St. John's Church of God in Christ was founded by Elder John Johnson in March of 1952 at 7 Dongan Ave., Albany, NY. From a small gathering of the faithful to a thriving spiritual family, the church has stood as a beacon of hope in the heart of Albany for over seven decades.
Across generations, the church has remained steadfast in its mission: to glorify God and to serve mankind. Through seasons of change and growth, the foundational commitment to prayer, worship, and outreach has never wavered.
The Founding
St. John's Church of God in Christ was founded by Elder John Johnson in March of 1952 at 7 Dongan Ave., Albany, NY. The original membership consisted of Elder Johnson, his wife Dorothy, their seven children, and the church mother, Mother Vera (Dupie) Johnson. Other early members included Elder and Sister McCoy, Mother Garland, Mother Anna Gaston, Mother Glass, Brother Marshall and Sister Elizabeth Thompson, and Mother Julia Battle from Florida.
Relocation to Green Street
The church, along with its 15 members, moved to a storefront at 193 Green St. In 1957, St. John's experienced a great outpouring of the Holy Ghost, with many young adults being saved. In April of 1958, Elder John Johnson's wife, Sis. Dorothy Johnson, suddenly passed away at the young age of 40. Sis. Johnson was known as a prophetess and a gifted Bible reader, able to quickly find scripture references at a moment's notice. Elder John Johnson never remarried.
South Ferry Street & Legal Incorporation
St. John's once again grew beyond its capacity and relocated to 71 South Ferry St. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Youth Circle thrived. Pastor Johnson, a natural youth leader, had a vision from the Lord to travel up and down the river, gathering young people together. The Youth Circle traveled thousands of miles, bringing fresh inspiration to thousands of people in over 20 cities throughout the Northeast. On February 3, 1960, St. John's Church of God in Christ was legally incorporated. The trustees who signed the incorporation papers were: John Johnson, John Dockery, Willie Nobles, Shirley Canada, Joe Lee Thomas, Elton Johnson, and Elijah J. Jones. Once again, the Holy Ghost moved mightily, saving both young and older individuals, including many present pastors, evangelists, and leaders in the Capital District and surrounding areas.
Downtown Albany at Herkimer Street
Continued growth led to another relocation to 94 Herkimer St. in the heart of downtown Albany. It was during this time that a significant outpouring of the Holy Spirit occurred among the teenagers, with a large number being saved and baptized in the Holy Ghost. People from near and far would come on the third Sundays to witness the youth on fire for God. Many of today's preachers and missionaries were birthed from this powerful move of God.
Our Current Home
In 1995, St. John's purchased a block of land bordered by Green St., Fourth Ave., and Vine St. After years of prayer and planning, in December 2013, the Greater St. John's COGIC Family and Community Worship Center officially opened at 74 Fourth Ave., Albany, NY 12202. This move marked a new chapter in the church's history, and it is here, in our current home, that we continue to serve God and faithfully serve mankind.