About Us

Founded in June 1915, long before South Miami was born, known then as Larkin, a handful of men and women thought it wise and advantageous to serve God. They started to have prayer meetings in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Williamson, on what is now Southwest 60th Avenue. The fellowship and the mutual agreement of God’s people have always wrought wonders in our midst. It did at Pentecost and was done again in 1915 in South Miami, Florida.

Cut of this meager beginning grew the founding of Saint John African Methodist Episcopal Church. The absence of a sanctuary was no hindrance. God was with them on this second Sunday in June 1916, the church was formerly organized by the first Pastor, Rev. F. W. Kinslow, and took the name St. John A.M.E. Church.

Marshall Williamson, the first pioneer resident of South Miami and wife, Elnora gave the land at 6461 S.W. 59th Place, South Miami for the purpose of erecting a place of worship. From this church was the birth of all other black churches in the community. The hurricane of 1962 destroyed the first church and the following year, a new structure was erected, which was a little white-frame building (the little white church as many recalled), housing approximately one hundred members. The present building is the third St. John structure.

The original eight (8) trustees were J. Maxwell, L. Richardson, Alonza Aaron, James Hunt, Charley Williams, Rosa Little, Eleanor and Marshall Williamson with Rev F. W. Kinslow as Pastor. The Rev. G. A. Curry was the Presiding Bishop and R.B. Brooks was the Presiding Elder at the time Church was organized.

Through the years, the Founders kept a watchful eye on the caliber of ministers who gathered at St. John, South Miami. Among the illustrious clergymen who have pastored are: Reverends: H.W. Gary, R.J. Jones, J.H. Strums, J.J. Johnson, Paul Lee, L.O. Kennedy, Richardson Cowins, G. Goodman, H.W. Holton, Henry M. Harris, J.H. Garmon, William Everett, F.N. Duncan, J.D. Dukes, who build parsonage: A.B. Collins, J.E. Campbell and J. A. Gribsy. In 1966, Rev. W.A. Curry in 1974, Rev. Leroy Holmes, Rev. Hardy, Rev. David Williams; in 1975, Rev. Theodore Roddy; In 1980, Rev. C. Standifer (builder of the current sanctuary), in 1995, Rev. William J. Green, Sr., in 2001, Rev. John W. Williams; in November 2003, we were blessed with a Pastor and Charismatic Leader in that of Rev. Gregory V. Gay, Sr.; in December 2010, Rev. Phillip Johns and in September 2011, we were blessed with our current Pastor and servant leader, Rev. Millard Campbell.

Past Presiding Elders: Reverends: G.J. Oates, J.J. Williams, F.A. Allen, J.A. Roberts, S.D. Salimon, T.E. Wright, C. Hunt, J.B. Blacknell, I.D. Hinson, C.E. Standifer, John L. Bodison, Henry E. Greene, Jr., Presiding Elder, Milton Broomfield, and Rev. Jessie L. Harvin. Our current Presiding Elder is Rev. Vincent F. Mitchell, Sr.

Past Bishops: Rt. Reverends: Henry Tookes, John Gregg, Carey A. Gibbs, D. Ward Nichols, Sherman Green, W.F. Ball, G.N. Collins, G. Dewey Robinson, Hubert N. Robinson, S.S. Morris, Phillip R. Cousin, Frank C. Cummings, John Hurst Adams and McKinley Young and Rev. Adam J. Richardson. Our current Presiding Bishop is the Rt. Rev. Frank Madison Reid, III.

The heritage of St. John is rich. A legacy of greatness is ours to enjoy. God has indeed placed us an open door and showed us with leadership. But true to His Word, he has called many of His servants home from labor to reward, Bro. D. C. Gilchrist, who served as superintendent of St. John’s Sunday School for forty years, Bro. Marshall Williamson who served as Secretary, Treasury, Chairman of the Steward and Trustee Boards; Sis. Grant served as secretary of the church until 1955. Sis. Mary Lou Pittman, Sis. Cora Anderson, Sis. Ethel Shipp, Bro. Hadley Bellone, Bro. Gus Donaldson, Bro. Wilford Thompson, Bro. Dan Ferguson, Bro. George Baines, Sis. Rosa King, Bro. Emanuel Freyer and many more Stewards and Trustees have gone home to rest.

