History

St. John United Methodist Church began as a group of Methodist people who met in the Jersey community, near Chattanooga, in May 1955. First chartered as the Jersey Methodist Church, the congregation changed its name to St. John Methodist Church early in 1956. About this time, the community began its rapid transition from semi-rural to suburban character. The church had been organized in time to receive the new residents as they arrived.

On May 22, 1955, 17 persons met at the C.C. Pinson home on Byrd Avenue. Worship services were led by L. T. Prigmore, Jr., Chattanooga District Lay Leader. Others in attendance were Mr. And Mrs. C. C. Pinson, Mrs. J. L. Pinson, Mrs. J. P. Beckett, Robert Beckett, Mrs. Linton Davis, Mr. Jeff Davis, Mrs. Clarence Pinson and her two young children, Mr. And Mrs. Neal H. Sewell, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Igou, Dian Igou and Michael Igou. The group agreed to call itself Jersey Methodist Church; Ernest Igou was chosen treasurer. Meetings were held in the Pinson home for several Sundays.