The congregation was founded by German immigrants who most likely met in the homes of the settlers of Rowan County. The first place of worship was a log structure built in 1768 on North Lee Street in Salisbury.

A joint venture between Episcopalians and Lutherans built a new church on the same site in the early 1800's.  This second house of worship was in use until 1857 when the ministry moved to a larger worship space at North Main and Liberty Streets and was officially named St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church.

By the early 1920's, increasing membership resulted in purchase of property closer to downtown.  The first worship service for the building St. John's now occupies was held January 2, 1927. Since that time, several improvements have been made to the worship space.  In the mid-1950's St. John's was the largest Lutheran congregation between Washington and Atlanta.

In 1967, the Education Building and Chapel (facility map) were completed and dedicated. A Memorial Garden and Columbarium was added in 1997. And, in 1999, the Child Development Center was completed.