St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church was born in an upstairs room over Leonard’s Music Store on West Broad Street in Statesville, NC. In early 1888, the Rev. D. J. Settlemyer conducted the organizational meeting of the congregation which became a mission of the Tennessee Synod, and there were eight individuals enrolled as members.

In 1890, a lot was purchased on the corner of Front and Church (now Meeting) for $350. Three members mortgaged their homes to get funds to construct a building. The first service in that structure was held on January 8, 1891 with 23 charter members.

Early in 1920, St. John’s became a part of the newly formed North Carolina Synod.

The congregation purchased a lot for a new church on the corner of Front and Mulberry Streets and construction was completed in 1922.

On September 19, 1954 the congregation voted to relocate and build another new church and educational building. Five acres were purchased at 740 North Center Street and groundbreaking took place in early 1955. The building at Front and Mulberry was purchased by the Catholic Church and St. John’s held services in Shearer Hall of Mitchell Community College for close to a year. On August 11, 1957, the present sanctuary and educational building were ready for occupancy.

In 1966, the church and educational building were air-conditioned and the educational building was expanded to include a kitchen and fellowship hall with a large stage.

In August of 1979, the current Schantz pipe organ was installed. In 1981, the first Sunday worship services were video-taped. These tapes were telecast a week later through the city’s cable station to local citizens. This ministry, directed to shut-ins and others unable to attend the church of their choice, became invaluable. Today, the Video Ministry is proud of its state-of-the-arts studio (named in honor of its founder, Carl Litaker) which provides live broadcasts each Sunday over Time Warner Cable Channel 20. 

In 2004, St. John’s congregation approved an extensive and ambitious plan for renovations. Since 1888, St. John’s has received the blessings of a merciful and loving God. In the future, there can be no response from her congregation other than a constant renewal of faith, thanksgiving and praise.