In 1985 the Open House commenced. It was the vision of a small group of people whose aim was to “fill a need in the community.” Within two years it was established as part of St Johns Presbyterian Church’s community service and within three years it was recognised in the community.
In 1990 St Johns Church decided to employ coordinators for the activities of the Open House School holiday programmes began in 1990 and three years later summer programmes were introduced as were music afternoons.
Dance and Movement for pre-schoolers – books for sale – the Kiawani’s Toy Library – lunchtime concerts, courses and seminars were held. The Winter Roast dinners began in 1998.
With a 4 term year in 1996 the number of holiday programmes and course increased.
In 1999 the Drop in centre was restyled as a cafe and in the year 2000 the centre went on the web.
In 2001, the St Johns Open House became the St Johns Community Centre, still being flexibly responsive to the changes in the community.