The first Sunday in April 1980, marked a historical day for St. John A.M.E. Church. Through the godly judgement of Bishop S.S. Morris, Jr., Rev. Charles E. Standifer (Sis. Barbara Standifer) was assigned to St. John to take the reins of leadership, Rev. Standifer accepted this challenge, walked out on faith, not knowing where he was going or what tasks awaited him. He baptized twenty-seven (27) infants, thirty-two (32) youths and thirty (30) adults. Many long and tedious hours of work and prayers were spent in an effort to move into a new era at St. John.

Today, we enjoy the fruits of labor. August 1985 marked another milestone, our Groundbreaking Celebration in preparation to construct a new St. John A.M.E. Church. The member of St. John had long planned and worked hard toward the day when there would stand somewhere in these surroundings, a church that would not only be lofty and beautiful, but so designed and constructed to properly an conveniently facilitate the practices of African Methodism in South Miami. In October 1991, we left the old building for safety reasons and continued to serve the Lord at J.R.E. Lee School. At that time, more than ever before, we had to give a little more, and pray a little harder. We knew we had a long journey, but we put God first for we knew we couldn’t make it by ourselves.

In August 1992, the onset of Hurricane Andrew put a time constraint on the plans for the new St. John. The construction went on and before long the sanctuary was complete. Our prayers had been answered and our dream had become a reality. On the fifth Sunday of October 1993, we walked in our new edifice, which Rev. Standifer called, “The biggest little Church in South Miami.”, with praise and thanksgiving.

On the third Sunday in October 1995, God sent another warrior for the upbringing of His Kingdom, while placing Rev. Standifer in the reigns of Presiding Elder. Rev. William J. Green (Sis. Lillian Green) came to St. John with insight to enhance the church as well as the community. Along with his new ideas, Rev. Green envisioned a day dedicated to the instruction of the children, now called “Sunday School”. He developed initiatives to help rid the community of drug usage. We held many evening and weekend vigils and walks throughout the South Miami community to let the drug dealers know that they were welcomed and would not be tolerated. Through his efforts, other community churches and elected officials became involved. St. John was the site chosen in the community to host charities where meetings were held to discuss and determine the future economic and enhancement decisions for the South Miami Community. Under his leadership, Rev. Green also established the Wounded Healers Organization, which assisted and provided jobs, training, and entrepreneurial opportunities for members of our community as well as a tool for developing and nurturing relationships within and outside of the church. With the departure of Rev. Green to retirement in March 2001, St. John would yet again receive another shepherd for this flock.

Appointed to St. John in March 2001, Rev. John Williams, Jr. (First Lady Sharon Williams) came to us form Key West, Florida. A former pastor of Bethel A.M.E., Key West, Rev. Williams inspired the church that despite the passing of the great Pastor and Presiding Elder Rev. Charles E. Standifer (May 2001) and the retiring of the rev. William J. Green, the church would not suffer. He embarked upon a new vision that would create church growth and spiritual development. He completed the groundwork to launch a new and innovative ministry referred to as Inca national Evangelism. It was under his stewardship that we were able to purchase the partitions which divide the fellowship hall from the main sanctuary. Prior to leaving to shepherd another congregation, Rev. Williams reestablished the traditional presence of the Sunday School.

Just when St. John needed a new infusion of hope, motivation and guidance, in November 2003, Rev. Gregory V. Gay, Sr. (first Lady LaShunda Gay and children) was assigned to St. John as Senior Pastor. Rev. Gay has been a lightning rod in so many ways and his vision and boundless energy have made St. John a true beacon of comfort in the South Miami community. In just one short year, his endless energy and love for the South Miami community, the church and its members have been shown daily… Spiritually, financially and physically. Our Church’s music ministry has exploded and exemplifies the great spiritual excitement that Rev. Gay has brought to St. John. Yes, he loves to sing!! He is continuing Rev. Green’s vision for the Wounded Healers. He has brought back the future of the church “our children” and continues to give in so many ways. Here are some ways that these things are true:

St. John’s Mortgage Burning on January 22, 2005 stood as a tribute to the hard work and dedication of Rev. Gay, the Pastors, who preceded him and the past and present members of St. John. Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Elder John L. Bodison along with the South District was here to help celebrate such a magnificent occasion.

