The Church of St John the Evangelist , on Rue Felix and Max Guedj, stood in open fields when it was built in 1906. It now stands, partially hidden by a high wall and the tall trees surrounding it, in the centre of modern Casablanca - testimony to the phenomenal growth of the city.

Within twelve months of its consecration, the church was involved in events which led to the first French landings here. Some Europeans working on the port were murdered as Shaweea tribesmen from the interior invaded the town. They sacked the church, destroying the organ and ripping up the lectern Bible. Peace of a sort was restored by a French bombardment and subsequent occupation of the town.

In 1942, during World War II , the church was filled with troops involved in Operation Torch, when American troops landed at Casablanca and elsewhere on the Atlantic coast. An early member of the congregation at this time was General George Patton, who had led his troops ashore at Safi. He presented the oak pulpit, which still stands in the church, "in memory of the men of all nations who fell in the fighting around Casablanca".

Currently, Rev John Gooch (tel 02/225 7120) is the chaplain and many Americans still attend his services, details of which are displayed on the door in the high wall