FBCN 100 Year History - First Baptist Church of Niceville

Producing maturing disciples of Christ
who are growing in wisdom, stature, favor with God
and favor with people
Dear Church family and friends,
What an exciting time to be in Niceville, Florida! God has been blessing First Baptist Church
of Niceville since its beginning in 1910. I think you will find this history of the Church very interesting
and inspiring. It will be a subject of nostalgia for many of you as you read through the pages and see
the pictures. For others it will be an invaluable document of information about our roots and heritage
as a Church on the Bayou.
God has done many wonderful things in this place through the years, and we are excited about
sharing some of these events with you on this, our 100th anniversary. As you read the pages of this
history, please know that many people and much work has gone into putting these facts together in an
original document. Hours have been spent in making this moment a reality for you. Several people
need to be recognized for their important contribution to this document. Our office and consulting
staff: Chuck Hartness, Barbara Roberson, Charlotte Smith, Martha Van Dam, Valerie Bockover and
Deanna Cheves and many others helped to bring this work to fruition. I want to say a personal "thank
you" to the History Committee: Paul Sisk (Chairman), Jo Nagel, Nancy McGough and Kaye Barrett.
They have committed many hours to this project and their contribution has been invaluable.
As the present pastor of FBCN, I encourage you to read these pages with interest, prayer and
gratitude. The history of the Church is not over. Your presence with us now makes you a part of the
history that is being written even as you read this note of encouragement. God has not finished His
work here at FBCN! We move forward with excitement and expectation that the future of FBCN will
be as the morning sun on the bayou.
Your Shepherd,
Pastor Mike
PREFACE
This document is dedicated to the glory of God and to the memory of the charter
members who followed their hearts under the leadership of the Holy Spirit in order to
assure that the Word of God was brought to this area. With a sense of determination,
they sacrificed their time, talents and treasures so that a church could be born in this
place. This was a difficult task due to the poor economic conditions found in this fishing
and forestry community. The lack of other industry in the area made limited resources a
fact of life. In spite of the hardships, they never wavered from the task that God had
given to them. The result is that many souls have been brought into a right relationship
with Almighty God. We are eternally grateful for their dedication and sacrifice. It is
only right and proper that we pause in time to remember them in this special document of
our history. God says in His Word to “Remember the days of old, consider the years of
many generations. Ask thy father, and he will show thee; thy elders, and they will tell
thee.” (Deuteronomy 32:7)
History Committee
H. Paul Sisk
Chairman
October
2
2011
Foreword
This historical document has been prepared by the History Committee of the First Baptist
Church, Niceville, Florida. Current members are H. Paul Sisk, Chairman, Nancy
McGough, Jo Nagel and Kaye Barrett. Staff Advisor is Reverend Chuck Hartness.
Church records are not available for the period of 1921 through 1945, which
seriously impacted the ability of the committee to provide detailed information
concerning early days of the church. However, through research of records of the
Okaloosa Baptist Association in Crestview, the records of the Graves Baptist Association
in DeFuniak Springs and the Florida Baptist Historical Society records located in
Graceville, limited information was gleaned about the early- day pastors who served the
church and statistical data. Through discussions with senior adults of the community and
the church, further insight into the early days was obtained.
FBCN History Team
Nancy McGough, Paul Sisk, Jo Nagel, Chuck Hartness (staff liaison), Kaye Barrett
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Table of Contents
PART I –
INTRODUCTION
PART II –
CHURCH HISTORY NARRATIVE
PART III –
CHARTER MEMBERS
PART IV –
PASTORS AND STAFF
PART V –
PROPERTY ACQUISITION
PART VI –
DEACON ELECTIONS AND ORDINATIONS
PART VII –
MINISTERIAL LICENSES AND ORDINATIONS
PART VIII –
PHOTOGRAPHS (BUILDINGS & ASSOCIATED
FUNCTIONS)
PART IX -
CHURCH STATISTICS
PART X -
CHURCH STAFF
PART XI –
REVIVALS & NOTED ENTERTAINMENT GROUPS
PART XII –
SPECIAL EVENTS
PART XIII –
MISSION ACTIVITIES
PART XIV –
PHOTOGRAPHS OF INDIVIDUALS & ACTIVITIES
PART XV -
100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION:
YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER
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PART I
INTRODUCTION
The Graves Baptist Association of Walton County, Florida (see NOTE below) was
established in 1890 and was comprised of at least 22 churches encompassing several counties in
Northwest Florida. During the twenty-first annual session held at Red Oak Baptist Church on
October 7, 8, and 9, 1910, representatives were present for the following churches: Pleasant
Ridge of Walton County, New Home, Leonia, Mt. Gillard, Evergreen, Pleasant Grove, Reedy,
Black Oak, DeFuniak Springs, Red Bay, Providence, Union Grove, Hurricane Creek, Salem,
Sandy Creek, Ponce de Leon, Cluster Springs, Elbethel, Pleasant Ridge of Union County, Spring
Hill and Pilgrim Rest.
The moderator called for letters of petition from churches desiring
membership in the association. Letters were received from Fairland Baptist Church, with their
delegates, and from Boggy (the original name of our church) with representatives F. L. Garfield,
Grover Dashinger and Lawrence Allen.
At this meeting, a report on Associational Missions was brought by B. F. Infinger,
Chester Spence, and M. G. Morrison, chairman, which reads:
“ We, your committee on Associational Missions, submit the following
report: The churches comprising the Graves Association have contributed very
little to associational missions this year, and associational missions are very
badly needed in the Graves Association. There is a number of places in our
association that are destitute of the gospel of Jesus Christ and we have a number
of churches that need financial assistance. Some of these places are Boggy
Bayou and the western part of the association. These people need the Baptist
doctrine preached to them, and if we fail to send the gospel to those people we
disobey the great commission of our Lord. We, your committee, recommends
that this Association elect a missionary and send him to these destitute places.
We further recommend that the churches comprising our association take up
monthly collections to help support a missionary. We, Your committee, find that
our field has been neglected and this work is of very great importance, and we
ask that each Baptist pray more, work harder and give to associational
missions.”
During the Saturday afternoon session, the treasurer recommended that D. Anderson and
M. G. Morrison be paid $15.00 each for their work in evangelism that they had done at Boggy
(Niceville).
NOTE: At the time of this action, Walton County included all land area west to Santa Rosa
County. Okaloosa County was not established until 1915.
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PART II
CHURCH HISTORY
On October 1, 1910, 29 members out of the Goodwater Baptist Church of Christ of Black
Oak in Walton County met for the purpose of organizing a missionary Baptist church. Some of
the members who met for this purpose were: R. F. Senterfitt, J. S. Senterfitt, G. W. Pippins,
William Pippins, H. S. Edwards, William Padgett, Grover Dashinger and Lawrence Allen.
Reverend Dan Anderson was elected moderator and D. A. Hicks was elected clerk for the
organization.
Research of the sparse information available relative to the Goodwater Baptist Church of
Christ of Black Oak reveals that the church was located approximately 15 miles east of the Boggy
Bayou community, about 2 miles deep in the forest (now known as Eglin Air Force Base
reservation). A small church building existed there along with a cemetery. A small creek was
also located adjacent to the church, which probably contributed to the name Goodwater. This
was especially true in the early 1900's in isolated communities, as no infrastructure was available
as today.
The cemetery still exists, containing over 150 graves and a committee exists to
maintain the area
The Articles of Faith and the Church Covenant were read and a letter for admission to the
Graves Baptist Association was developed. The church then was declared organized and a name
was to be presented at a later date by R. F. Senterfitt.
On October 2, 1910, the name Damascus Baptist Church of Boggy Bayou was presented
by J. S. Senterfitt and was accepted by the church, which then called Reverend Dan Anderson to
be pastor and hold services on the second Sunday of each month with a salary of $10 per month.
D. A. Hicks was elected church clerk. In the early days of the church, where no staff was
available except the pastor, and he was only available once per month, a Church Clerk position
maintained the official church records. The Clerk would take the records home with him to
insure safe keeping. We believe some of those records were lost because of this temporary
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situation. Deacons were R. F. Senterfitt and G. W. Pippins. Reverend Anderson accepted the call
as the first pastor of the Damascus Baptist Church and began his services at once. He resigned on
April 29, 1911. The church petitioned the Graves Baptist Association for membership at their
meeting on October 7 through 9, 1910, and was embraced into their fellowship. At this time, the
church was meeting in a school house located near the present intersection of Highway 20 and
Palm Boulevard.
Under the leadership of the associational missionary, Reverend Murdock G. Morrison,
the church approached the owners of the Woodmen of the World Hall (WOW) for possible
purchase for a church meeting place. The asking price was $400, to be paid $100 down and $50
quarterly. A finance committee was appointed to accomplish this action; however, they were
unable to raise the necessary funds. As an alternative, the church rented the WOW Hall as a
meeting place for the rest of the year. Sunday School was organized on June 4, 1911, with G. W.
Pippins as superintendent. On September 1, 1911, Reverend Murdock G. Morrison was called as
pastor with a salary of $10.25 a month. D. A. Hicks was church clerk, church members numbered
45, with 11 baptisms and 8 joining by letter. During his pastorate, property was given by Mr. and
Mrs. F. L. Garfield. This property was located on the corner of Partin and Bayshore Drive (which
didn’t exist at the time) upon which the first church building was erected (See original deed in
Section V – Property Acquisition). The building program was established in July, 1911, with
individuals pledging $59 for the construction. Work on the building proceeded as funds were
available. It was not completed until 1922. At the twenty-second meeting of the Graves Baptist
Association, Damascus church volunteered to host the 1912 meeting. However, its distance from
other churches, and the fact that it was a newly formed body led to the selection of Sandy Creek.
Reverend Morrison served as pastor until approximately 1914.
Worship services were held on the second Sunday each month. The church would meet
the Saturday before to discuss business, which occasionally lasted through Sunday night. Times
were hard back then for this area. The record notes that a collection for lamp oil resulted in sixty
cents and an offering for the Association amounted to $1.25. The pastor was paid by several
different methods. The minutes reflect that sometimes a public collection was made, fish were
given, and in one instance a pair of pants was his payment. Each year, the church would vote
whether to retain the same pastor.
During the early years of the church, church discipline was practiced with regularity. The
minutes reflect on several occasions that charges were brought against certain women members.
A committee was appointed to investigate the charges, and the issues were either dropped or the
individuals excluded from membership. Also, the Biblical practice of foot washing was regularly
observed during services.
