The St John Baptist Church was founded in 1927 by the late Reverend Bernie C. McCarley. Rev. Bernie C. McCarley served faithfully as Pastor until 1972. In 1972 Reverend Dr. Bennett W. Smith Sr. was called to Pastor St. John and served until 2001. Both outstanding Pastors who propelled the St. John Baptist Church to unparalleled heights. The St. John Baptist Church is one of the leading houses of worship in the city of Buffalo and has acclaimed national and international status.
 
In 2002 the congregation was blessed when Minister Dr. Michael Chapman was installed as Pastor. Under Dr. Chapman`s leadership the St John Baptist Church has become a major player in the economic and the community development initiatives in the city of Buffalo. A member of the Buffalo "2010" team our mission is accomplished through various not-for-profit corporations as well as traditional church ministries.