In February 2005, Presiding Elder Leroy Kennon, the Vice-Chair of the Presiding Elders Council for the 11th Episcopal District spoke at the Founders Day Celebration service.

St. John has also entertained Presiding Elders, John A. Mainer and Thomas B. DeSue; Bishop Frank C. Cummings, John H. Adams and countless other Ministers of gospel have offered their experience here at St. John.

St. John was the Host Site for the New Super South District Church School Convention in June 2005.

During hurricane season, Rev. Gay along with Bro. Lucious McGriff, Jr. and Bro. David Walker took the grill and other supplies to some of the hurricane affected areas throughout the state.

Wounded Healers Inc. has painted funded by the Richmond Perrine Optimist Club, along with the After School Program.

Summer Program was established and funded by the Richmond Perrine Optimist Club, along with the After School Program.

Some of the duties Rev. Gay held while serving as Pastor of St. John A.M.E. are many, these are just to name a few:

City of South Miami’s Police Department has entrusted in him to become the 1st African American Police Chaplain
Secretary for the South Miami Pediatric Clinic
Director of the Rights Restoration Project here in South Florida for the 11th Episcopal District Lay Organization
President for the South Miami Concerned Clergy and Citizens Coalition which was founded in 2006
Pastor of the Year for the South Conference by the South Conference Lay Organization Miami Dade County Black Affair Advisory Board

Rev. and Mrs. Gay continued to be called the “Dynamic Duo” here and around the South Miami Community. Their services have been hailed as a dutiful, tireless and countless effort to bring back what makes South Miami so great.

Numerous children flock to the following of Rev. and Mrs. Gay’s teachings and pride themselves on being able to get understanding while being able to “Come As They Are”.

We will forever be blessed for the spirit-filled teachings of our Pastor.

Always willing servants at heart, Rev. and First Lady LaShunda Gay proved to be a tremendous asset to St. John and the South Miami Community in so many ways, such as: the purchase and pay off of the Church van; restarted the Wounded Healers Program (painted 58 homes and employed 86 individuals); Insured that the edifice was maintained by repainting the church grounds; installed a sprinkler system and drainage (with help from Bros. Elijah Capers, Robert Wilson, Lawton Walker and Min. Joseph Kennedy) and so much more.

This great team started the After School Computer Lab and Summer Program under the Richmond Perrine Optimist Club that was spearheaded by Sis. Gay. She served faithfully in St. John as well as on many levels of the A.M.E. Church: Local: President Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) and Youth Supervisor; Area: Fayson/Gay YWI & PME Director; South Conference: MSA President and Episcopal: Pastor’s Kids (PK) Coordinator

It was a somber day on December 19, 2010, when Rev. Gay informed the Church that he would no longer be the Pastor of St. John and that he and Sis. Gay would be relocating to Tampa, but the legacy that the dynamic duo left behind is one that is as everlasting as the bonds of the past and present pillars that made our Church such a great beacon in the South Miami Community.

On December 20,2010, the transition of the baton was handed off to Rev. Phillip R. Johns (First Lady Joan Johns) who led St. John to this great day in the history of our Church. On May 22, 2011, Rev. and Sis. Johns introduced to St. John our First Annual African-American Caribbean Day Celebration. It was a great success! To God be the Glory!

St. John was once again blessed with the leadership of a dynamic team to lead the congregation through challenging times. On September 30, 2011, Rev. Millard Campbell (First Lady Marva Campbell) arrived at St. John, equipped and ready to work. Under Rev. Campbell’s leadership the Church immediately embarked upon many projects that enhanced the sanctuary, engaged the surrounding community and provided spiritual guidance to the entire congregation. St. John was motivated to raise the funds necessary to purchase and replace a 15-ton air conditioner, repaint thee exterior and interior of the sanctuary. He and the First Lady personally provided a floor length mirror, sitting bench (Built by the Pastor’s hands) and a baby changing station in the Ladies restroom.

