I. THE SCRIPTURES

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us, and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried.

II. THE TRUE GOD

We believe the Scriptures that teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness and worthy of all possible honor confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.

III. THE FALL OF MAN

We believe the Scriptures teach that Man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgressions fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required buy the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.

IV. THE WAY OF SALVATION

We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; honored the diving lay by his personal obedience, and by his death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Savior.

V. JUSTIFICATION

We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in Him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal lie on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer’s blood; by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.

VI. THE FREENESS OF SALVATION

We believe that the Scriptures teach that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.

VII. REGENERATION

We believe that the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind that is effected in manner above over comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith, and newness of life.

VIII. REPENTANCE AND FAITH

We believe Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our prophet, priest and king, and relying on Him alone as the only and all sufficient Savior.

IX. GOD’S PURPOSE OF GRACE

We believe the Scriptures teach that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God’s sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boasting and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy; that is encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.

X. SANTIFICATION

We believe the Scriptures teach that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means especially the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.

XI. PERSERVANCE OF SAINTS

We believe the Scriptures teach that such only are real believers as endure to the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

XII. THE LAW AND GOSPEL

We believe the Scriptures teach that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it is holy, just and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arise entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the Means of Grace connected with the establishment of the visible church.

XIII. GOSPEL CHURCH

We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by his laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its only scriptural officers are Bishops or pastors, and Deacons whose qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.

XIV. BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER

We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Savior, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord’s Supper, in which the members of the church, by the scared use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination .

XV. THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH

We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the Lord’s Day, or Christian Sabbath, and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations, by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and public, and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God.

XVI. CIVIL GOVERNMENT

We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of divine appointment; for the interest and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the Kings of the earth.

XVII. RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED

We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of God, are truly righteous in his esteem; which all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction bolds among men both in and after death.

XVIII. THE WORLD TO COME

We believe the Scriptures teach that the end of the world is approaching; that at the last day, Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave for final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness. 

St John Church History

Early in 1925, a desire to “sing” manifested in the minds and hearts of a couple of young men and women on a street corner. As an effect of continued dedication, the ministry flourished into a house-to-house song and prayer service, which later became the “St John’s Mission.” 

In 1926, after considerate difficulty and several protests, it was evident that God was perfecting His plan for St John. The chairman of the Deacon Board, Deacon David Askew, along with Deacon Raymond and Deacon Holmes, submitted letters to thirteen churches, and the St John’s Mission was granted the permission to be named, “The St. John Baptist Church.” 

For several years, services were held in the Washfoot Baptist Church, which rented for two dollars, located in the 900 block of North Alfred Street, while being shepherded by various ministers and guest speakers. The ministers, Reverend Simms, Reverend A. C. Foster, and Reverend Morton, to name a few, were instrumental in St John becoming a member of the Northern Virginia Baptist Association.

Pastor # 1

God blessed St John in 1934. On an invitation by Deacon Willie Mobley, Reverend J. G. West consented to shepherd, pastor, and lead St John.

Having developed spiritually and financially, the old Washfoot Baptist Church building was later purchased and remodeled. Under the leadership of Reverend J. G. West in 1948, with $8,000.00 in cash, $1,000 in materials, along with a $24,000 loan, St John Baptist Church was built on the corner of North Alfred and Montgomery Streets.

In 1954, a parsonage was purchased for Reverend West and his wife, Sister Lanier West; the parsonage was later sold.

On the fifth Sunday in July 1960, families, friends and supporters witnessed the “Burning of the Mortgage.” By 1964, even after acquiring new furnishings (pews, pulpit and organ), St. John was debt free. 

On October 18, 1963, Reverend John W. Johnson was elected as Assistant Pastor to Reverend J. G. West. Two years later, on March 23, 1965, after more than 30 years of dedicated service as Pastor, God summoned Reverend J. G. West home to rest.

Pastor # 2

In November 1965, Reverend John W. Johnson was elected as Pastor and installation services were held the third Sunday in March 1966. God continued to bless St John through the leadership and guidance of Reverend John W. Johnson.

In 1973, numerous renovations were made: An educational building; a kitchen with a separate dining area; and in November of the same year, the mortgage regarding these new additions was burned. Ten years later, St John outgrew its original seating capacity and chose to enlarge the edifice as an alternative to relocating to a new site. One year later in 1984, the seating capacity increased by approximately 100 additional seats and new furniture was purchased without any indebtedness. Also, a new cornerstone was inserted as part of this addition.

In November 1993, the City of Alexandria finally relented through prayer and supplication, and we were able to acquire the lot in the rear of the church.

In December 2000, Reverend John W. Johnson retired from his position as pastor after over 35 years of distinguished and faithful service. 

Pastor # 3

On October 2002, Phillip L. Pointer was chosen as Pastor-Elect. Pastor Pointer was installed on Sunday, January 12, 2003. 

In the fall of 2005 the St John Baptist Church was combined with the Providence Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro, MD, under Pastor Carey E. Pointer, Sr, Pastor Phillip Pointer, Sr. grandfather. Services were held in both locations until February 2011.

The above resulted in a split with some PSJBC members choosing to worship in Upper Marlboro and others deciding to retain the St John Baptist Church name and remain at 901 N. Alfred Street in Alexandria. The members of the reestablished SJBC conducted their first service on Sunday, February 6, 2011. To provide SJBC spiritual covering and leadership during this transitional period the Lord sent Minister Charles A. Hall, who served as the Minister-in-Charge.

In June 2011, ownership of the Alexandria property was challenged and the SJBC congregates moved temporarily to the Charles Houston Recreation Center in Alexandria during the litigation process.

Pastor # 4

On December 11, 2011, God called, anointed and appointed Minister Charles A. Hall to be the shepherd of SJBC. He was officially installed on Sunday, March 25, 2012.

In February 2012, the judicial system awarded ownership of the Alexandria property to PSJBC. SJBC’s love for the brothers and sisters at PSJBC continued. SJBC stood firm on the Word of God because they knew that God had a plan for SJBC.

In mid April 2012, SJBC outgrew the Charles Houston Recreation Center and moved to our second temporary facility at the Lee Center, Richard Kauffman Auditorium in Alexandria; God continues to increase our membership and we thank the Lord for His many blessings both seen and unseen...for we walk by faith not by sight!

As of: May 2012