More than a celebration
Juneteenth
Juneteenth
Juneteenth
Meat Order Form Donation Link
Meat Section
You can download the 2024 meat order form in this section as well as make payment to organization.
not just a celebration
In St. John Colony, Texas, Juneteenth isn't just a celebration; it's a 150-year-old tradition. Descendants of the original pioneers who settled there in 1872 gather annually on the third Saturday of June for an ancestral jubilee, carrying on the legacy of their freedom-seeking ancestors.
Though Juneteenth wasn't officially recognized nationally until seven years later, St. John Colony saw its significance from the start. They marked the emancipation of enslaved people with joyous gatherings, making their community a beacon of freedom in the years following the Civil War.
Today, over a century and a half later, the tradition continues. The St. John Juneteenth celebration stands as a testament to the resilience and joy of a community built on the foundations of freedom, reminding us all of the importance of remembering and celebrating our history.
Harvest festival gathering information
Embrace Your Heritage at the St. John 19th Body Harvest Festival
Mark your calendars for the third Saturday in October! The St. John 19th Body proudly presents the Harvest Festival of Gathering Conference, a unique event celebrating our community's rich history and fostering civic engagement.
A Vision of Learning and Connection
The Harvest Festival embodies our vision of bringing people together through engaging activities and historical educational forums. It's a platform to explore our heritage, connect with fellow community members, and discover the stories that have shaped who we are.
Aligning with Our Mission
The festival's purpose directly aligns with the educational pillar of the St. John 19th Body's mission statement. By promoting the understanding and appreciation of our past, we pave the way for a brighter future.
Looking to the Future with Hope
We, the St. John 19th Body, are visionaries, filled with purposefulness, hope, and anticipation for the next chapter. The Harvest Festival is a testament to our dedication to preserving our heritage for generations to come.
Come join us! Sing, learn, connect, and celebrate at the Harvest Festival of Gathering. It's a place where history comes alive, and the future holds endless possibilities.
St. John Colony Cemetery Association
The St. John Cemetery is a private cemetery with a requirement of community connection and membership. Annual dues are paid for membership. The cemetery is overseen by the St. John Cemetery Association, with Doray Hill serving as the President and Marshall Hill as the Vice President. The association meets annually on Good Friday for maintenance, and there is an annual Cemetery or Homecoming program to maintain historical relevance. The cemetery association was established in 1900, but the cemetery itself dates back to the first death after the establishment of the Freedman Colony of St. John in 1872. The land surrounding the cemetery was owned by Rev A. Winn, who also donated the land. Currently, the property is owned and maintained as a cemetery.
Make a donation.
It all begins with a kind gesture to help us orchestrate these events for the community and keep our traditions and culture alive.
