St. John's United Church of Christ worships on the site of a church built by Germantown founder Philip Gunckel. The current building, built in 1908, houses a 5-star rated early learning center and a food pantry.
“It is common within the United Church of Christ, or UCC, to hear, ‘Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.’ At St. John’s, we take this sentiment to heart,” said Rev. Mark Anthony.
“Our doors are open to all looking for a community of people dedicated to the Common Good and the love of God, brought to life in the person and mission of Jesus of Nazareth, in whom the Divine and the Human meet,” Rev. Anthony said.
Currently, the congregation is in the process of discerning whether to become an Open and Affirming Church, which signifies that they welcome and affirm people of all races, gender identities, gender expressions, backgrounds, and life circumstances.
St. John's United Church of Christ
Address: 201 W. Market St., Germantown
Learn more:
Gatherings: Sunday services at 10:30 am
Pastor: Rev. Mark Anthony
Notable events:
Food Pantry on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12-2:00 pm, and on the 1st and 3rd Saturday, 10-noon
Early Learning Center, a 5-star rated program (the highest rating), open to children 3-5 years. (937) 855-2150
Collection of peanut butter jars and socks for the House of Bread
Participation in the Community Garage Sale in May for camp scholarships
Parking for the Pretzel Festival to fund college scholarships
Interdenominational Vacation Bible School in June
Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service in November
History
St. John's is over 215 years old and shares a common parent church with Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Germantown. The original church was a log church shared by the Reformed and Lutheran congregations.
A brick church was built by Germantown founder Philip Gunckel on the present site in 1828. A new church was completed in 1879. On April 7, 1907, a tornado caused serious damage to the church, requiring a new building to be erected. It was finished in 1908 and is still being used today.
© 2026 Twin Creek Times