St. John's Episcopal Church
A welcoming and affirming community on Woodward Avenue and 11 Mile Road in Royal Oak, Michigan
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100 YEARS AT ST. JOHN'S
Celebrating Our Centennial 1926–2026
Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 18, 2026 for one combined service at 9:30am. We are delighted to share that Bishop Bonnie Perry has confirmed that she will be with us to celebrate. We ask for your presence, please spread the word to your St. John’s friends, former members, neighbors, and anyone who has been touched by this community.
Celebrating 100 Years of Faith, Hope & Community
In 2026, St. John's Episcopal Church proudly celebrates 100 years of ministry in Royal Oak! For a century, God has been at work through this community of faith—bringing people together in worship, service, fellowship, and love.
Throughout our Centennial Year, we'll celebrate our rich history while looking forward to the future God is calling us to build together.
Join us for special worship services, community events, outreach opportunities, and moments of reflection as we give thanks for those who came before us and embrace the next chapter of our shared story.
Whether you've been part of St. John's for decades or you're discovering us for the very first time, there's a place for you here.
Everyone is welcome, Everyone belongs!
Come celebrate 100 years with us—we can't wait to share this milestone with you.
Our History.
St. John's began as a mission of the Episcopal Church in 1902 with the gathering of three families in the basement of the old Royal Oak school building at the corner of 4th and Williams Streets.
In 1917, St. John's gained its first full time clergy person and had its own building, a two story wood frame structure. We grew and by1920, the year before Royal Oak became a city, we became a full parish. St. John's was in the forefront of racial equality, holding joint programs with St. Matthew's African American congregation in 1922.
In 1923, the church purchased property at the corner of 11 Mile and Woodward and the first service in the new building was held in 1926. The Great Depression severely tested the parish and the building almost lost to creditors, but the parishioners continued to run ministries for those in need. In the years before WWII, the parish held services with special intention for persecuted members of the Jewish community. After the war, St. John's helped to assist the resettlement of war refugees.
During the 1950s, a new education wing was built, and in 1958, our current worship space, featuring an open altar was completed. During the 1960s, when America was experiencing dramatic transformation, St. John's was in the forefront of peace, justice and protection of the enviornment. In the 1980s, St. John's began and later expanded our ministries to the poor, which includes Open Hands Food Pantry & Garden.
St. John's today continues its long tradition of commitment to social justice, outreach, diversity, inclusion, and positive change in the world.