The March 16, 1839 Diocesan newspaper, The United States Catholic Miscellany, gives the earliest mention of organized Catholicism in Summerville. Though not designated as a mission, Summerville was visited by several priests from the Charleston area: Rev. Felix Darr, Rev. Patrick Ryan, Rev, Francis Shadler and Rev, Louis Folchi.

With great hopes for Summerville, Rev. Folchi wrote Bishop P. N. Lynch: "We got the desired lot for Summerville Church donated by the S.C.R.R. with the condition of building a church in two years." (Letter dated: July 2, 1873), However, it was not until April, 1895 that Bishop Northrop was able to obtain by gift or purchase, a piece of property from the South Carolina and Georgia Railroad. At that time, Rev. Daniel Berberick, assistant at St. Joseph Church, Charleston, served the missions of Beaufort, Walterboro and other areas. Summerville also received his attention and in 1898, with the help of Spanish American soldiers, he built the first church in Summerville. Bishop Henry P. Northrop set the cornerstone May 15, 1898 and dedicated the church as The Church of Saint John the Beloved, April 16, 1898.

St. John's remained a Mission Church until 1898 when Rev. John J. Hughes came as the first resident pastor.

The new church was constructed during the pastorate of Rev. Roy Aiken. It was dedicated by Bishop Emest L. Unterkoefler on April 13, 1969. The Parish Hall, later named Madden Hall, was built in 1976.

In 1984, St. John's, now well over 1,000 families, gave birth to a new community. The official letter from Bishop Unterkoefler, dated January 27, 1984, established St. Theresa Parish on Dorchester Road. This same year was also the beginning of the Catholic School, held in the Parish Hall.

In 1985, Msgr. Christopher Lathem's pastorate began. Under Msgr. Lathem's pastorate, Summerville Catholic School was constructed in 1987, and in 1992 the Junior High School extension was added. The school grew to its current enrollment of 370 students serving grades K thru 8. The 1998-1999 school year brought the addition of K-4 to the thriving school. In 1988, a Day Care for working parents was added to the school under the leadership of Miss Carole Anne White, principal (1985-1999). The current school principal is Dr. Dianne M. Kochamba. 

Under Msgr. Christopher Lathem's pastorate, several challenges have been met. New lay ministries were developed with over 300 members active in special ministries. Participation in the many forms of Adult Education, R.C.I.A., and other parish activities has contributed to the formation of a community consistently growing in faith, love and hospitality. Our current membership is 1065 families and growing.

The time has been rich with blessings. Outreach to the Summerville community and beyond has expanded. Msgr. Lathem has been active in the Summerville Ministerial Association, meeting with the pastors of many denominations in Summerville. St. John's has participated annually in the Week of Christian Unity each January. An ecumenical "Blessing of the Palms" service has been held on the grounds of St. John the Beloved Church on Palm Sunday for the past three years.

A vital part of Msgr. Lathem's vision for the parish has included emphasis on prayer and worship. On November 23, 1997 the Solemn Dedication and Recital was held commemorating the building and installation of a new pipe organ. The new Pipe Organ was blessed by Bishop David B. Thompson, Bishop of Charleston. In 1998, we commemorated the 100th anniversary of The Church of Saint John the Beloved.