About Us
St. John’s is a small and active congregation (worshiping around 30 people) with a big history. The beautiful structure in which we meet was built in 1893 during the logging and coal mining boom years. We are part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) , the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person – questions, complexities and all. All are welcome!
Answering the call to be God’s hands, feet, and voice in the community and the world.
OUR MISSION
Our Pastor
Pastor Ruth Bullwinkle, M.Div. is a 2010 graduate of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. She is an avid handbell ringer and has traveled all over the country to play for various events and churches. Now she plays for St. John’s and directs the bellchoir. She gives a concert here and there as a part of her ministry. Pastor Ruth has been at St. John’s since February 1, 2013. She arrived in a snowstorm and learned early on the importance of good tires and a powerful vehicle in these mountains. She was a state park chaplain for three summers in PA prior to coming to WV. Here she is the chaplain at Blackwater Falls State Park and until 2024 conducted Sunday services at the state park.
MUSIC
St. John’s loves music! Our Pastor is a handbell soloist and leads our bell choir. St. John’s is always looking to share and expand its music ministry. We hope you’ll join us and bring your musical gifts! Again, all are welcome!
We have a fabulous Allen 3 manual digital organ. After being without an organist we realized that our wonderful past organist, who moved out of state, could still play for us. Dr. Michael Koss records our music to be played at Sunday services. We are very fortunate to have such a gifted organist provide his musical gifts to us each week—the sound is powerful and pure, as if he is sitting at our organ playing! WHAT A SOUND!
OUR HISTORY
St. John’s was chartered in 1893 during the lumbering boom years of Davis. The massive spruce beams in the sanctuary were logged from virgin red spruce and milled at the sawmill once located along the Blackwater River in Davis. The church has been in continuous use since it was dedicated September 16, 1894, a short eight years after the town was founded. St. John’s maintains the original character and integrity of both its exterior and interior design. The building, including its beautiful stained-glass windows, was built in a time of plenty and optimism. The town has seen its ups and downs, but St. John’s continues to do God’s work in the community and the world.