishop Howard Thomas Primm in 1960. Under Rev. Foust, many progressive projects were implemented, including paying off church indebtedness, making physical improvements to the church building, and purchasing a new parsonage at 5309 North 50th Street. He gave impetus to the building of "Good Neighbor Homes," a $2 million federally funded housing project which provided homes for 120 families. Foust served St. John's for eleven years. In 1971, Rev. Elmer W. Newton became pastor. Newton's first project was to reduce the indebtedness of both the church and the parsonage, which went from $18,000.00 to $5,000.00. Improvements were made to the interior of the church and kitchen, replacing the heating, air conditioning unit, and new carpet for the front and side foyer of the church. September 1975, Rev. John R. Williams was appointed to St. John, who implemented a radio ministry with a live broadcast of the Sunday morning worship services. One year later, Rev. Calvin McMillan was assigned. The vacant land on the west side of the church was purchased and developed into the present parking area. The parsonage's mortgage was paid off, and its basement and kitchen were renovated. The pastor and members were encouraged to apply for St. John's to be designated a historic landmark. In 1980, Rev. Joseph H. Forbes was appointed to St. John's. Under his administration, the pastor's office was completely redecorated and refurnished. Forbes diligently taught church leadership and stewardship. He was very active in civic affairs and served as president of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance. Dorsey McCullough was assigned to 8t. John in 1982. Organizations built under his leadership include Prayer Luncheon, Allenaires Young Adult Club, Sons of Allen, and Vinton R. Anderson Satellite Sunday School. He reached out to the community through a radio ministry and was active in the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance. John hosted the Annual Conference in 1983 and 1988, the Fifth District Convocation in 1985 and 1986, and the Martin Luther King Unity Day Service sponsored by IMA. The church has been a meeting place for NAACP Youth Council, anti-apartheid rallies, and other civic and religious clubs and organizations. Bishop Vinton R. Anderson appointed Rev. Darryl E. Walker in 1991. In order to maintain better records, a computer system was installed and new furniture was purchased for the parsonage. He enhanced the music department with new equipment. Walker continued to encourage the church to focus on youth development and he led sessions on church history and protocol. Bishop Anderson then assigned Rev. Bartalette Finney in 1992. The lower level of the church was painted and restrooms remodeled, and the parsonage was completely repainted. New office equipment was also purchased at that time. Finney, the weekly one-hour telecast of St. John's church services began to air on Cox Cable Channel 22. In 1994, Rev. Ronald Williams was appointed to St. John's by Bishop Vernon R. Byrd. Under his leadership new programs were initiated, such as: The Soul Searching Singles, Super Church (children's church), 100 Men of the Word Bible Study, Sisters Bible Class. He led the congregation in the B.I.R.D. project to raise money for the total renovation of the historic church building. Bishop Byrd assigned Rev. Jonathan Rhone in 1997. During his tenure, 22nd Street from Lake to Willis Streets was officially renamed Richard Allen Court. The exterior of the church was tuck pointed and painted. Programs initiated by Rev. Rhone were the Men's Prayer Breakfast, 38/8 Project, 40 Days of Purpose Study Groups, and the Afterschool Tutorial Program. David Arthur was appointed to St. John's by Bishop John R. Bryant in 2006 as he completed his Master's of Divinity from Interdenominational Theological Center. Under his leadership, he initiated a youth outreach ministry including: Children's Church, reestablishing the youth choir, the development a Liturgical Dance Troupe, and Friday Night Live (a weekly afterschool program for youth ages 6 - 16). He led Door to Door Evangelism and Outreach Project that touched families in the surrounding neighborhood. In October of 2008, Bishop T. Larry Kirkland appointed Rev. Frederick Joseph McCullough, the son of St. John's Rev. Dorsey McCullough (1982 - 1991). Fredrick McCullough revived the Sunday School and Men's Prayer Breakfast, as well as, invigorated the evening Bible Study, initiated the reading of the Chronological Bible, and the study of T. Tenney's "God Chasers." Under his leadership the women's restroom was renovated and chair lifts on both levels of the church were installed. He was active in the charge to see that national health care coverage was accessible to all in the Interfaith Worker Justice efforts, as well as the IMA, and Methodist Ministers Alliance. November 1, 2011, the Rev. Dennis Payne was appointed to St. John's by Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, upon the celebration of the 146th Anniversary. In partnership with the City of Omaha and Big Green, a community garden was built on the property east of the church. The garden was cared for by a team of congregation members and area residents. The following year, the Rev. Clifton Neal St. James was appointed to St. He reenergized the congregation by enhancing existing ministries and strengthening church leadership. James continued his pastorate at St. John's by leading the church in strategic planning for building improvements and upgrades. James’ civic involvement includes, but not limited to, the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, Omaha Together One Community, Empowerment Network, and the Methodist Fellowship. John's A.M.E Church Shepherds of the Flock!
1896-1908 Rev. Henry Blanton Parks {Elected Bishop 1908}
1912-1917 Rev. Osbourne
1917-1924 Rev. W.C Williams
1924-1926 Rev. C.A Williams
1928-1932 Rev. I.S. Wilson
1932-1936 Rev. Pearl Bryant
1939-1941 Rev. T.A. Sears
1941-1945 Rev. E.F. Ridley
1945-1948 Rev. Childress (Appointed Presiding Elder)
1948-1956 Rev. Lewis
1956-1960 Rev. McCoy Ransom
1960-1971 Rev. Edward Snead Faust
1974-1975 Rev. Elmer Newton
1975-1976 Rev. Williams {Appointed Presiding Elder}
1976-1980 Rev. Calving H. McMillan
1980-1982 Rev. Joseph Forbes {Appointed Presiding Elder}
1982-1991 Rev. Dorsey McCullough
1991-1992 Rev. Darryl Walker
1992-1994 Rev. Bartlett Finney {Appointed Presiding Elder}
1994-1998 Rev. Ronald L Williams
1998-2006 Rev. Jonathan Rhone
2006-2008 Rev. David Arthur
2008-2011 Rev. Frederick J McCullough
2011-2012 Rev. Dennis Payne
2012-2015 Rev. James
2015-2019 Rev. Leslie White
2019-2022 Rev. Keith D. Cornelius
2022-Present Rev. Benjamin Finnell
