Mr. John D. Barker, early member of St. John A.M.E. Church left us a treasured record. He wrote: "When Topeka was young, many men and women of our group, seeking new homes in Kansas, settled in Topeka, around the years 1864, `65, and `66. To those new settlers, Topeka became a haven for a few freemen and many ex-slaves who were seeking their "Utopia" with Visions loomed on the horizon for a bright future. They also brought with them their faith and beliefs from their former home lands. The settlers were mostly Methodist and Baptist.

St. John was born in a rented barn in 1868. The location was in an alley be­tween Harrison and Van Buren Streets, bounded on the north Shops on the east to what is now the Rock Island Bridge on the west. From this location, men and women formed a "Prayer Circle" which developed into a "Methodist Church Mission."

In 1878 the Reverend John M. Wilkerson, a Presiding Elder of the Missouri A.M.E. Conference, came and organized this Mission into The African Methodist Episcopal Church with name and title "Saint John A.M.E. Church."

In 1879 lots were brought on Second and Madison and a building was erected. In that building, mem­bers had their first regular appointed pastor, The Reverend Schuyler Washington. In 1882 lots were pur­chased on the corner of Seventh and Topeka Avenue, and the corner stone of the new St. John was laid in 1886.

A half century of progress continued after the 1940's. The church thrived under strong ministerial leadership and a committed, faithful membership. It is because of this partnership that St. John has continuously moved forward. Each pastor added to the historical events and records of the church.

The improvement of our church continues as we enter our third century.  History records those who have given through wills and bequest to the ministry.

St. John has been named a City, State and National Historic Place for its longevity of service to the community and Christ.

We are indebted to the past keepers of the records for it is through their vision and foresight that we are able to enrich the present by sharing these records from the past. We take pride in our inheritance of collected information because it reflects the faith, perseverance, and  the Christian beliefs of our ancestors.

As we continue the legacy under the leadership of our first female pastor, The Reverend Pamela Myrtis  Hughes Mason, who was assigned as our pastor from September 2015 - October 2018. Her ministry ushered in a season of spiritual renewal, anointed preaching and teaching. Our Prayer Ministry Team and Heath Ministry were established. Our Class Leader Ministry was revitalized and the Men's Ensemble sing on  third and fifth Sundays. 

On  August  19th 2018,  St. John AME Church celebrated 150 years of ministry in the Topeka Community. Bishop Clement W. Fugh was our celebration preacher.  On that day our Prayer Room was dedicated.

On October 2018, we received our second female pastor, The Reverend Juliet Kent Hemphill. Rev Hemphill has been very active in the community.  She continues to visit our sick-and-shut in on a regular basis and giving communion. Rev. Hemphill  is a servant, preacher and teacher for our congregation.

On September 16, 2021, we received our third female pastor, The Reverend May E. Hall. Rev. Hall came from Christ Our Redeemer (KCMO). She pastored 15 years at Grant Lovell Chapel in Moberly, Missouri and Bethel in Macon, Missouri. She holds a Bachelors in sociology and Organizational Management and worked in the Columbia Missouri School system for 19 years as a truant officer. Rev. Hall mission is to minister to all people by spreading the liberated gospel of Christ Jesus through word and deed.

Our Brief History

OUR 2021-2022 OFFICERS

Steward Board  

Rosalyn Carr Vice Chair

Edward Townsend

Linda Avery-Bowers

Trustee Board  

Harold Sheffield, Vice Chair

Robert Harvey, Secretary

Floyd JJ Graham, Buildings & Grounds

Stephen Lane

Dale Cushinberry

                        Finance Committee

Linda Avery Bowers, Vice Chair

Kelly Rhea, Treasurer

Rosalyn Carr

Floyd Graham, Jr.

Robert Harvey

Judy Jackson

Edward Townsend

Ministry Leaders

Church School                                           Rev. Hall

Class Leaders                                            Frankie Sheffield

Health Ministry                                           Ramona Brice

Lay Organization                                        Kelly Rhea

Music Ministry - Musicians                          Frankie Sheffield                             

Prayer Ministry                                           Norma Avery

                                                                   Janice Graham

Stewardess  Board                                     Carol Harvey

Usher Board                                               Judy Jackson

Women's Missionary Society                      TBA

Young People's Department