OUR HISTORY
The first Missionary Baptist Church was organized in the year 1895 as Oak Hill Baptist Church. The original location was in the uptown section of Taylorville, now known as Groveland, FL. Due o racial tensions, the church had to relocate to its current location. The original building was constructed from wood called bush harbor. During the time of construction, services were held at a local Methodist Church.
The name of the church was changed rom Oak Hill to First Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Robert J. Boone. The church later divided and the Greater Harmony Baptist Church s born out of First Missionary Baptist Church.
First Missionary has been under the leadership of several pastors, including the following; Reverends Jenkins, Bradley, LB. Bailey, Palmer, Boone, Wright, Barnhill, Albert Dean and James Dawkins. Bishop Isaac D. Wilkes Sr. was installed in September 1995 and is currently our pastor.
In 1924 mother Olea Mitchell was the first president of the senior on record. Mother Mitchell sisters Alberta Jones was the first clerk and Florence Bryant was the first secretary of the church.
The church has grown under the leadership of Pastor Wilkes ever since. The church annex was completed in December 1995, three years later the front of the church was remodeled and the property behind and west of the church was purchased. IDW Childcare Center was built there and was completed in 2008, currently with 30 students, including a VPK class.
OUR VISION
“To create a loving caring environment, teaching untraditionally where people will want to continue to learn and grow in faith and hope.”
WEEKLY SERVICE HOURS
First Missionary Baptist Church of Groveland 200 Wright Street Groveland FL 34736 Church Office (352) 429 0283. To learn about our ministries Click here.
Youth Sunday School……………9:45am
Sunday Christian Education….9:30am
Worship Experience…………………11am
Wednesday Noon Day Prayer……12pm
Wednesday Bible Study…………….7pm