On June 25, 1950, approximately 350 people gathered as Father Joseph Vacek celebrated two Masses at the Hopkins Theater. This was the official opening of our parish, The Church of St. John the Evangelist. The new parish was named by Archbishop John Gregory Murray for his personal patron saint. On June 2, Father Joseph Vacek was appointed the first pastor and assigned to assume his new duties on June 14, 1950, the day Archbishop Murray would formally announce the formation of the new parish.

The school first opened in the fall of 1951 with 84 students in four classrooms. In 1970 a tri-parish school named Hopkins Consolidated Parish School comprised of St. John the Evangelist, St. Joseph (Hopkins), and Immaculate Heart of Mary (Minnetonka) parishes was formed. The school was renamed John Ireland School in 1980. JIS unconsolidated the summer of 2004, and St. John's Catholic School was reopened in the fall of 2004.

Our architecturally acclaimed church was planned by Rev. W. Leo Howley. Construction materials used complemented the homes in the surrounding neighborhood. Completion and dedication occurred in 1969.

The Laukhuff pipe organ, designed by Eric Fiss, was handcrafted in Germany. In 2002 the organ was upgraded as a Rodgers Pipe Digital Augmented Organ.

Sculptor Gerald Bonnett designed the Stations of the Cross on the north wall of the church along with the welded brass statue of the Blessed Mother in the chapel.