St. John's Church of God in Christ was founded by Elder John Johnson at 7 Dongan Ave., Albany, NY, in March of 1952. The original membership included Elder Johnson, his wife Dorothy, seven children, and the current church mother, Mother Vera (Dupie) Johnson. Some of the members at the Dongan Avenue location was:Elder and Sister McCoy, Mother Garland, Mother Anna Gaston, Mother Glass, Brother Marshall and sister Elizabeth Thompson, and Mother Julia Battle from Florida.
In 1954 the church, along with it's 15 members moved to a store-front located at 193 Green St. In 1957 St. John's experienced a great outpouring of the Holy Ghost and many young adults were saved. It was during this time that our present pastor, Elder McKinley Johnson was saved, fill with the Holy ghost, married our first Lady, Lady Sue Johnson. In April of 1958 Elder John Johnson's wife, Sis. Dorothy Johnson suddenly died at the young age of 40. Sis. Johnson was known as a prophetess, and a Bible reader that could find a number of scripture references to each scripture the preacher would call for at a moment s notice. Elder John Johnson never married again.
In 1960 St. John's again experienced growth beyond its capacity and soon moved to 71 South Ferry St. During the late 50's, and the early 60's that The Youth Circle was in full bloom. Pastor Johnson always was a youth leader. He organized the Youth Circle after he Had a vision from the Lord to go up and down the river and gather the young people together. The Youth Circle from the late 50's until the early 70's traveled thousands of miles, bringing its fresh inspiration to thousands of young and adult people in over 20 cities of the Northeast. St. Johns through Eld. John Johnson was the main support for the Youth Circle.
On February 3, 1960 St. Johns Church of God in Christ was legally incorporated. The trustees that signed the incorporation papers at that time was: John Johnson, John Dockery, Willie Nobles, Shirley Canada, Joe Lee Thomas, Elton Johnson, and Elijah J. Jones. Here again the Holy Ghost moved in a mighty way saving a number of young and older persons including a number of present Pastors, Evangelists, and Women Leaders in the Capital District Area and elsewhere.
The continual growth of St. John's caused us once again to move, this time to the current location of 94 Herkimer St. in 1974. At 94 Herkimer St. there was a great out pouring of the Holy Ghost amoung the teenagers. A large Number of Teenagers were saved and baptized in the Holy Ghost. People would come far and wide on the third Sunday to see the young people on fire for God. A number of present day preachers, and missionaries were born from this move of God.
In 1995 St. John's purchased a block of land bordered by Green St., Fourth Ave., and Vine St. On the Horizon looms the new "St. John's COGIC Family and Community Worship Center. In 1971 Elder Johnson and St. Johns transferred church membership from East NY Jurisdiction, to Western NY#1 COGIC Jurisdiction. Bishop Anderson appointed Elder District Supt. of the #11 District. Within a few years District #11 when from two churches to eleven churches, and became one of the largest Districts in WNY#1. In December 1999, Bishop Leroy Anderson appointed Elder McKinley Johnson Pastor of St Johns COGIC. Elder McKinley succeeded his father. Elder McKinley declares “I can”t walk in his shoes, but I can stand on his shoulders”.
On July 4, 2004, Supt John Johnson when home to be with the Lord. He died in his room in the basement of St. Johns. He fell asleep. Elder Johnson left a legacy of holiness, hard work, and love for the members of St Johns. Elder Johnson was the recipient of numerous community, Religious awards, and he was known as a Modern Day Harriet Tubman for bringing over 100 families out of Mississippi. He organized theGOOD SAMARITAN, AND THE YOUTH CIRCLE in the 40s, the fifties, and the sixties. He was known for his philantrophy, wise counsel, and holiness stance is well known among religious and community circles. St Johns COGIC will never forget its founder, Supt John Johnson.
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