The first church building was a long one-room facility heated by a wood heater. There
were no partitions in the building and classes met in various locations within the building, similar
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to the one-room school houses of the past. There were no rest room facilities: members used the
rest room of the Helms Mercantile and Grocery store across the street. These facilities were
located on a pier extending over the bayou. The waste was simply discharged directly into the
bayou. The location of the building was to the west of a small unnamed creek which originated
to the immediate north of the property and emptied into Boggy Bayou.
Baptisms were performed in Hicks Branch and Boggy Bayou at the location of Lions
Park, or in Turkey Creek. Since services were conducted only once per month, the Sundays when
services were not held at Damascus, members would attend the Methodist church up the street.
The Methodists would do the same thing when their services were not scheduled. It was difficult
to recognize who were Baptists and who were Methodists in the small town of Boggy.
During these early years, when services were conducted only one Sunday per month, a
pastor might serve multiple churches, as noted in some of the Baptist Associational minutes.
Some of the early pastors, such as Dan Anderson and J.D. Hattaway, were circuit riding preachers
who preached in other churches on a rotating basis. Another circuit rider, John Reddin Brown,
and others like him, filled in on Sundays when the pastor was unavailable.
The Graves Baptist Associational Minutes for 1912 and 1913 do not reflect any delegates
or statistics for those years for Damascus Baptist Church; therefore no information is available.
On September 14, 1914, Reverend W. F. Arnet was called as pastor and remained to
serve the church for nearly four years. D. A. Hicks was church clerk. The twenty-fifth annual
session of the Graves Baptist Association met at Sandy Creek Baptist Church on October 15
through 18, 1914 with D. A. Hicks, L. B. Early and J. S. Senterfitt representing our church.
Membership was reported as 43.
The church continued to grow and at the close of Pastor
Arnet’s ministry, church membership was 49 people.
The twenty-eighth annual session of the Graves Baptist Association met October 19
through 21, 1917 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with R. J. Adamson and L. B. Early
representing the church. R. J. Adamson was pastor and D. A. Hicks was church clerk. At that
meeting, the membership still 49.
During 1918 and 1919 Reverend W. F. Martin served as pastor. However, no statistics
are available as the associational minutes for those years are also missing.
The Graves Baptist Associational minutes for 1920 do not reflect any messengers or
statistics for our church, so the assumption is that it did not participate in the meeting. R. J.
Adamson from Niceville is reflected as an ordained pastor in the association, so he may have
returned as pastor at this time.
Reverend J. D. Hattaway was called as pastor on June 20, 1921 and remained through at
least 1923. His exact length of service is not recorded. It was reported that Reverend Hattaway
resided in DeFuniak Springs. Roads to Niceville were non-existent, and other means of
transportation were not available. Therefore he would walk to Niceville on Saturday, preach on
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Sunday, and walk back home on Monday. Reverend Hattaway attended the thirty-second annual
session of the Graves Baptist Association on October 14 through 16, 1921 at Sandy Creek Baptist
Church along with J. S. Senterfitt, G. W. Pippins, Berket Early and Ben Brunson as messengers
from our church. D. A. Hicks was church clerk. Membership was reported as 51. Church
minutes of 1923 revealed the church had grown to 58.
In March 1922, the church requested that the state board send a field worker to canvas the
area for the 75 Million Campaign. The church established a Baptist Young People’s Union
(BYPU) and ordered literature to support the new work. The church contracted for completion of
the building program, including installing a small steeple which contained a bell used for
signaling the community that church was in session.
In 1923, Damascus Baptist Church was not reflected as a member of the Graves Baptist
Association.
The minutes did reflect that a messenger from the Graves Association was
appointed to attend the Okaloosa Baptist Association’s next meeting to be held in 1923. We know
that our church was dismissed from the Graves Association to join the Okaloosa Baptist
Association at some point in time, but there is no information available in minutes of either
organization as to the date when this was accomplished. However, the assumption is that the
transfer occurred during that year.
Review of the sparse minutes of the Okaloosa Baptist
Association (only 1927 minutes are available) reveals that the first meeting was held in October
1923. The 1927 minutes state that Damascus Baptist Church pledged $25.00 towards the 1928
budget and $3.00 towards publishing the minutes, indicating that the church had changed
associations.
The first reports found in the Okaloosa Baptist Association minutes for our church were
dated 1931. Undoubtedly, the church participated in the annual associational meetings; however,
no church statistics were included until that date.
In 1931, Reverend G.C. Williams from
Darlington, Florida was pastor. Discussion with his son, Lloyd Williams, reveals that Reverend
Williams and his family first began serving the church in 1931 and remained until 1934.
According to information from the Williams family, the church was not having services when
Reverend Williams was called, and with the assistance of Deacons M.D. Alford and J. S.
Senterfitt, along with Curtis Padgett, the church was made ready for services. The second Sunday
was selected as the day of worship
In 1935, Reverend P. M. Woodall was called as pastor, his term of service unknown. In
1936, the church hosted the Okaloosa Baptist Association meeting on Thursday and Friday after
the third Sunday in September. Minutes of that meeting do not reflect a pastor for our church, so
we assume Reverend. Woodall was no longer serving.
In 1937, Reverend G. C. Eubanks of Crestview was called as pastor. The church was
holding services on the third Sunday of the month.
Associational Baptist Training Union
Director was Miss Rubye Senterfitt from Damascus Baptist Church. Reverend Eubanks brought
9
the message at the associational meeting, and also brought a report on Temperance and Law
Enforcement. He summed up the report with the words, “Think right, live right, and vote right.
When this is done we will see the dawn of a new day – Temperance will be the rule in every walk
of life and we shall become a happy, prosperous people marching on to Glory.”
In 1938, the church did not report a pastor to the association.
Membership statistics
reported a decline, probably as a result of not having a pastor.
Reverend C. L. Perry from Baker served as pastor from 1939 through 1941. This was a
change in the concept of obtaining a pastor. Previously, the church voted to extend a call to the
prospective pastor for a one-year period (known as an annual call); however, the Deacons
recommended a change to call a pastor for an indefinite period. Church services were scheduled
for the second Sunday of the month, but the services were actually held Saturday night, Sunday
morning and Sunday night.
Under Reverend Perry’s leadership the church continued to grow.
Space for Sunday School was at a premium and some of the classes met outside under the trees.
Reverend Perry was elected as Vice Moderator and also Sunday School Superintendent of the
Okaloosa Baptist Association, and brought a report on Christian Literature during the
Associational meeting. Reverend Perry was not only serving Damascus as pastor, but was also
serving Ebenezer and Holt Baptist Churches in that same capacity. Church property was valued
at $1,500.00 at this time.
In 1942, Reverend G.C.Williams of DeFuniak Springs, Florida returned to be the pastor
and continued to serve through 1943. During 1943, services were extended to the second and
fourth Sundays of the month, and the church took action to change the name from Damascus to
First Baptist Church. Property values were reported as $1800.00.
Reverend W. O. R. Cross from Freeport was called as pastor in 1944.
Under his
leadership, the church became a full-time church, holding services every Sunday. Four lots were
purchased adjoining the church property, which permitted expansion of the church plant. The
value of the church’s property increased to $2,500.00.
In 1945, Reverend E. L. Mixon of Niceville was called as pastor and remained through
1946. During his ministry, the membership grew to over 200. The old original church building
was moved to the east side of the unnamed creek by Will Reddick and his sons, who were house
movers in the area. The building was redesigned and the main building’s ceiling raised and walls
expanded on the west and east sides for more room. An educational area was added on the back.
Under Reverend Mixon’s leadership, a pastorium was purchased, which was located at 617
McKinney Street. A Woman’s Missionary Union was established. Church property was valued
at $6,500. The pastor’s salary was $910 per year.
Reverend John Rollins served as pastor during the years 1947 and 1948. The church
continued growth in membership. A baptistery was installed during this period, permitting the
baptism of individuals inside instead of in Hicks Branch, Boggy Bayou or Turkey Creek. In
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1948, the first formal wedding was held in the church with the uniting of Mary Brewer and Roy
(Ted) Reeves. During Reverend Rollins tenure, the church held its first Vacation Bible School.
The pastor’s salary had increased to $3,515 per year and the property value was reported at
$22,000.
1950- Vacation Bible School
Reverend Carlton Ellis became pastor on January 1, 1949 and served until September 25,
1955. Under Reverend Ellis’ leadership, in 1951 the church plant was expanded by erecting a
temporary wooden building and a concrete block building, which were used for educational
purposes. In 1953 and 1954 the church erected a sanctuary with Cornerstone ceremonies held on
October 15, 1954. The new building was located immediately to the west of the renovated
original church building where they had filled in the unnamed creek. The church entered into a
$25,000 bond issue to finance the construction and furnishings. Church members did much of the
construction work on the various buildings.
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1953- Groundbreaking ceremony for new sanctuary
Photo courtesy of Clifford Brabham family
On Easter Sunday, 1955, a special Baptism service was held where 40 people were baptized in
the new sanctuary. Some of those individuals were Jeannie Baker and her brother Billy Baker,
Bonnie Robinson and Betty Ann (Beth) Wallace. During this period, 676 people were added to
the church membership, two young men were ordained to the ministry, a Brotherhood was
established, and a new organ and several pianos were purchased. This was a period of rapid
growth in all areas of the church’s ministry. Reverend Ellis resigned his pastorate in September,
1955.
On November 6, 1955, the church extended a call to Reverend F. H. Morgan, who began
on December 4, 1955. Under his seven-year leadership, the church entered into a $50,000 bond
issue, purchased new church furniture for the pulpit and sanctuary, sponsored and began building
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Seminole Chapel (now known as Northbay Baptist Church), remodeled and renovated the
pastorium, purchased another one and one-third acres of land to accommodate the growth of the
church, joined in forming the Choctaw Baptist Association, ordained several deacons, began a
Junior Deacon program, and received into membership by baptism and letter approximately 900
people. On October 2, 1960, the church observed 50 years of ministry to the community. A
commemorative program was provided which outlined the history of the church, a picture of the
original church building (renovated) and the format of the three worship services conducted
during the celebration. Reverend Morgan resigned in 1962 and was succeeded by Reverend J. C.
McLendon in December of that year.
1960- dedication of Seminole Chapel (now North Bay Baptist Church)
During Reverend McLendon’s pastorate, the church purchased and remodeled a home on
st
31 Street to serve as a new pastorium. This property was in addition to several other lots, which
allowed the church to expand parking and also alleviate a property dispute concerning the
location of the sanctuary. In 1965, the church called the first full-time Minister of Education and
Youth, Charles Barham who served until 1967. The old pastorium, located on McKinney Street,
became his home as the pastor had moved to the newly renovated pastorium. Later on, this
13
property was sold and the church began providing a housing allowance, rather than a home, for
the ministerial staff.
