St. John's Christian Church was founded in 1983 by the late Rev. Joseph L. Coleman, who planted this nondenominational church at 346 Shennecossett Road around a single, clear vision: evangelism. That vision came from Luke 19:10 — Christ's call to seek and save that which was lost — and it has shaped everything about St. John's ever since.

From the beginning, Rev. Coleman's desire was to see all men, women, and children reconciled back to God, irrespective of color, creed, or background. That's why St. John's has always been what he called a "rainbow congregation" — Black, white, red, and yellow believers worshipping side by side as one body, made one by the Holy Spirit, a true representation of Heaven.

Rev. Coleman carried that same heart into the wider Groton and New London community for decades — through the United Way, as a mentor at West Side Middle School and Fitch High School, through his work with MASH (serving the homeless), and as Chaplain for the City of Groton Police and Fire Departments.

Rev. Coleman went home to be with the Lord earlier this year. The church he planted continues the vision he was given: a place where every person is free to use the gifts, talents, and skills God gave them to build up and lift high the name of Jesus.