Early English settlers along the Nansemond River were not wholly supportive of the Anglican faith, instead welcoming ministers and adherents of the Puritan and Quaker traditions into the community.

George Fox, a founder of the Society of Friends (Quakers) visited Nansemond in 1672 and found four active meetings in the region.

The presence of such strong dissenting communities and squabbles between the three Anglican vestries in Nansemond often led to quarrels that involved the Royal Governor and his council.

In 1751 the vestry of Suffolk Parish decided to erect a brick church to replace the earlier frame building at Chuckatuck, documented through an advertisement placed in the Virginia Gazette on April 24, 1752.

St. Johns is unusual for the fact that it is not oriented with the altar facing east as is the tradition for eighteenth century churches in Virginia.

Though significantly altered today, hints as to the original appearance of St. John's can be deduced from the remnants still present on the building.