In the spring of 1883, Mr. Thomas Ashworth began a Sunday School in the second story room of a carpenter shop at 280 Central Street, opposite the site of the present St. John's Church. His wife, Mrs. Mary Ashworth, helped him in this venture. Occasional services were held that year by the Rev. John Beers, Diocesan Missionary and the Rev. Thomas L. Fisher of Linden was placed in charge. A lot was acquired, plans drawn and money raised for the building of a church. The church, completed in 1888, was built at a cost of $2,500 and consecrated by Bishop Paddock on May 8, 1888. The church continued to grow and develop over the following decades. A Church School was added in 1905, and material improvements were made to the chancel and the church. On September 15, 1907, it was voted to organize St. John's Church under the jurisdiction of the Archdeaconry of Lowell. By-laws were adopted and a vestry elected.

From 1918-1922 monies were raised and the parish house (now Ashworth Hall) was built. A house at 37 Pleasant Street was purchased and served as a rectory in the 1920's. The rebuilding of the church edifice commenced in March of 1927. Among other changes, a new sanctuary was constructed, the new front facing on Central Street. On November 10, 1927, the Church was re-opened and rededicated. The Chapel of the Ascension (now in the Hurll Room) was consecrated in May, 1941. Local women gathered in the Parish Hall twice weekly to sew for the Red Cross. An active chapter of the British Relief was organized. On July 9, 1944, the church was elevated from the status of a mission to that of a parish, the Service of Institution being performed by Bishop Sherrill.

In 1947, “Good News,” a weekly newsletter listing the current activities of the church, was originated. A new circular stained glass window was placed above the altar in memory of former Sunday School Superintendent, James G. Ash, and dedicated on November 21, 1948.

By 1951, the parish had 569 members. Its Church School enrollment listed 194 pupils and 20 officers and teachers. Church organizations included St. John's Guild, the Altar Guild, Order of Sir Galahad, Acolytes' Guild, the Couples' Club, the Choir, the Junior Choir, St. John's League, Fleur de Lis, Young People's Fellowship and the Episcopal Men's Club. Annual highlights from 1951 included the autumn Parish Fair in which every organization participated and the Church School family picnic held in June.

The Rev. Donald W. Noseworthy served as rector from 1950 to 1961. He resigned to start a mission church in Wayland, MA. The Rev. Stephen Austill served as rector from 1961 until 1970. The vestry called the Rev. John Kirkman in 1970 who served until 1973. During his tenure, a new rectory was built across the street from the church. The Rev. Roger Nelson was called in 1973 and served until his retirement in 2003. During his tenure he focused on the youth of the parish, lead the EYC for many years, and was very active in ecumenical and outreach ministries. The current rector, the Rev. David M. Affleck, came to St. John's on January 23, 2005.