From 1963 - 1967 the church entered into a Bond Program for $185,000, erected two
temporary prefabricated buildings for educational space, added a second story to the concrete
office building (building 6), and erected two concrete block buildings for education, nursery,
kitchen and new fellowship hall. This construction required the demolition of the original church
building that had been erected about 1912, and the temporary educational building erected in
1951.
New Education wing added to Sanctuary
Reverend McLendon was committed to education.
Sunday School enrollment and
attendance increased during his leadership, averaging between 650-700. This influx required
establishing two worship services. Bible Sword Drills were implemented to teach the youth the
principles of Bible Study and scripture memorization, and the entire church completed the New
Members class so that a better understanding of their faith could be acquired. In 1967, Sidney
Tanner was called as the first full-time Minister of Music and Youth.
During Reverend McLendon’s tenure the church progressed at a rapid pace as he led the
church to enter into many new areas of ministry. The Sanctuary was air-conditioned; a grand
piano was purchased; a library started; a Sunday morning radio program was begun, along with a
week-day five-minute program aimed at individuals traveling to work; a constitution and by-laws
was adopted; the parking lot was paved; a bus was purchased for transportation, a full-time janitor
was hired, and property values increased to $300,000. During his ministry, 299 people were
baptized and 427 joined through other options. Reverend McLendon resigned in July 1968 to
accept a call to Calvary Baptist Church, St Louis, Missouri.
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Reverend Fred Steelman was extended a call as pastor in October, 1968, effective
November 11, 1968. During his tenure many new and important ministries were started: English
as a Second Language (a school for individuals needing conversational English), studies in
citizenship and Bible, Dial-A-Devotion telephone line ministry, and a bus ministry which
eventually grew to 10 buses bringing in 450 children every Sunday. A mission of the church
located behind Edge Elementary School at Nathey and Palmetto Streets began in 1969, while a
Christian bookstore, managed by Mrs. Evelyn Sanders, began in 1973.
1970- Bus arriving at Church
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1971- Groundbreaking Ceremony for Family Life Center
(now known as The Haigler Center)
In 1971 the church authorized the construction of a family life center which was to serve
as a recreation facility for basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard and roller skating (with 110 pairs of
skates).
A special ground breaking ceremony was held to initiate the project. A kitchen
provided capability to have dinners and fellowships of a larger
scope than previously held. The construction was financed with
an $85,000 bond issue. Prior to the construction of the family
life center, a coffee house, under the leadership of J.T. and
Billie Burnette, was established to minister to the needs of the
youth of the church. The
primary
focus
of
the
coffee house was to teach
the youth God’s Word
through
devotionals,
inspirational speakers and worship services while providing
them a facility that would appeal to their interests in a
Christian environment, away from the other worldly
attractions in the area.
Various other activities were
conducted at that facility, such as playing pool, ping pong,
and contemporary music, all with black lighting effect.
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Reverend Steelman was given a trip to the Holy Land to further his ministerial education.
He was also given a new automobile. In 1969, Sidney Tanner resigned and Glynn Gardner was
called as Minister of Music and Education in 1970. In 1973, Jim Woody was called as Assistant
to the Pastor and Tom Townsend was called as Interim Minister of Youth. Reverend Steelman
resigned in 1974 to accept a call from Red Bank Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Reverend Don Wilson was called as pastor, effective September 15, 1974. During his
stay the church accomplished a major renovation of the sanctuary. The Christian book store was
closed due to the opening of a Christian book store associated with Rocky Bayou Christian
School. Glynn Gardner resigned as Minister of Music and Education in 1973 and was replaced
by Ron Moulton who assumed the position of Music and Youth in 1974. Willie Farmer was
called to a new position as Associate Pastor, with no salary, but expenses paid. Several young
men were licensed to preach, and some were ordained to the gospel ministry, including our
current pastor, Dr. Mike McGough.
In 1975 the church sponsored a refugee family from Vietnam, allowing them to live in
a church-owned house with no expense to the family. Later, the husband was hired as the church
janitor to assist the family financially and to provide a needed service to the church.
In 1977 the search for a Minister of Music to replace Ron Moulton, who had resigned,
resulted in confusion because the candidate had been divorced. Due to conflicting opinions on
the qualifications of potential ministerial candidates, the church voted that no one could be
recommended for a ministerial or deacon position who had been divorced, or whose wife had
been divorced. This caused consternation among the membership, resulting in several families
leaving the church, which ultimately resulted in the beginning of Rocky Bayou Baptist Church.
Reverend Wilson resigned on August 3, 1977.
Dr. Bob Wiggins from Perry, Florida served as interim pastor until July 9, 1978, when
Dr. Joe Haigler was called as pastor from East Brent Baptist Church in Pensacola. During Dr.
Haigler’s tenure, the Family Life Center had a major renovation, with recreation areas changed
into educational for adults, a kitchen was added, and the Fellowship Hall was established in the
newly renovated center. The nursery area was renovated and enlarged, permitting the start of a
Mother’s Day Out program that was the forerunner of the Child Development Center.
During
this period, the church installed computers to automate the church records, including the
accounting of tithes and offerings and the general ledger bookkeeping for church expenses. Dr.
Haigler recognized the need for additional property if the church continued growth, so he led in
surrounding property acquisition. He touched the lives of many young people, and several
surrendered to preach the Gospel and were licensed to preach or ordained to the Gospel Ministry.
Several couples within the church were commissioned as volunteers in the Mission Service Corps
of the Southern Baptist Convention, and some of these couples served overseas with the Foreign
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Mission Board. Richard Root was called as Minister of Music in 1979, and in 1981 Ralph
Nations called as Minister of Youth and later changed to Minister of Education.
In 1981, under Dr. Joe Haigler’s vision and leadership, Ralph Nations designed and
constructed a wooden platform shaped as a Christmas Tree, which Richard Root used to begin the
Singing Christmas Tree presented each year to the community.
The original tree was designed for and installed in the old sanctuary. Upon completion of
the new sanctuary the structure was modified to allow installation there. The Singing Christmas
Tree was not presented in 1984 because the church services were being conducted in the Family
Life Center, which could not accommodate the structure. The Singing Christmas Tree continued
to bless the community annually with only a short break. The twenty-fifth annual function was
celebrated on December 10-12, 2010 in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the church.
Richard Root resigned in December, 1986, and Reverend Dennis Brown, who was called as
Minister of Music and Youth in September, 1987, carried on the tradition of the Singing
Christmas Tree.
1981- First Singing Christmas Tree
In January 1984, the church voted to build a new sanctuary at an approximate cost of
$725,000. A capital funds program which began in March 1984 raised $468,000, with the
remainder capital obtained from Vanguard Bank through an open ended loan. During the
sanctuary construction, worship services were held in the Family Life Center. The old sanctuary
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was renovated to provide educational space upstairs and downstairs a music suite, media center
and a worship chapel.
Dr. Haigler began a monthly “Keenagers” fellowship meal among the senior adults
which was first led by Frank Jordan and Sarah Holcomb, and then by Lloyd Williams for fifteen
years. In 2010 this activity was renamed Legacy Luncheon, and the Senior Adult functions all
embraced the theme LEGACY to reflect the desire to leave a legacy to younger members. A
senior adult leadership team (SALT) was established, and chaired by Tom and Mary Wright, to
coordinate various LEGACY functions and to assist the Senior Adult Minister.
In March, 1987, the small chapel was dedicated to the memory of Jesse W. Brown and
named Brown Memorial Chapel after this senior deacon of the church who died in February of
that year. The Music Ministry area was enhanced by acquisition of a new grand piano, a new
organ, a two octave set of handbells, new choir robes, new sound and projection equipment and
many seasonal costumes. Scott Reynolds was hired in 1989 and Gordon Bedwell in 1990 as
summer youth interns. In 1991 Pat Howell was called as Minister to Youth and was later
ordained into the Gospel Ministry. Dr. Haigler retired on December 31, 1992, and consented to
serve as Interim Pastor until April 1, 1993, at the church’s request.
In April, 1993, Dr James Monroe was called as Interim Pastor. He continued to serve the
church until June, 1993, when a call was extended to Dr. Woods Watson.
During Dr. Watson’s tenure a five-year strategy plan to define growth objectives of the
church was developed.
The church started two worship services on Sunday mornings to
accommodate the additional attendance.
Two major renovation projects were completed to
provide additional space to accommodate nursery age and school age children. An administrator
position was established in 1996 and filled by John Rich Baugh, a member of FBCN. Jerry
Pritchett was hired to be a youth intern for the summer. He was licensed to preach the Gospel
and ordained to the Gospel Ministry during his stay at FBCN. Dr Watson resigned on January 7,
1996.
Immediately following Dr. Watson’s resignation, Pat Howell assumed the preaching
responsibility, in addition to his ministry to the youth.
In March, 1996, Dr. James Monroe was once again called as Interim Pastor. Dr. Monroe
and his wife Laura led a deacon retreat, took members on a trip to the Holy Land, and led a
mission team to Indonesia. Under his oversight the deacons led the church to return to one
Sunday morning service, enabling the church membership to grow closer. Dr. Monroe served in
this capacity until Reverend Gerald B. Reeves was called as pastor on January 19, 1997.
During this period of time, Evelyn Schrader led the church to use an available building on
Bayshore Drive to house a new Crisis Pregnancy ministry. In addition to counseling individuals
regarding unplanned pregnancies, clothing and supplies were available for the participants. The
facility was named The Hope Center.
This ministry blossomed in scope to incorporate
community ministry, including Christian Women Job Corps training, sponsored by the Southern
19
Baptist Convention. In January 2009 it was renamed Center of Hope and relocated to a new
facility on 31st street.
Reverend Gerald Reeves was called to the church from the International Mission Field,
having served almost twenty years on the island of Martinique and then in Montreal, Canada.
Reverend Reeves led the church, to develop long-range goals and objectives. A 20-year Master
Plan was developed with four phases of implementation, to include a new sanctuary, new
educational facilities, renovation of current facilities for children’s ministry, and a family life
center. Recognizing the need to secure sufficient land to facilitate expansion of the church plant,
he led the church in acquisition of several adjacent properties for future use as parking or other
ministry-related purposes. In December, 1997, the church was robbed of $25,000 worth of
computer and sound equipment and as a consequence, a security system for the whole church
plant was installed.
