The roots of St. John's College lie in the early days of the Red River Settlement when Reverend John West established the first Anglican school in Western Canada in 1820, but it was in only in 1866, when St. John 's College was officially opened by Bishop Robert Machray.
In 1877, St. John's College, along with Manitoba College and St. Boniface College became the founding members of the University of Manitoba, where the College is still a strong presence at the University.
The building was demolished in 1950 after the College moved in 1945. It would have been located on the West side of Main Street around 1240 Main St. or 49°55'17.3"N 97°07'39.9"W.