Future historians will one day record the US civil rights movement’s tragedies and triumphs.

In a footnote, they may record the trials of St. John Baptist Church in Dixiana.

Slaves started the church in 1735, long before the American Revolution, with the help of Swiss minister Christianus Theus.

St. John Helvetic Reformed Church was its original name and its 1st sanctuary was built in 1765.

Over the years, the congregation has endured assaults by vandals including the burning of the sanctuary and Sunday School.

Frightened members left but a valiant few including Pastor Patricia Simmons Lowman and her brother Deacon Willie Simmons refused to give up.

Last Sunday the congregation celebrated 284 years of determined survival in the small brick church rebuilt by the congregation with help from volunteers including community leaders and a Texas construction crew.

Visiting preacher Alto Burts, a 20-year veteran of Vietnam and Korea, praised the congregation and urged them to rededicate themselves to God’s plan.

In reference to the vandals, he cited Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.”

In reference to the congregation’s determination, he cited Matthew 16:18: “Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

In soaring tones, greeted by applause and approval, Rev. Burts praised the members for building their church on a spiritual rock and never faltering.

“Trust in the Lord and keep the faith,” he told them. “God is good. He is the real thing.”

Pastor Lowman spoke of a volunteer angel, the late Ammie Murray of West Columbia, who rallied a biracial Save St. John committee to restore the church and the national media publicity that spurred donations.

“We will never forget her labor of love,” she said.

With that help, the church and grounds are lighted from dusk to dawn and security cameras inside and out track anyone who does not belong there.

For more information about St. John Baptist Church call 739-2393.