Carrollton church to receive historical marker
By Senitra Horbrook, Staff Writer


When St. John Baptist Church was initially being considered for a historical marker designation, city officials came to the church leaders and said they either had to fix the 116-year-old building or tear it down because it was in such bad condition.

“We were unaware the building was in dire straits,” said Phylis Stromile, wife of Pastor R. Michael Stromile.

Through generous donations and help from the community, Carrollton’s oldest African-American church was renovated and will host a historical marker dedication Saturday morning. “We didn’t realize how many people in the community that the church meant something to them. A lot of older people in Carrollton had attended the church when they were younger. That area used to be a community, and that church used to be a big part of Carrollton,” Stromile said. “To know how much of an impact the church had was really surprising. Even thereafter, people come by and leave a donation. That says ‘Hey we want you guys to stay.’ ”

Rebuilding

Back in 2005, the city’s Construction Advisory Appeals Board (CAAB) determined that the church’s structure was dangerous, substandard, dilapidated, unfit for human habitation, and/or a hazard to public health, safety and welfare. Church members presented CAAB with a plan of action and asked for time to raise money and obtain contractor bids for the work to be completed.

“We thank the city of Carrollton for working with us,” Stromile said. “They were really patient and took their time in working with us; they didn’t have to do that.”

Local companies such as Bedrock Foundation, Groves Electrical and Lennox donated foundation, electrical equipment and air conditioning. A team of more than 200 people from Irving Bible Church repaired the siding and the structural issues. Alders Gate Church in Carrollton donated the back porch. Stromile said they didn’t want to tear the church down because then it could not be considered historical.

“We had to keep so much of the structure in tact for it to be called historical,” she said. “We tore the whole roof off, that was totally redone and all the beams had to be strengthened and reinforced. The floor is still original. A good 70 percent of the old church is still there.”

Repairs were complete Dec. 31, 2006 and the church was dedicated Jan. 6, 2007. Carrollton City Council awarded the historic designation to the church March 24, 2009.

“We’re just so happy to get the marker,” Stromile said. “It’s only through God that we can do all this.”

A long history

According to the church’s Web site, St. John Baptist Church has existed for 116 years, 85 of them at their current location in Historic Downtown Carrollton.

In the 1890’s when Carrollton was known as Elm Forks settlement, the building was shared by St. John Baptist Church and Simms Chapel Methodist Church. On the first and third Sundays, St. John Baptist Church would gather for worship. The second and fourth Sundays Simms Chapel would gather to worship. On the fifth Sunday, the two churches would have a combined service.

St. John and Simms Chapel stayed together for 31 years from 1890 to 1921. In 1921, the church bought land from Fannie Mae Bush for $250 and paid her in installments of $25.

“Being one of the oldest African American churches in Carrollton still thriving is significant,” Stromile said. “It’s interesting when you look back and say this used to be houses and people lived around here, just to be a part of history. St. John was here and hopefully we’ll be here for a while.”

A new beginning

Stromile said the church has only had five pastors in its 100-plus year history. Her husband, Rev. R. Michael Stromile, took over when Rev. Daniel McClane became ill about 10 years ago. The Stromiles have since focused on growing the church membership.

“When my husband took over there were only three members,” Stromile said. “Now, we have average of 30 to 70 (regular attendees). Currently we’re having a lot of young parents with kids.”

Stromile said they are looking into expanding the church or putting in a temporary building for a nursery. The Stromiles have also instituted numerous programs to generate community interest, such as the youth department, women’s group, men’s group, prison ministry, life coach and Helping Hands ministry. In the prison ministry, members become pen pals with prisoners. The life coach helps with resumes, job hunting and housing. The Helping Hands ministry cooks delivers Thanksgiving dinners to needy families, sponsors families for Christmas and help plan two youth group summer trips.

“We’re there to help people spiritually and physically,” Stromile said.

St. John Baptist Church Marker Dedication will take place at 10 a.m. July 18. The church is located at 1508 S. Broadway in Carrollton.