About Us

Located in the picturesque foothills of the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia.  St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church was initially created as a mission of the Diocese of Wheeling, West Virginia.  The funds for the church were donated by Francis Cardinal Spellman, who formally dedicated St. John's on April 14, 1952.  Highlights of our history include:
 

1962:  The Parish Hall was added to the original building
1969:  Saturday evening Mass was initiated
1974:  St. John's was formally recognized as an independent parish under the Diocese of Richmond with Fr. Dan Bain as the first pastor
1977:  During the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the Church building, the sanctuary was redecorated to emphasize the changes in the Liturgy that occurred as a result of Vatican Council II
1983:  Fr. Carl DeSouza became pastor
1985:  Fr. Leo Cervantes became pastor
1988:  Fr. Kenneth Stafft became pastor
1989:  Fr. Bob Krenik was welcomed as pastor for the next 14 years
2002:  On the 50th anniversary, a time capsule with memorabilia from the  parish community, was buried, and is scheduled to be opened in 2027
2003:  Fr. Paul Maier was welcomed as pastor and the Spanish Liturgy was instituted to meet the needs of the growing Hispanic community
2010:  Bishop DiLorenzo dedicated the newly-added Gathering Space and Narthex to meet the expanded activities of the parish
2012:  Upon the retirement of Fr. Paul Maier, the parish welcomed Fr. Francis Musolooza as pastor of both St. John's in Marion and Christ the King in Abingdon, Virginia