During his tenure, Reverend Reeves emphasized the need to evangelize both at home and
abroad, leading the church to engage in mission trips to Belgium, Belize, Martinique and
Honduras. The church held FAITH training sessions for members and the Choctaw Baptist
Association, and a television ministry was begun which broadcasted a Bible Study each Sunday
morning throughout Northwest Florida. This continued for two years but was discontinued due to
financial constraints. Many young men and women were inspired to surrender to the mission
field, or to the gospel ministry, several attending Southern Baptist Seminaries to prepare their
lives for service to the Lord. The first million-dollar budget was developed in 2000.
In 1998 the position of Minister to Senior Adults was established.
Reverend Billy
Grimes was called out of retirement to assume this position as an unpaid volunteer for two years,
until the church called Reverend Chuck Hartness in September, 2000, the first Senior Adult
Minister in Northwest Florida. Ralph Nations resigned as Minister of Education in 1997 and Pat
Howell assumed those responsibilities in addition to the youth ministry. In 1998 Pat Howell
resigned to take a position as pastor in Navarre, Florida.
Reverend Jerry Pritchett was
subsequently called as Minister to Youth in May, 1998, and served until May 2002.
After his
resignation, the youth ministry was assumed by the Youth Committee so that continuity of the
ministry could be maintained until Reverend Monte Rowse was called in January 2003 as
20
Minister to Students. He continued in this position until June 2010. Eric Reid was called as
Student Ministry Intern in September 2010.
In 1999 the church called Reverend Mike Hatfield to oversee the Education Ministry.
Under his leadership many new educational programs were initiated. In March, 2002, two
separate Sunday Schools began meeting simultaneously with the two worship services on Sunday
morning. During his tenure, in the year 2000, the Children’s Ministry was separated from the
Youth Ministry and Mrs. Amy Jones was appointed to the new position.
In 1999 Mel Nagel established the church’s first web site (www.fbcniceville.org) which
garnered an award as the third best religious site in the nation. In 2000 Rich Baugh resigned as
Church Administrator and in 2001 Grant Cleveland was subsequently hired to fill that position.
He accomplished a technological upgrade of computer systems, sound systems, video projection
systems and the telephone system before resigning in 2002. After his departure as Administrator,
Wayne Ingram assumed the position from October 2005 through November 2009. Mike Hayes
replaced Wayne Ingram and continues to occupy that position.
In 2001 a preschool of three classes of four year olds was established. The function was
named STARRS Preschool in memory of Ginny Starr, who had been a preschool Sunday School
teacher and volunteer until her death from cancer. She was wife of Fred Starr, a faithful deacon of
the church and a retired Major General in the United States Air Force. In 2002, the STARRS
Preschool and the WEE School (Weekday Early Education, formerly Mother’s Day Out) were
combined under one umbrella and the First Baptist Church of Niceville Child Development
Center was established and approved by the State of Florida for operation. In 2006, the STARRS
Preschool became a licensed Voluntary Pre-K (VPK) provider for the State of Florida, offering
three classes of state-funded, high quality, free-to-families, voluntary early childhood education
for four-year-olds.
Local ministries were developed such as My Friend’s House, a children’s shelter for
those five years or under who were abused or neglected. This
Ministry worked in relation with the Florida Department of
Children and Families and the Florida Baptist Children’s Home. It
was effective and reached many needy children. However, it was
discontinued in December 2003 due to lack of funding by the State
and The Florida Baptist Children’s Home.
A Prayer Chapel was established in memory of Sheila and
Kristen Gray, wife and daughter of active deacon Rickie Gray, who
were killed in a tragic automobile accident.
The Prayer Chapel was
moved in 2010 to another location to allow expansion of the upper
parking lot.
21
The church embraced the work of the national G.A.N.G. R.E.S.C.U.E. organization,
headed up by Art Wilson, by establishing local ministry support of funding and volunteer
personnel to minister in the local juvenile correctional facilities. G.A.N.G. R.E.S.C.U.E. also
ministers to gang members in Chicago and Belize.
In the year 2002, an adjusted Phase I of the Master Plan to expand the children’s ministry
area, and to consolidate all administrative and ministerial functions in one physical location, was
adopted by the church. This action was achieved by removing the home on the corner of
Bayshore Drive and 31st Street that had been purchased from the Jones estate, erection of a
modular unit capable of housing all of the ministerial and administrative functions and personnel,
and renovation of the current administrative office area for the children’s ministry. This action
was taken in lieu of accelerating the construction phase of the Master Plan due to financial
constraints. Installation and renovation work was not begun until early 2003.
In October 2003, the church History Committee produced an updated version of the
original history document created in 1960. A celebration of the event was held on the Ninetythird anniversary of the church with the theme Remembering the Days of Old. Former pastors
along with city officials were special guests. A slide presentation of the church’s history was
viewed, along with special recognition of relatives of the original charter members. Reverend
Reeves was presented a special gift of two mullet and a pair of overalls, reminiscent of how
pastors were paid during the early years of the church. A dinner on the grounds was held to
provide an opportunity for all to fellowship with current and former members.
On
September
16,
2004,
Hurricane
Ivan
devastated the gulf coast area and inflicted heavy damage
to the whole church plant. The steeple was damaged
beyond repair and all shingled roofs and the sanctuary
roof were leaking.
Subsequently, on March 31, 2005
while repairs to the sanctuary were ongoing, an unnamed
storm struck which destroyed the sanctuary interior again.
Worship services were temporarily moved to the Haigler
Center, which had to be retrofitted with TV’s, overhead
speakers and chairs to enable the relocation. Sanctuary
worship was not resumed until June 5, 2005. Total cost
of all the repairs exceeded $800,000, all covered by
insurance.
In July 2005, Reverend Reeves resigned to take a position in another state. To assist the
church staff and deacons, a transition team was established. Team membership was composed of
22
selected individuals representing education, youth, worship arts, senior adults, children,
personnel, stewardship, deacons and membership at large. Some of the tasks accomplished by
the transition team consisted of surveying the membership on various topics, updating the
pastoral job description, determining a compensation package, creating a housing strategy,
developing an area information package and determining a pastoral profile.
In November 2005, Dr Ernest Bailey of Enterprise, Alabama was called as transitional
pastor.
Dr. Bailey encouraged a different thought process concerning church growth and
outreach. He arranged for workshops to be held that explored some “out of the box” concepts of
evangelism that caused the church to explore new ideas for growth. Due to his wife’s serious
health issues, Dr. Bailey resigned in June 2006.
In August 2006, the church called Reverend Charles Pinkerton as transitional pastor.
Reverend Pinkerton had been serving as mission pastor at First Baptist Church, Dothan, Alabama.
During his 18 months as transitional pastor, he led the church to begin quarterly town hall
meetings rather than monthly business meetings, develop a new constitution and by-laws that
used a new concept of Ministry Leadership Teams (MLT’s) rather than committees, and derive
the Trustees from the chairmen of the MLT’s. Additionally, this concept functioned in a manner
that relieved the church staff of day-to-day operational considerations, and allowed them to
concentrate on their God called ministries. He further developed a Passport to the Future which
aligned all church functions toward a common goal. During his tenure he encouraged more
emphasis on international and home missions, organizing several mission trips for members’
participation. He resigned in January 2008 when the church called a permanent pastor.
In October 2006, the annual Halloween festival was renamed Orange Fest and combined
with the First United Methodist Church of Niceville and other churches to offer the children of
the Twin City area an alternative to Trick or Treat. The City of Niceville cooperated by closing
the southern portion of Partin Drive to automobile traffic and furnished personnel to assist in
pedestrian and traffic control. The festival, which offered a Christian theme to the season, was
successful, resulting in thousands of adults and children attending. Consequently, this started an
annual observance of Orange Fest, which has consistently been well received by the Twin Cities
area.
Dr. Michael McGough was called as senior pastor in December 2007, and began serving
in February 2008. Dr. McGough had served as a missionary in Calgary Canada for 20 years and,
in effect, was coming home having been a member of First Baptist Church Niceville as a
teenager.
In December 2008 the church conducted a special emphasis on debt pay off and became
debt free for the first time since 1947. In January 2009 the church began a four-year plan for
spiritual growth based on Luke 2:52, “and Jesus grew in Wisdom and in Stature and with
favor with God and Man.” Bible reading and prayer journals were made available to each
23
church member to aid in achieving this goal. In January 2010 the church changed the format of
worship services to reach out to young families: the traditional service was moved to 9:00 am and
the contemporary service was moved to 10:30 am.
In February 2010 the church established a planning committee for celebration of the 100
years of existence as First Baptist Church of Niceville. To generate excitement and interest in the
forthcoming celebration, beginning on July 25th the morning worship services encompassed a
weekly skit emphasizing noted events of each decade of the church’s existence. The emphasis
culminated on September 26, 2010. On October 3rd, the church celebrated the momentous
occasion with a light breakfast at 9:00, followed with a two-hour worship service consisting of
special music by combined choirs and instruments.
During the celebration, Dr. McGough
unveiled a vision called Hope for the Future, which consisted of renovation of existing facilities
and new construction to achieve a multi-generational church with special emphasis on young
adults and families with young children. This emphasis was presented to the church in November
2010 with a request for earnest prayer and fasting for the Lord’s direction.
Vote by the
th
membership for their decision was scheduled for January 30 , 2011.
The History Committee proceeded with plans to establish a time capsule in the first
quarter of year 2011 with emphasis on the first 100 years of the church. The suggested date for
Time Capsule opening was to be the year 2060 (the 150th year church celebration).
100th Anniversary Celebration Planning Team
Sharry Lyon, Sandy Sims, Paul Sisk, Linda Hayes
Chuck Hartness, Angela Blackburn, Joy Love, Jo Nagel
Chuck Hartness, Connie Phillips, Jo Nagel
Sharry Lyon, Joy Love, Ginny Jordan, Sandy Sims
Nancy McGough, Angela Blackburn
24
PART III
Charter Members
of Damascus Baptist Church of Boggy Bayou
Mrs. Arkie Allen
Mrs. M.S. Edwards
Mrs. Alice Allen
F.L. Garfield
Lawrence Allen
Mrs. Minnie Garfield
Lon Allen
D.A. Hicks
Mrs. Lou Armstrong
Mrs. Nancy Hicks
Mrs. C.M. Dashinger
William Padgett
Grover Dashinger
G.W. Pippins
John Dashinger
Mrs. Mary Pippins
Mrs. Lila Davis
Mrs. T.C. Pippins
Berket Earley
William Pippins
Mrs. Lucy Earley
Mrs. Ada Senterfitt
Mrs. M.A. Earley
J.S. Senterfitt
H.S. Edwards
R.F. Senterfitt
.
