Our History
1905 Rev. Jim Sharp organized Morning Glory Baptist Church. The name was later changed to Saint John Baptist Church.
1923 – 1953 Rev. W. T. Talley, of Mineral Wells, TX was called to serve as pastor. Under his tenure, the church membership grew from 14 to 1000, and the name of the church was changed to GREATER Saint John Church. In 1946 ground was broken for a new church.
1954 – 1959 Rev. L. C. Henegan was given the charge to complete the new church project. For $95,000.00 the Lord’s house was completed and the congregation entered two months later. During his brief tenure, the church split into two separate congregations.
1959 The remaining members from the split reorganized and re-entered the 19th St. location. The church was re-named First Saint John Missionary Baptist Church.
1960 Rev. L. B. Moss was called to serve as pastor. Under his leadership the course of the church was re-chartered and the church continued to grow. During his tenure a church parsonage and the land adjacent to the church were purchased, central heat and air were installed in the sanctuary and an education wing was added.
1980 The City of Fort Worth began an expansion of highway Interstate 30. This expansion would mean that the church would have to relocate. The property at 2401 East Berry was deemed to be an ideal location for the new church. On November 7, 1982, the congregation entered the new location.
1994 Due to the illness of Pastor Moss, the pulpit was declared vacant and a search for a new pastor commenced.
1995 Rev. Kenneth Bernard Spears began serving as Pastor. Under his leadership with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, membership grew, the debt of the church was retired, and classroom buildings were purchased as well as church transportation. The sanctuary and church grounds were renovated, a full-time staff was hired, and church savings and investment program was established.
2000 First Saint John Missionary Baptist Church becomes part of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship.
2005 Pastor Spears was consecrated as a Bishop on July 12 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
2005 A second location, First Saint John North, was established to carry out the mission of the church in a new era and a new community. Services were originally held at the Roller World skating rink. (First Saint John North History)
2008 After 3 years of perseverance and makeshift services, First Saint John North had its very first service at its new permanent location on December 15.
2012 First Saint John Church is redesignated First Saint John Cathedral and a new crest is unveiled. The names of the locations were changed as well, FSJ South became known as FSJ Berry, and FSJ North became known as FSJ Watauga.
2020 First Saint John Cathedral had many historical firsts; in 2020 began its Live Virtual Broadcasting of Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday Services, and conducted Virtual Ministry and Discipleship Classes. Its first Drive-Thru Holy Communion, Parking Lot Celebrations, and Presidential Rally on the grounds of First Saint John Cathedral with Vice President candidate Senator Kamala Harris with special guest gospel singers Fred Hammond and Marvin Sapp. First Saint John Cathedral also shared in the Fort Worth Opera performing “Stone Soup,” on its parking lot and hosted one of many Community Giveaways from putting gift cards and food in the hands of our community.
2021 January rolled around with the announcement that First Saint John Cathedral had a new radio broadcast home KGGR 1040 AM but that was not the only new thing God would be doing on the grounds and in the heart of First Saint John Cathedral. Black History Month exploded back on the scene with College Gear and Chucks, Full Gospel International Fellowship along with North Texas State hosted the “Community-Wide Water Distribution Day” on the grounds of FSJC with great support and a massive turnout. That is not where the giving ended Albertsons Pharmacy in partnership with First Saint John Cathedral held its first Albertsons Pharmacy Covid Vaccine Clinic, but it did not stop there FSJC held its second Covid Vaccine Clinic in partnership with L&H Scientific administering vaccines to children and youth, but God did not stop there. FSJC held its third clinic this time it was a free Flu Vaccine Clinic. Ressurection Sunday came trailblazing through with online worship and on the grounds fellowship with live singing and music, the Power Angels Reunion, and Easter self- photo station. FSJC caught its breath long enough to provide the usage of its grounds yet again, but this time for its first 2021 Fort Worth Mayoral Debate hosted by The Black Voters Impact Committee, other event hosts included Attorney Glenn Lewis and Arveda Lewis, Vote Fort Worth, Tarrant County GOTV and COmmunities With A Common Cause. On July 4th First Saint JOhn Cathedral opened its doors for In-Person Worship Relaunch in a pinnacle worship experience as we “Re-entered the Temple of God.” We had a special visit from an old friend Rev. Harvey Clemons and in November the FSJC Family rallied together to provide more than $1500 dollars worth of gifts cards for our Annual Thanksgiving Community Food Giveaway in partnership with Tarrant Food Bank and The Church of Jesus Christ of The Latter-Day Saints, the children and youth ministry hosted Tea and Kool-Aid with Bishop and the Music and Arts Ministry sung us into the Christmas Mood.