The first corporate Episcopal service in Johnson City was held on June 26, 1889.  Services were first held in schools and stores until September 7, 1905 when the cornerstone was laid for the original stone church (now chapel).   The design of the original church is based on medieval architecture and utilizes river rock and limestone from the local Nolichucky River, lending the church its nickname “the rock church.”  The interior vaulted ceiling features beaded and beveled oak beams.

 

After decades of continued growth in membership and energy, St. John’s decided it was time to expand the size of its worship space.  On November 10, 2001, the new Nave was completed and dedicated.  Designed by the Memphis, TN firm of Williamson and Pounders, the room features a much larger seating capacity, more native river rock and clerestory windows which allow an abundance of natural light.  The stenciled panels located along the side walls of the Nave, featuring thirty-one crosses and symbols, were designed and stenciled by Martha Cooper.

 

The communion table, baptismal font and pulpit were designed and constructed by Mr. Larry Epperson from the wood of the former maple tree, which previously resided in the same area as the new Nave.  The communion table is inscribed with five crosses symbolizing the five wounds of Christ on the cross.  The crosses are located on the shields on top of each leg of the table.  The fifth cross is centered on top of the altar above a box containing relics of the Patron Saint of our parish.  These relics include: a stone from the fortress in which John was imprisoned on the island of Patmos, a shell from the Sea of Galilee where he was raised as a fisherman and called by Jesus to be a disciple, and wheat from the Holy Land.