Ada and Jess Senterfitt
Mrs. Lou Armstrong
25
PART IV
CURRENT STAFF & SPOUSES
Pastor
Dr. Michael E. and Nancy McGough
February2008 - present
Associate Pastor – Worship Arts
Rev. Dennis J.and Leah Brown
September 1987 – present
Associate Pastor – Adult Ministry
Rev. Carl E. Jr.(Chuck)and Sue Hartness
September 2000 - Present
26
Children’s Director
Amy and Danny Jones
July 1996 - Present
FORMER PASTORS
Rev.Charles Pinkerton
Transitional pastor
2006-2008
Dr. J. Woods Watson
1993-1996
Rev. Don Wilson
1974 – 1977
Dr. Ernest Bailey
Transitional pastor
2005-2006
Dr. James Monroe
Interim Pastor
1993 and 1996
Rev. Fred Steelman 1968 –
1974
27
Rev. Gerald Reeves
1997-2005
Dr. Joe G. Haigler
1978 – 1993
Rev. J. C. McLendon
1962 - 1968
Rev. F. H. Morgan
1955 – 1962
Rev. Carlton B. Ellis
1949 – 1955
FORMER PASTORS, PHOTO NOT AVAILABLE
1947 – 1948 Rev. John B. Rollins
1945 – 1946 Rev. E. L. Mixon
1944
Rev. W. O. R. Cross
1939 – 1941 Rev. C. L. Perry
1937
Rev. G. C. Ebanks
1935
Rev. P. M. Woodall
1921 – 1923 Rev. J. D. Hattaway
1920
Rev. R. J. Adamson
1918 – 1919 Rev. W. F. Martin
1917
Rev. R. J. Adamons
1914 – 1917 Rev. W. F. Arnet
1911 – 1914 Rev. Murdock G. Morrison
1910 – 1911 Rev. Dan Anderson
28
Rev. G. C. Williams
1942 – 1943 & 1931 – 1934
PART V
PROPERTY ACQUISITION
29
PROPERTY ACQUISITION LEGEND
MAIN CHURCH SITE
SITE NO
DATE
DESCRIPTION
1
1911
Initial Gift of property (to the waters edge) Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Garfield
2
1943
Lots 9 & 10, Block 2 and Lots 1 & 2,
Block 3 Allen’s Subdivision
3
1943
Lots 7 & 8 and 25 feet off the West ends of J.R. & P.M. Parish
Lots 1,2,3 & 4, Block 2 Allen’s Subdivision
4
1949
Partin Drive property north of original plot Margaret A. Heatherton
5
1964
East 75 FT of Lot 1, Block 2,
Allen’s Addition Plus all of that
portion of Closed Allen Street
6
1964
East 75 FT of Lots 2,3,4 & 5,
Block 2, Allen’s Addition,
plus all of that portion of Closed Allen
Street lying north of said lots
Eva J. & August Domorad
7
1968
West one-half of Lot 2, Block 1
Allen’s Addition
Eva J. & August Domorad
8
1970
(Initial Alford Property)
M.D. & Lillie Mae Alford
9
1972
(Lowell & Doris Alford Property)
Lowell & Doris Alford
10
1991
(Alford Property located on 32nd street)
Carleita & Robert Levy
OFF-SITE PROPERTIES
SITE NO
DATE
DESCRIPTION
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
1989
1989
1992
1996
1997
1997
1997
2000
2000
2000
2000
2001
2001
2001
2002
522 31st Street
520 31st Street
215 Reynolds
637 Bayshore Drive
586 Bayshore Drive
578 Bayshore Drive
316 Partin Drive
601 31st Street – Center of Hope
602 32nd Street & 208 Reynolds
504 31st Street
632 Bayshore Drive
604 32nd Street
220 – 222 Reynolds (Duplex)
602-604 31st Street (Duplex)
514 31st Street
30
PROPERTY OWNER
W.H. & Gussie Graham
Ruby P. Jones
Original Deed
31
PART VI
DEACON ELECTIONS AND ORDINATIONS
The information on the individuals reflected below was obtained by researching available records, and
discussion with individuals within the church. We are convinced this does not represent all of the men that
have been ordained by and served as deacons in the church, however, more specific information is not
available due to sparse church history during the early years.
1910
R.F. Senterfitt, G.W. Pippins elected and ordained.
1915
Bro Garfield, J. S. Senterfitt
1933
A cryptic note in the old records reflect that WRS and FE were ordained. We do not know the
names of these individuals, however, according to Mrs. Cozette Brewer, the initials WRS could
have stood for her brother Wilbur Robert Senterfitt who was ordained around that time.
1947
Edgar E. Peters and H.E. Calfee were ordained.
1951
Deacons Mr Vaughn, H.E. Calfee elected.
1954
Wilburt H. Early, ordained deacon, joined the membership.
1955
Deacons T. J. Plant, E. E. Peters, Zed Carter elected. Curt Padgett Ordained.
Also serving were M.D. Alford, J.P. Evans, Sr, H.E. Calfee.
1957
Deacons Stanley Jones, H. E. Calfee, L. L. Weatherford, Zed Carter elected.
Sept. 1957
First Junior Deacons** elected were J.W. Grant, Lowell Alford, Linton Peters, James E. Sanders,
Roy F. (Ted) Reeves and William Tober.
Oct. 1958
James E. Sanders, Lowell Alford and J.W. Grant ordained.
1959
Deacons Lloyd Williams elected. James H. Parrish , Roy F. (Ted) Reeves Ordained.
1960
Deacons M. D. Alford, E. E. Peters, and Arthur Howell elected.
Oct. 1961
John Poss Ordained.
Oct. 1962
Deacons James Parrish, Arthur Howell, Juston W. Grant Sr, Charles Thomas,
Roy F. (Ted) Reeves elected.
Sept. 1963
Deacons Robert E. Ray, Dave Buffington, Randall Wise, Leonard LaPorte elected.
Dec .1963
Eulon Jackson Ordained.
Oct. 1965
Paul Sisk, Eugene Posey, James Allman, Clifford Bean ordained
1966
Deacons M. D. Alford, Wilburt Early, J. W. Grant, Billy Moss, Vail Fontenot elected.
Apr. 1966
Deacon Jesse W. Brown elected.
Oct. 1967
Deacons Lloyd Williams, Randall Wise, Ted Reeves elected. Jacob Bass, James Sasser, Robert
Wilkerson ordained.
Sept. 1968
Deacons Clifford Bean, Eulon Jackson, Leonard LaPorte, Robert E. Ray, Phillip Taylor
W. A. Townsend, Arthur Howell elected.
Sept. 1969
Deacons Richard F. Naber, L. L. Yeast, Vial Fontenot, Walter Smith elected.
John Ogburn, Jr. ordained.
32
Sept. 1970
Deacons J.W. Bass, Jesse Brown, J.W. Grant and Paul Sisk elected. Neal Kearley ordained.
Sept. 1971
Deacons Larry Davis, Ray Starks, Lloyd Williams elected. Dennis Branton, Roland Miller
ordained.
Dec. 1971
Deacons Clifford Bean, Robert E. Ray elected.
Sept. 1972
Deacons Robert E. Falls, Robert E. Ray, W. A. Townsend elected. James E. Eller,
Robert Hughes ordained
Dec .1972
Deacon Robert Wilkerson elected.
Oct .1973
Deacon Philip Taylor, elected. Eldon McGough, Bill Risher ordained.
Oct. 1974
Deacons Neal Kearley, W.V. Croft, Philip Taylor elected. Russell Clark, Warren Fox ordained.
Oct. 1975
Bob Price, Ron White ordained
Oct. 1976
Deacon Eldon McGough elected. Paul Adams, Randy Wise, Jimmie Horne ordained
Sept. 1977
Deacons Al Townsend, M. D. Alford, John Ogburn, Eulon Jackson, Richard Naber elected.
Oct. 1978
Victor Croft, Robert Falls, Robert Ray elected. Ron Streight ordained
1979
Deacons J.W. Bass, Philip Taylor elected. Wayne Ingram, Jerome Treadaway,
Robert Love ordained
Oct. 1980
Deacons Jesse Brown, J.W. Grant, Sr, Robert Love, Eldon McGough Lloyd Williams, Randy
Wise elected. Norman C. Abernathy ordained.
Sept. 1981
Deacons Paul Adams, Richard Naber, Fred Starr, Don Butts, John Ogburn elected.
Sept. 1982
Deacons Victor Croft, Robert E. Ray, Ron Streight elected. J. T. Burnette, Lannie Corbin
ordained.
Oct. 1982
Deacon Emeritus bestowed upon M.D. Alford.
Oct. 1983
Deacons Jake Bass, Wayne Ingram, Phil Taylor elected. Sam Brown, Gene Wright,
Stan Yarbrough ordained.
Sept. 1984
Deacons Jesse Brown, Frank Doty, Eldon McGough, Lloyd Williams elected. William
Chandler ordained.
Sept. 1985
Deacon Emeritus bestowed upon Victor Croft.
Sept. 1985
Deacons Paul Adams, Bruce Kearley, J. J. Mason, Richard Naber, Fred Starr elected.
1986
Deacons Ron Bramblett, Ron Streight, John Ogburn elected, Les Doyle, Jeff Waits ordained.
1987
Deacons Jacob Bass, James Beard, Wayne Ingram, Ross Lamberson, Paul Sisk, Gene Wright
elected.
1988
Deacons Eldon McGough, Allen Townsend, Lloyd Williams elected. Luke Daniels, Mike Hayes
ordained.
1989
Deacons David Brett, Craig Kenton, Richard Naber, Bill Ridings, Fred Starr elected.
Oct. 1990
Deacons John (Chuck) Dement, Bruce Kearley, Ed Ray, Jeff Waits elected. Ted Bailey ordained.
33
32
Apr. 1991
John Smith ordained.
Jun. 1991
Deacon Emeritus bestowed upon Willie P. Dobson
Oct. 1991
Deacons Les Doyle, Russell Clark, Paul Sisk, John Ogburn, Bill Wise, Robert Love elected.
Oct. 1992
Deacons Fred Starr, Mike Hayes, Wayne Ingram, Ross Lamberson, Al Townsend, Lloyd Williams
elected. Gary Yochum ordained.
Oct. 1993
Deacons Frank Doty, Bruce Kearley, Eldon McGough, Richard Naber, Bill Ridings,
Paul Adams elected. Mike Hagans and Jose Lozano ordained.
Sept. 1994
Deacons Bryan Armbrester, Russell Clark, Kerry Killebrew, Jeff Waits, Mike Hagans, Jose
Lozano elected.
Sept. 1995
Deacons Jim Daniel, Steve Faris, Paul Sisk, Ron Streight elected. Roger Barrett, Roger Smith
ordained.
