St. John A.M.E., the First Negro church in Woodland Mills, was founded and organized 6 January 1873 by a group of Negro men who bought 1 1/2 acres from J. W. Marton for $75.00. The lumber for the building and shingles were made from cypress logs. Some years back a tin roof was put on and in 1981 the same building was being used for services.

All the old members are dead. Willis Jones and his wife, early members had five children. Their eldest, Sallie Cotro m. Dock Massy whose mother was a slave of a Massy family when Dock was born. The Cross family were all deceased in 1981 except Pauline Massey Cross, 2nd wife of Danville Cross. Four of Dock’s grandchildren are: Jeff Edward Massey, John D. Massey Jr., George Russell Massey and Margaret James Green – all born at Woodland Mills except Margaret James who was born in George Town KY.