According to state historical records, Reverend Phillip Shiver was the first preacher called to serve the church, but Reverend William Lowman was the first ordained minister. It was December 1, 1875 that Lowman was ordained by the Reverend William W. Adams, the first pastor of New Light Beulah Baptist Church. Mr. Ephraim Neal donated land for the first church building after members had met and worshipped in a bush arbor or brush arbor. The new building faced toward the railroad and was adjacent to Chappell Creek where baptisms were held. Abigail Swygert of Columbia sold the first one acre tract to the trustees of St. John on December 14, 1878. Reverend William Lowman, who served in South Carolina House of Representatives from 1876-1878, pastored the church from 1875 until 1885 and again from 1887 until 1893.

    In 1893 the Reverend Jesse W. Neal became pastor, serving a total of 51 years. Rev. Westberry H. Neal, son of Rev. Jesse Neal, succeeded his father and served a total of 58 years. Reverend Sammy L. Wade has served faithfully as pastor since 2001.