June 1996
Deacons Mike Hayes, Robert Love, Fred Starr, John Ogburn, Jr. elected. Freddie Allen, John
Corley, Troy Lowe ordained.
Aug. 1996
Deacon Emeritus bestowed upon J. W. Grant, Gilman Gates, Arthur Howell, Wilburt Early,
William Ridings.
Sept. 1997
Deacons Paul Adams, James Brock, Wayne Ingram, Richard Naber elected. Wallace Fail,
Rob Feist, Scott Cupstid ordained
Sept. 1997
Deacon Emeritus bestowed upon W. A. Townsend and Robert E. Ray.
Oct. 1998
Deacons Russell Clark, Doug Fannon, Jose Lozano, John Smith, Bill Wise elected.
Dan Henkel ordained
Oct. 1999
Deacons Bryan Armbrester, Steve Faris, Kerry Killebrew, Paul Sisk, Roger Smith elected. Marcus
Holland, Art Wilson ordained.
Sept. 2000
Deacons Mike Hayes, Freddie Allen, Robert Love, Jeff Waits, Ross Lamberson, Roger Barrett
Elected.
Sept. 2001
Deacons Jim Brock, Ricky Gray, Wayne Ingram, Dick Naber, Steve Walker elected.
Bobby Francis, Billy Cook ordained.
Sept. 2001
Deacon Emeritus bestowed upon Ewell Pickett.
Oct. 2002
Deacons Bobby Francis, Russell Clark, John Corley, Dan Henkel, Kerry Killebrew, John Ogburn,
John Smith elected. Alvin Schlechter ordained.
Sept. 2003
Deacons Bill Wise, Gus Salvo, Steve Faris, Danny Jones, Art Wilson elected. Matt Clark
ordained.
Oct 2003
Steve Faris, Gus Salvo, Bill Wise, Danny Jones, Art Wilson elected deacon. Matt Clark Ordained
Oct 2004
Freddie Allen, Roger Barrett, Mike Hayes, Robert Love, Doug Sargent,
Mike Valenzuela elected deacon .
Feb 2005
Deacon Emeritus bestowed upon Paul Sisk.
Oct 2005
Jim Brock, Billy Cook, Jr., Rickie Gray, Dick Naber, John Ogburn, Jr.,
Roger Smith and Jeff Waits elected deacon
May 21, 2006
Deacon Emeritus bestowed upon Eldon McGough
34
Jun 18, 2006
Deacon Emeritus bestowed upon Paul Adams.
Sep 17, 2006
Deacon Emeritus bestowed upon Lloyd Williams.
Oct 15, 2006
Deacon Emeritus bestowed upon Russell Clark..
Oct 2006
Jim Brock, Billy Cook, Jr, Rickie Gray, Dick Naber, John Ogburn, Jr,
Roger Smith, Jeff Waits elected deacon.
Oct 2007
Deacon Emeritus bestowed upon Vial. Fontenot and Jake Bass.
Oct 2007
Steve Faris, Scott Haugen, John Ogburn, Jr, Gus Salvo, Bill Wise,
GeneWright elected deacon.
Jan 24, 2010
Deacon Emeritus bestowed upon Gus Salvo..
Jul 2010
The following individuals were elected as Deacon: Dan Augustin, Terry Bruce,
Eddie Herring, Dennis Northcutt, and Ward Van Steenburgh. They attended a
presbytery to evaluate their walk with the Lord and were ordained by the church on
August 15, 2010
** The Junior Deacon program allowed the Church to elect individuals to the position of Junior Deacon who would
not be ordained but would be mentored by an active deacon. The individual would serve along side the active deacon,
and would be nominated to election and ordination by the Deacon Body based upon his successful demonstration of
spiritual and emotional maturity. The program was later ended when a different method was chosen by the church for
deacon nomination.
35
A special board is located in the hallway of the church leading to the courtyard which
contains names of all Deacons that have served FBCN and who are deceased. Some
names might have been omitted due to the sparse history records. The special board was
constructed under the leadership of Deacon Jesse Willard Brown, and was recently
modified by John Frank Jordan to provide additional space. The plaque reflects the
name of the deacon, whether he was Deacon Emeritus at his death. The following are the
names of those individuals.
Robert Faircloth Senterfitt
George C. Pippins
Charles Clifford Brabham
Curtis Monroe Padgett
Leonard Paul LaPorte
Leslie Leonard Yeast
Charles Lee Karr
Travis Robert Simpler
Jesse Willard Brown
Millage Deal Alford*
Juston W. Grant, Sr*
William D. Ridings*
.W. Victor Croft*
W. Allen Townsend*
Arthur Howell*
John T. Burnette
Ronald W. Streight
Wilburt Hugh Early, Sr*
Grissett Ewell Pickett*
James Horace Parish
William Victor Croft*
Edgar E. Peters **
T. J. Plant **
Zed Carter **
James Sasser **
Willie Dobson **
H. E. Calfee **
V. L. Fontenot*
Robert Edward Ray*
Jacob Woodburn Bass*
* Deacon Emeritus
** Ordained at FBCN but not a member when deceased. Names do not appear on
plaque.
36
PART VII
MINISTERIAL LICENSES and ORDINATIONS
Dec. 1954
John Evans Ordained to the Gospel Ministry.
Aug. 1955
Dan Britt Ordained to the Gospel Ministry.
1961
James Townsand Licensed to preach the Gospel.
July 1962
Donald Roberson Licensed to preach the Gospel.
Oct. 1965
Eugene Posey Licensed to preach the Gospel.
Jan. 1967
Stewart Joiner Ordained to the Gospel Ministry.
July 1969
Bobbie G. Bennett Licensed to preach the Gospel.
Bill Saucier Licensed to preach the Gospel.
1970
Bobbie G. Bennett Ordained to the Gospel Ministry.
Nov. 1970
Bob Eisenberg Ordained to the Gospel Ministry.
Dec. 1970
Bill Saucier recommended to attend Baptist Bible Institute.
Oct. 1971
Glynn Gardner Ordained to the Gospel Ministry.
Nov. 1971
Clark Shotwell Licensed to preach the Gospel.
1972
Tom Townsend Licensed to preach the Gospel.
Aug. 1972
James Woody Ordained to the Gospel Ministry.
Aug. 1972
John Laird Licensed to preach the Gospel.
Sept. 1973
Tom Townsend Ordained to the Gospel Ministry.
Jan. 1974
Bill Risher Licensed to preach the Gospel.
Dec. 1974
Bill Risher recommended to attend Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville,
KY.
Feb. 1975
Bill Baker Licensed to preach the Gospel.
July 1975
Mike Williams Licensed to preach the Gospel.
July 1975
Mike McGough recommended to attend Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in
Louisville, KY.
Aug. 1975
Mike McGough Licensed to preach the Gospel.
Oct. 1975
Michael D. Harris Licensed to preach the Gospel.
Mar. 1976
Michael D. Harris recommended to attend Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in
Louisville, KY.
Apr. 1976
Mike McGough Ordained to the Gospel Ministry.
Dec. 1976
Bill Risher Ordained to the Gospel Ministry.
37
Mar.1977
Mike Williams Ordained to the Gospel Ministry.
Apr. 1977
Richard Mullins recommended to attend Baptist Bible Institute Music Department.
Aug. 1977
Mike Williams Ordained to the Music Ministry.
Aug. 1978
Steve Barrett Licensed to preach the Gospel.
Apr. 1982
Ralph Nations Ordained to the Gospel Ministry.
Apr. 1982
Jeffery Allen Barnes Licensed to preach the Gospel.
Apr. 1986
Jeffery Allen Barnes Ordained to the Gospel Ministry.
Feb. 1988
Dennis Brown Ordained to the Gospel Ministry.
Mar. 1988
Lee Paggeot endorsed as a student at Baptist Bible Institute.
May 1990
Les Doyle recommended to Baptist Bible Institute to pursue a Masters in Theology
from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (satellite institution).
Apr. 1991
Joe Killen Licensed to preach the Gospel.
Mar. 1992
FBCN requested Pat Howell’s home church ordain him to the Gospel Ministry.
May 1992
William Pat Howell, our Minister to Youth, Ordained to the Gospel Ministry by his home
Church, Shady Grove Baptist Church, Lucedale, MS.
July 1992
Andie Camden, son of Sarah and Brent Camden, publically committed his life to the
Christian
Ministry and dedicated himself to that call.
Aug. 1992
Curtis Jerome Tindell recommended to attend Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary.
Aug. 1993
Andie Camden Licensed to preach the Gospel.
Sept. 1993
Les Doyle Licensed to preach the Gospel.
Feb. 1994
Jerry Pritchett Licensed to preach the Gospel.
Mar. 1994
Jerry Pritchett recommended to attend Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary.
Aug. 1995
Jerry Pritchett Ordained to the Gospel Ministry.
Apr. 1996
Pat Howell recommended to attend New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary,
With full pay and allowances paid by church to assist him in obtaining a Master
Of Divinity degree.
July 1996
Travis Cook recommended to Mobile University as ministerial student.
Feb. 1997
Doug Fannon recommended to attend New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
July 1997
Ralph Nations recommended to the North American Mission Board as a Mission Service
Corps volunteer.
Aug. 1997
Ralph Nations recommended as a student at the Denver, CO. Seminary.
Mar. 1998
April Anne Jensen recommended to Oklahoma Baptist University to pursue a church
related vocation.
38
Nov. 1998
Doug and Ellen Fannon recommended to the International Mission Board for service in
Indonesia
Jan. 1999
T.J. Kollar recommended to attend Southeastern Seminary.
Jan. 1999
Curtis Jetton recommended to attend Southern Seminary.
Apr. 1999
Doug Fannon Licensed to preach the Gospel.
June 1999
Curtis Jetton Licensed to preach the Gospel.
Aug. 1999
T.J. Kollar Licensed to preach the Gospel.
Feb. 2000
Melodye Brown recommended to attend Baptist College of Florida.
Feb. 2000
Shannon Colquitt recommended to attend Baptist College of Florida.
Dec. 2000
T.J. Kollar Ordained to the Gospel Ministry.
Feb. 2001
Melissa Garner recommended to attend Baptist College of Florida.
May 2001
Bradley W. Ellis recommended to attend Baptist College of Florida.
June 2001
Mick Garner Ordained to the Gospel Ministry.
July 2001
Bradley W. Ellis Licensed to preach the Gospel.
Aug. 2001
Doug Fannon recommended to attend New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Sept. 2001
Andrew Patrick Hayes recommended to attend Baptist College of Florida.