As a community-oriented church, Rev. Campbell has hosted many community meetings and was actively involved in the development, administration and hosting of our once-a-month Farm Share program which provides food to hundreds of community residents. One project that is currently being undertaken is the completion of the Brick Memorial Wall that began as a starter fund and finalized the purchase of a brand new Church Marquee. St. John has truly been blessed to have the leadership of Rev. Campbell and the never ending energy of our First Lady Campbell.

The accomplishments under the leadership of Rev. Campbell and through his guidance, his continued movement toward spiritual growth are:

Rededication and renaming of the now “Lucious and Rosa McGriff Fellowship Hall”
Establishment of “The Campbell’s Special” choir
Updated A.M.E. Motto repainted on the Choir stand wall, Church van, Church entrances
Purchase of a new computer system set up
Purchase of and newly laid carpet for the Sanctuary
Replacement and installation of two high-end commodes
Initiated “Family Night”, held on the 4th Friday of every month
Facilitated a once in a lifetime concert event by inviting “Gospel Superstar” Tamela Mann to grace our Church
Spearheaded the ‘Farm Share’ Program (where a labor of love feeds 75-100 people from surrounding Communities).
Partnering with the State Attorney’s Office for Community Outreach for record sealings and expungements
FIU’s STEM Cell Project – educating kids between the ages of 5-15 about medical sciences
Member of the Concerned Clergy of S. Miami and former Chaplain of the SMPD
Accepted and facilitated the donation of a new Sound Room installation
Refurbished/Renovated the interior and exterior of the Church (replacing the chairs in the Fellowship Hall, recarpeting the floor in the Sanctuary, etc.)
Installation of the ‘Ring’ Door System
Hosted many District and Conference Meetings/Conventions

One of the many accomplishments also includes the establishment and designation of St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church’s name to include the word ‘Historic’ in its name. On October 4, 2015, by the order of the South Conference, St. John was deemed Historic St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Campbell desires Historic St. John A.M.E. to be the light and pillar of South Miami, supporting those in need. Yet there is still so much more on his mind to accomplish and there is nothing he can’t do with God on his side. Rev. Campbell’s tenure here at HSJAMEC will be forever remembered by the work he completed and what he embodied as its Pastor. So it is with a sad heart we see him go, as Rev. Campbell retires from the ministry he had been called to do.

May 24, 2019 culminated the 8 years of Rev. Campbell’s tenure with a surprise Retirement Celebration from the Historic St. John YPD! As well as a semi-formal, dinner on August 10, 2019, which included fun-filled singing, praising and fellowship from around the District. While we realize that Rev. Campbell’s ultimate reward will come from God, HSJ’s love and support for Rev. and Lady Campbell extend far beyond ‘thank you’, but ‘God Bless You’!

After a long awaited arrival, on November 22, 2019, Historic St. John AME Church was blessed with the appointment of Pastor Michael H. Clark, Jr.! He is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, teacher of the Broward County Public School System and former Youth Pastor of Mt. Hermon AMEC of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, as well as St. Paul AMEC, Miami. Pastor Clark was appointed Senior Pastor of Metropolitan AMEC, Liberty City in 2016 prior to Historic St. John AMEC, where he completed many works. We are exceedingly glad to have Pastor Clark, knowing that his visionary ways precede him. HSJ is in for quite the surprise and fulfilment of God’s Work.

Culminating the end of his 3rd year in November 2022, Rev. Michael Clark’s accomplishments shine bright in the midst of what has been deemed ‘one of the most significant pandemics of our generation: Coronavirus 19!

The transitioning of Worship Services into online streaming platforms, to coincide with in-person worship – phone and video.
The Health and Wellness Ministry began monthly medical alerts for those still at home, as well as those participating in, in-person worship
Creation of a new and improved ‘Mission and Vision Statement’
Implementation of Historic St. John’s newest Church logo
Use of varied forms of wireless/contactless pay (Givelify, Cashapp, Venmo and Paypal)
Renovations of the Sanctuary’s roof, doors and parking lot