Built in 1793, the first log church was destroyed by Indians. The following year, the original church was replaced by a frame dwelling one mile farther east on the north side of the present church yard. In 1800 the church had 43 subscribers.
An 1849 building serves the congregation today. Olde St. John’s is the first Episcopal Church established West of the Alleghany Mountains. Reverend Joseph Doddridge established the congregation. His missionary work extended over thirty years throughout the northern panhandle and as far West as Chillicothe, Ohio. Doddridge also established a church in Wellsburg and a congregation at West Liberty. His education included studies at Jefferson Academy, now part of Washington and Jefferson college. In 1800, Doddridge was living in Wellsburg and died in 1826. “In 1929 a stone tablet, inscribed to the memory of Dr. Doddridge, was incased into the western wall of the church, a tribute to his noble and untiring efforts.” Olde St. John’s is located on the intersection of Eldersville and St. John’s roads, which were once Indian paths. The graveyard adjacent to the church contains graves dating back to the 1700s.
Old St. John Church.
The grave stones of St. John’s Church represent many Pioneer families.
- Follansbee Review, “Annual Services at St. John’s Church,” May 28, 1931, front page