Parish History and Founding of St. John the Evangelist

St. John the Evangelist Church, located in Panama City, Florida, has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1948 by the Congregation of the Resurrection. The church was established to serve the growing military population, defense employees, and local residents during a time of significant expansion in the area.Founding and Early Years

Founding Date: 1948
Founder: Congregation of the Resurrection
Key Figure: Fr. Joseph Martin Baker, C.R., played a pivotal role in the establishment and development of the parish. Shortly after his ordination in June 1942, he was assigned to mission activities in Panama City.
Initial Developments: Fr. Baker constructed Our Lady of Grace Chapel in November 1942 as a mission church. He was later tasked with building a new church to accommodate the increasing population due to World War II. Despite material shortages caused by the war, construction began in April 1944, and the church was opened for Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, 1945.

Construction and Expansion

Completion of Church Interior: The interior of the church took some time to complete after its initial opening. During this period, a garage at the rear of the church served as living quarters for the priests.
Rectory and Parish Hall: The rectory was built in July 1949, and the Parish Hall was completed in 1950. Both buildings were constructed using materials salvaged from government surplus, specifically from the San Blas School located at the present site of Tyndall Air Force Base. Fr. Baker, with the help of parish volunteers and Navy men, dismantled the school and reused its materials for the parish constructions.
Formal Dedication: The formal dedication of the Church, the Rectory, and the Parish Hall took place on Palm Sunday, March 29, 1953, by the Most Reverend Thomas Toolen, D.D., Bishop of the Mobile-Birmingham Diocese.

Educational Contributions

St. John's Catholic School: Opened in 1958, initially serving grades one through five, with additional grades up to eighth added later. The school was supported by the church and built largely through the efforts of Rev. Leonard Prusinski, C.R.
Convent: Completed in January 1961 to house the Sisters of the Resurrection, who served both the church and the school. The building now serves as the parish offices.

Legacy and Impact

Dedication to Service: From its inception, St. John the Evangelist Church has been dedicated to serving the needs of its community, particularly the poor and needy.
Spiritual and Community Growth: The church has not only provided a place of worship but also fostered community cohesion and spiritual development among its members.

Continuing the Legacy

Current Focus: The parish continues to emphasize education and contemplative spirituality, reflecting the foundational elements established by its founders. The contemplative nature of the parish, inspired by the Resurrectionists' emphasis on prayer, remains a central aspect of its identity.

St. John the Evangelist Church stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of its founding members and the broader community. Over the years, it has evolved to meet the changing needs of its parishioners while maintaining its core mission of fostering a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and serving the community.