Oct. 2001
Gabriel Henkel recommended to attend Southwestern Theological Seminary.
Jan. 2002
Stephanie Rene Hartness recommended to attend Southwestern Theological Seminary.
Apr. 2002
Steven Killebrew missionary to Guinea Bissau with Youth for Christ.
Oct. 2002
Stephanie Rene Hartness endorsed by the church for the Journeyman Missionary
Program for two years.
Jan.2003
Craig Pyle Licensed to preach the Gospel.
Oct 2004
Josh Hatfield recommended to Baptist College of Florida on FBCN Scholarship
Apr 2005
Aaron Valenzuela recommended to attend Baptist College of Florida.
Oct 2005
Jenny Pickler recommended to attend Baptist College of Florida.
Apr 2008
Travis Hayes Cook licensed and ordained to the Gospel Ministry.
Jun 2008
Confirmed Hannah Pruitt’s call to Children’s Ministry.
Aug 2010
Jay Liberty Baker, Josh Peeler and Sean Walker recommended to attend New Orleans
Seminary. Tragically, Ms Baker died on October 9, 2010 due to a fall while taking inoculations to prepare
for her entry into the Seminary.
39
PART VIII
FBCN…. through the years
1946- Original church building after move and
renovation
1939- Original Church Building
1946- inside view of original/renovated sanctuary
1948- church membership gathering
“I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the House of the Lord.” Psalm 122:1
40
1957- Original education building that later
served as administration complex
1957- new sanctuary with view of the
original/renovated church
1962- Original/Renovated church building
1967- view of concrete block sanctuary and
new education buildings
1970’s- View of church from across
Boggy Bayou
Present view of church
41
1953- Church family at groundbreaking ceremony for new sanctuary
1953- Groundbreaking ceremony for new sanctuary
42
1940’s- Deacons of Damascus Baptist Church
1976- Ordination of Mike McGough
Rev. Don Wilson, Mike McGough & Eldon McGough
1969- Cake designed and made by Dick Naber
for FBCN 59th anniversary
1970-Bus Ministry
43
1998- Sign at corner of Bayshore Drive and
Partin Drive
1990- Paul Sisk accepts the keys on the delivery
of the church’s first new van.
2003- Cornerstone for the current sanctuary
2003- Office/Administration Building
44
Listing of Names Identified in Pictures
Page 10
1950 Vacation Bible School – Pastor Carlton Ellis (Back row,
left end)
Page 11
1953 Groundbreaking ceremony for new sanctuary – (Pictured
left to right):
Mertie Helms Carter, Zed Carter, Ada Senterfitt,( charter
member), Pastor Carlton Ellis, Henridee Wilkinson, Nita
Reeves (Ted Reeves’mother), Bertie Scott, Millage Alford,
Edgar Peters)
Page 12
1960 Dedication of Seminole Chapel – Pastor F. H. Morgan
pictured (back row center)
Page 14
1970 Bus arriving at church – Betty Ward (at front door of bus),
Paul Sisk (right end)
Page 15
1970 Groundbreaking ceremony for Family Life Center –
Committee members left to right: Ed Ray, Jake Bass, Pastor
Fred Steelman, Lloyd Williams (committee chairman), Glynn
Gardner, Paul Sisk, Eric Plant
Page 39
1939 Original church building – (Pictured left to right) Top
row: John Evans, Jr., Mertie Helms Carter, Zed Carter,
unidentified, unidentified. Second row: Mrs. Julia Evans, J.P.
Evans, Sr. Front row: Mrs. Lillie Mae Alford, Lowell Alford,
Betty Jane Carter. Three smaller children: Mary Ann Evans,
Lucy Evans, unidentified boy
Page 41
1953 Groundbreaking ceremony for new sanctuary – (Pictured
left to right): Zed Carter, C.T. Vaughn, J.P. Evans, Sr., Pastor
Carlton Ellis, H.E. Calfee, T.J. Plant, Millage Alford, Edgar
Peters
Page 42
Deacons of Damascus Baptist Church – (Pictured left to right):
Clifford Brabham, Millage Alford, Mr. Coppin, Pastor John B.
Rollins
45
PART IX
Church Statistics
YEAR
1910
SERVICES
1st Sunday
1914
nd
BAPTISM
MEMBERS
RES/NON-RES
11
45
-
43
SUNDAY
SCHOOL
TRAINING
UNION
PASTOR’S
SALARY
CHURCH
EXPENSE/
BUDGET
PROPERTY
VALUE
10.00
109.90
1915
2 Sunday
5
42
31.18
300.00
1916
2nd Sunday
5
46
75.00
300.00
-
49
37.66
300.00
44
31.95
300.00
-
51
23.00
400.00
7
57
61
45.00
1500.00
58
111
45.00
1500.00
80
nd
1917
2 Sunday
1920
2nd Sunday
1921
2nd Sunday
nd
1922
2 Sunday
1923
2nd Sunday
nd
1931
2 Sunday
5
68
1932
2nd Sunday
2
69
1933
2nd Sunday
5
68
72
nd
188.83
257.13
77.91
124.27
69
180.00
229.10
1934
2 Sunday
5
68
80
35
188.33
256.63
1935
2nd Sunday
9
83
48
15
177.63
366.63
1936
2nd Sunday
-
83
56
27
59.00
85.25
1937
3rd Sunday
3
87
43
18
111.96
220.38
1000.00
1938
2nd Sunday
1
79
43
15
104.80
149.14
350.00
17
106
85
17
108.00
234.99
350.00
1
110
40
32
62.79
145.15
1000.00
6
127
69
120.00
262.86
1500.00
1939
nd
2 Sunday
1940
1941
nd
2 Sunday
46
1000.00
YEAR
SERVICES
BAPTISM
1942
MEMBERS
RES/NON-RES
SUNDAY
SCHOOL
TRAINING
UNION
PASTOR’S
SALARY
CHURCH
EXPENSE/
BUDGET
PROPERTY
VALUE
119
56
27
120.00
448.75
200.00
26
620.00
1040.85
1800.00
1943
2nd&4th Sundays
5
119
50
1944
Full-time
-
146
40
840.50
1982.80
2500.00
1945
Full-time
11
160
45
910.00
2173.36
2500.00
1948
Full-time
47
292
239
123
3515.00
8497.00
22,000.00
1949
Full-time
26
340
319
173
3380.00
8126.99
24,000.00
30
405
390
113
3405.00
30,000.00
1952
57
461
315
150
3695.00
50,000.00
1953
65
516
400
155
3900.00
50,000.00
1954
68
490
429
198
3900.00
50,000.00
1955
89
564
490
1956
69
615
554
222
4160.00
27146.00
1957
99
728
687
244
4784.00
25763.00
1958
73
757
632
206
5200.00
29673.00
1959
69
859
760
209
5720
1960
74
980
897
257
5720
1961
166
1165
904
325
5720
1962
85
1081
509
213
5720
1963
28
1102
654
259
5200
1950
1951
25376.00
47
250,000.00
262,800.00
24067.03
YEAR
SERVICES
BAPTISM
MEMBERS
RES/NON-RES
SUNDAY
SCHOOL
TRAINING
UNION
PASTOR’S
SALARY
CHURCH
EXPENSE/
BUDGET
PROPERTY
VALUE
1964
35
1045
728
262
5300
53624.00
220,000.00
1965
75
1137
751
302
5590
40019.00
1966
56
1175
776
321
5720
144,000.00
1967
58
1270
836
372
5796
123,748.00
300,000.00
1968
47
693/596
817
322
5809
77,899.00
300,000.00
1969
76
705/641
859
305
7280
93,906.00
300,000.00
1970
41
726/663
895
345
128,038.00
312,000.00
1971
200
857/726
971
270
122,613.00
325,500.00
1972
122
829/766
835
289
1973
81
857/784
852
1974
44
844/785
768
1975
126
857/881
1976
116
1977
97,654.00
372,500.00
98,032.00
410,500.00
99
149,738.00
435,000.00
833
131
155,074.00
465,000.00
945/904
903
133
175,673.00
505,000.00
67
937/972
925
111
172,458.00
505,000.00
1978
7
779/1051
788
146,498.00
515,000.00
1979
39
719/1129
708
141,396.00
565,000.00
1980
45
775/1110
774
207
155,769.00
1981
49
751/1176
774
223
218,934.00
1982
18
752/1177
903
273
221,571.00
1983
26
802/1218
956
273
267,875.00
1984
25
763/1262
915
287
345,260.00
48
975,000.00
YEAR
SERVICES
BAPTISM
MEMBERS
RES/NON-RES
SUNDAY
SCHOOL
TRAINING
UNION
PASTOR’S
SALARY
CHURCH
EXPENSE/
BUDGET
PROPERTY
VALUE
1985
9
713/1312
933
338
1986
21
802/1312
1013
364
548,984.00
2,282,520.00
1987
33
1098/1324
973
330
467,831.00
2,882,520.00
1988
40
877/1350
1066
375
351,712.00
2,882,520.00
1989
23
951/1367
1153
328
226,322.00
3,000,000.00
1990
37
945/1433
1224
203
342,842.00
3,053,000.00
1991
37
990/1384
1193
564
737,500.00
3,553,000.00
1992
45
1060/1360
1184
461
563,966.00
3,680,740.00
1993
25
1071/1371
1187
514
633,137.00
1994
53
1164/1444
1249
404
619,638.00
3,680,740.00
1995
38
1218/1459
1275
281
642,064.00
4,144,150.00
1996
36
1190/1506
1236
257
763,412.00
3,837,000.00
1997
43
1318/1396
1231
239
824,408.00
4,725,000.00
1998
50
1102/1714
1324
204
908,856.00
4,300,000.00
1999
55
1159/1628
1337
270
973,024.00
4,500,000.00
2000
109
1419/1560
