St John's Parish was organized May 2, 1858, and a church building was begun under the supervision of George Edward Walker, architect.  The century old Weston burying ground was chosen as the site for the church, and Dr. William Weston donated the Weston family cemetery and adjacent land.  Prior to the building of the church, missionary services were held at the schoolhouse on Elm Savannah Plantation. The Rev. Edward Reed, who organized the parish became the first rector. The first service was held on July 31, 1858, and on November 27 the church was consecrated by Bishop Thomas F. Davis.

The original church records were lost in the burning of Columbia by Sherman’s Army on February 17, 1865.  They had been sent to Columbia for safe-keeping.

St. John’s, born in the splendor of antebellum days, survived the impoverished times of Reconstruction and the Great Depression.

In 1956 St. John's built a rectory on land bought for $1.00 from Mrs. Christian Tucker Weston, Mr. James Hopkins and Mr. Theodore Hopkins. The house was completed in 1957 and renovated in 1980. In 1965 a new parish house was completed and occupied.  It was expanded in 1996 and again in 2001.

On December 26, 1981, disaster struck.  The original church building was completely destroyed by fire.  The cause was determined to be a malfunction of the furnace.  Construction of a new building using the original plans, enlarged by about 20%, was started early in the new year. And, on November 7, 1982, Bishop William A. Beckham consecrated the restored St. John’s Church and dedicated the furnishings.

St. John's has contributed three men to the ministry of the Episcopal Church: Edward McCrady Claytor, English Hopkins Weston and John Gorman Clarkson, Jr.  

St. John's continues a tradition begun during the ministry of the Rev. G. Croft Williams, when All Saint's Day was chosen as the annual Homecoming Day. Members and friends look forward to this annual event when a barbecue dinner is prepared and served.

Attendance averages about 90 at two services each Sunday.  Members come from a wide area, both urban and rural. We all share the love of the Church and commitment to service and worship.

St. John's was established as a "Family Church" to serve families living within a "buggy ride" of the church. St. John's remains a "Family Church" with approximately 125 families and households. Our arms still reach out and surround not only those with long term ties, but to all who have joined our church family.

The following is a list of St. John’s clergy and the dates each served:

• St. John's Episcopal Church Congaree celebrates 150 years
• Happy 150th birthday, St. John's
• St. John's 150th Birthday
• St. John's Episcopal Congaree celebrates 150th anniversary