In 1952, a census was requested by the Most Reverend Francis E. Hyland, DD, JCD, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Savannah-Atlanta. Volunteers rambled over the vast areas of Blair Village, College Park, East Point, Fairburn, Forest Park, Riverdale, Hapeville, Jonesboro, and Mountain View. This census revealed a total Catholic population of 800 people in the tri-city area.

Bishop Hyland realized that a mission was needed in the tri-city area because of the rapid growth of the south side of Atlanta and that in the future this area would influence Catholicism in the diocese.

The mission of St. John was taken from the territorial boundaries of the Immaculate Conception and Saint Anthony of Padua parishes. The actual canonical elevation of the mission of St. John the Evangelist to the status of a full parish came January 15, 1954.

Mrs. John J. Kuhn, a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in downtown Atlanta, left a valuable piece of property to the Diocese of Savannah-Atlanta. She stipulated in her will that this real estate was to be sold, and the money derived from the sale would be used to help establish a parish and the name of St. John the Evangelist was to be the patron saint in honor of her beloved husband.

On Sunday, April 27, 1952, the first Mass was offered by Father Daly, the founding pastor, in the Hapeville Recreation Center. There were about 400 people in attendance during the three Masses. During the first weeks of the infant church, the altar had to be taken from its storage area and put in place every Sunday and folding chairs were used and taken up after the last Mass.

A letter from Bishop Hyland to Father Daly indicated that the parish of St. John had two very urgent needs -- a place of worship and a school for the Catholic education of the children. He further suggested a fund-raising campaign to be undertaken. The enthusiasm which the parishioners manifested for the newly established parish and the cooperation during the 18 months of the campaign left no doubt of the success of the campaign.

On September 7, 1953, the good news from Bishop Hyland was that the Sisters of Mercy of Merion, Pennsylvania, had accepted his request to staff St. John's parochial school. On September 7, 1955, the school opened its first year, with grades one through five. Growth and expansion continued through the years with what is now the pattern today -- kindergarten, pre-first, and grades one through eight.

During the 30 years of service to the community, the following priests have pastored the church: founder, Rev. George Daly, 1952-1960; Rev. John J. O'Shea, 1961-1972; Rev. Richard B. Morrow, 1972-78; present pastor, Rev. Michael Woods, 1978.

St. John the Evangelist Parish has already begun construction to expand facilities for use by the school, the adult education program and the school of religion. The estimated completion date is Easter, 1983.

The anniversary dinner and dance will be held on December 10 at the Airport Hilton from 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. Music will be provided by Fanfare and a cash bar will be available. A $5 donation per person is being accepted to help defray costs. Church leaders are seeking all former members in the area to join in the gala festivities. For ticket information, contact the church rectory at 404-768-5647.