In the spring of 1779, Methodist pioneer Francis Asbury visited this area to spread his faith, and his efforts led to the organization of a local Methodist society. Early meetings took place in members' homes and in the woods where the church now stands. Around 1780, a house of worship was built on land provided by William Laws. The church was formally incorporated as St. Johnstown Methodist Episcopal Church on March 5, 1822, and the property where the meeting house stood was officially conveyed to church trustees ten days later. The old building served the congregation until 1872, when the present church was constructed.