1470
181
1,200,623.00
5,000,000.00
2001
69
1491/1427
1486
507
1,353,456.00
5,404,804.00
2002
119
1521/1495
1511
602
1,491,539.32
5,404,804.00
49
YEAR
BAPTISMS
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
40
40
13
15
40
39
27
OTHER
TOTAL
ADDITIONS MEMBERS
57
85
49
30
84
82
58
2921
2976
2955
3026
3200
3375
3375
RESIDENT
MEMBERS
AVERAGE
SUNDAY
MORNING
WORSHIP
1310
1352
1343
1300
1264
1404
1366
679
653
614
650
525
585
571
50
SUNDAY
SCHOOL
ENROLMT
1360
1467
1556
1514
1538
1547
1410
AVERAGE
SUNDAY
SCHOOL
ATTENDCE
616
608
598
575
552
550
578
TOTAL
RECEIPTS
2284980
1598377
2291509
1681906
1875986
2295730
1981882
PART X
CHURCH STAFF
YEAR
PASTOR
MINISTER
MUSIC
MINISTER
EDUCATION
MINISTER
YOUTH
SENIOR
ADULTS
CHURCH
CLERK
1910
Dan Anderson
1911
Murdock G. Morrison
1912
Murdock G. Morrison
1913
Murdock G. Morrison
1914
W.F. Arnet
1915
W.F. Arnet
1916
W. F. Arnet
D. A. Hicks
1917
R.J. Adamson
D. A. Hicks
1918
W.F. Martin
1919
W.F. Martin
1920
R.J. Adamson
1921
J. D. Hattaway
1922
J. D. Hattaway
J. S. Senterfitt
1923
J D. Hattaway
J. S. Senterfitt
1931
G.C. Williams
Bertia Senterfitt
1932
G.C. Williams
1933
G.C. Williams
1934
G.C. Williams
1935
P.M. Woodall
Bertia Senterfitt
1937
G.C. Eubanks
Rubye Senterfitt
1939
C.L. Perry
Bertia Senterfitt
1940
C.L. Perry
Bertia Senterfitt
1941
C.L. Perry
D.A. Hicks
D.A. Hicks
D. A. Hicks
51
YEAR
PASTOR
MINISTER
MUSIC
MINISTER
EDUCATION
MINISTER
YOUTH
SENIOR
ADULTS
CHURCH
CLERK
1942
G.C. Williams
1943
G.C. Williams
1944
W.O.R. Cross
1945
E.L. Mixon
1946
E.L. Mixon
1947
John B. Rollins
1948
John B. Rollins
1949
Carlton B. Ellis
1950
Carlton B. Ellis
G.B. Ellison
1951
Carlton B. Ellis
Mrs M D Alford
1952
Carlton B. Ellis
Mrs M.D.Alford
1953
Carlton B. Ellis
Mrs M.D. Alford
1954
Carlton B. Ellis
Mrs M.D.Alford
Mrs W. T. Black
1955
Carlton B. Ellis
F. H. Morgan
Mrs W. T. Black
Mrs Carlieta Jones
Mrs Ola Thames
1956
F.H. Morgan
*Bernice Blair
Mrs Ola Thames
1957
F.H. Morgan
*Stanley Jones
*Marvette Knowles
*Charles Ford
Mrs Ola Thames
1958
F.H. Morgan
1959
F. H. Morgan
1960
F. H. Morgan
*Anne Berry
*Mary Alice Johns
Mrs Vera LaPorte
1961
1962
F. H. Morgan
F. H. Morgan
*Mary Alice Johns
*Mary Alice Johns
Mrs Vera LaPorte
Mrs Vera LaPorte
Mr Zed S. Carter
*Koplin
Mrs Thomas Scott
Lawrence Stewart
Mrs Ola Thames
Mrs Ola Thames
Mrs Vera LaPorte
52
YEAR
PASTOR
MINISTER
MUSIC
MINISTER
EDUCATION
MINISTER
YOUTH
J. C. McLendon
1963
J. C. McLendon
1964
J. C. McLendon
1965
J. C. McLendon
1966
J. C. McLendon
1967
SENIOR
ADULTS
CHURCH
CLERK
John Ray King
Mrs Ola Thames
*Mary Alice Johns
*Michael DeShong
*Charles Thomas
Mrs Ola Thames
Mrs Ola Thames
Helen Roberson
Charles Barham
Helen Roberson
*Mary Alice Johns
Charles Barham
Mrs Ola Thames
Melba Stribling
J. C. McLendon
*Mary Alice Johns
Sidney Tanner
Charles Barham
Mrs Ola Thames
Catherine Craven
1968
J. C. McLendon
**T. D. Lide
Freddie A. Steelman
Sidney Tanner
Catherine Craven
Helen Barrett
1969
Freddie A. Steelman
Sidney Tanner
Helen Barrett
1970
Freddie A. Steelman
Glynn Gardner
Helen Barrett
1971
Freddie A. Steelman
Glynn Gardner
Helen Barrett
Mrs Ola Thames
1972
Freddie A. Steelman
Glynn Gardner
1973
Freddie A, Steelman
Glynn Gardner
*Donald Roberson
Jim Woody
Mrs Ola Thames
1974
Freddie A. Steelman
**Dr Wiley Richards
Don Wilson
*Donald Roberson
Ron Moulton
Jim Woody
Mrs Ola Thames
1975
Don Wilson
Ron Moulton
*Willie Farmer
Mrs Ola Thames
1976
Don Wilson
Ron Moulton
*Willie Farmer
Mrs Ola Thames
1977
Don Wilson
Ron Moulton
*Glenn Nielsen
*Andy Eaves
*Willie Farmer
Mrs Ola Thames
1978
**Dr Bob Wiggins
Dr Joe Haigler
*Andy Eaves
*Graham Boutwell
*Tom Townsend
Mrs Ola Thames
Mrs Ola Thames
*Sonny Bozeman
53
YEAR
PASTOR
MINISTER
MUSIC
MINISTER
EDUCATION
MINISTER
YOUTH
1979
Dr Joe Haigler
Richard Root
Mrs Ola Thames
1980
Dr Joe Haigler
Richard Root
Mrs Ola Thames
1981
Dr Joe Haigler
Richard Root
Ralph Nations
Mrs Ola Thames
1982
Dr Joe Haigler
Richard Root
Ralph Nations
Mrs Ola Thames
1983
Dr Joe Haigler
Richard Root
Ralph Nations
Mrs Ola Thames
1984
Dr Joe Haigler
Richard Root
Ralph Nations
Mrs Ola Thames
1985
Dr Joe Haigler
Richard Root
Ralph Nations
Mrs Ola Thames
1986
Dr Joe Haigler
Richard Root
Ralph Nations
Mrs Ola Thames
1987
Dr Joe Haigler
*Jackie Hails
*Mike VonKanel
Dennis Brown
Ralph Nations
Mrs Ola Thames
1988
Dr Joe Haigler
Dennis Brown
Ralph Nations
Mrs Ola Thames
1989
Dr Joe Haigler
Dennis Brown
Ralph Nations
*Scott Reynolds
Mrs Ola Thame
1990
Dr Joe Haigler
Dennis Brown
Ralph Nations
*Gordon Bedwell
Mrs Ola Thames
1991
Dr Joe Haigler
Dennis Brown
Ralph Nations
*Gordon Bedwell
Pat Howell
Mrs Ola Thames
1992
Dr Joe Haigler
Dennis Brown
Ralph Nations
Pat Howell
Mrs Ola Thames
1993
**Dr Joe Haigler
**Dr James Monroe
Dr J. Woods Watson
Dennis Brown
Ralph Nations
Pat Howell
Mrs Ola Thames
1994
Dr J. Woods Watson
Dennis Brown
Ralph Nations
Pat Howell
*Jerry Pritchett
Mrs Ola Thames
1995
Dr J. Woods Watson
Dennis Brown
Ralph Nations
Pat Howell
Mrs Ola Thames
1996
Dr J. Woods Watson
**Dr James Monroe
Dennis Brown
Ralph Nations
Pat Howell
Mrs Ola Thames
1997
**Dr James Monroe
Gerald Reeves
Dennis Brown
Ralph Nations
Pat Howell
Pat Howell
*Travis Cook
Mrs Ola Thames
1998
Gerald Reeves
Dennis Brown
Pat Howell
Jerry Pritchett
*Billy Grimes
Sandy Schlechter
1999
Gerald Reeves
Dennis Brown
Mike Hatfield
Jerry Pritchett
*Billy Grimes
Sandy Schlechter
54
SENIOR
ADULTS
CHURCH
CLERK
YEAR
PASTOR
MINISTER
MUSIC
MINISTER
EDUCATION
MINISTER
YOUTH
SENIOR
ADULTS
CHILDREN’S
CHURCH
DIRECTOR
CLERK
2000
Gerald Reeves
Dennis Brown
Mike Hatfield
Jerry Pritchett
Chuck Hartness
Amy Jones
2001
Gerald Reeves
Dennis Brown
*Melissa Garner
Mike Hatfield
Jerry Pritchett
Chuck Hartness
Amy Jones
2002
Gerald Reeves
Dennis Brown
Mike Hatfield
*Jonathan Baker
Jerry Pritchett
*Bradley Ellis
Chuck Hartness
Amy Jones
2003
Gerald Reeves
Dennis Brown
Mike Hatfield
Monte Rowse
Chuck Hartness
Amy Jones
2004
Gerald Reeves
Dennis Brown
Mike Hatfield
Monte Rowse
Chuck Hartness
Amy Jones
2005
Gerald Reeves
**Dr Ernest Bailey
Dennis Brown
Mike Hatfield
Monte Rowse
Chuck Hartness
Amy Jones
2006
**Dr Ernest Bailey
**Charles Pinkerton
Dennis Brown
Mike Hatfield
***Chuck Hartness
Monte Rowse
Chuck Hartness
Amy Jones
2007
*
2008
**Charles Pinkerton
Dennis Brown
***Chuck Hartness
Monte Rowse
Chuck Hartness
Amy Jones
**Charles Pinkerton
Dr. Mike McGough
Dennis Brown
**Chuck Hartness
Monte Rowse
Chuck Hartness
Amy Jones
2009
Dr. Mike McGough
Dennis Brown
***Chuck Hartness
Monte Rowse
Chuck Hartness
Amy Jones
2010
Dr. Mike McGough
Dennis Brown
***Chuck Hartness
Monte Rowse
*Eric Reid
Chuck Hartness
Amy Jones
*
**
Denotes intern, or part-time individual,
Denotes interim pastor.
***
Chuck Hartness assumed responsibility for all adult ministry upon departure of Mike Hatfield
55
PART XI
REVIVALS and NOTED ENTERTAINMENTGROUPS
1960
Stewardship Revival with Burkstresser of Mobile.
1960
Revival with Jack Yelington Team of Jacksonville.
1961
Revival with Bob Herrington and Ben Northcutt.
1961
Revival with Mike Gilquist.
1963
Revival with Ed Vallow.
1963
Brush Arbor Revival.
1965
Revival with Ed Vallow.
1966
Ford Philpot Crusade.
Feb. 1968
Alexander Marks, blind Jewish evangelist, guest speaker.
1969
Crusade of the Americas.
1969
Moody Adams Revival.
Nov. 1970
Hyman Apppleman in revival.
1971
Youth revival with Freddie Gage with 461 Professions of Faith.
1974
E. J. Daniels Crusade at FWB Fairgrounds.
1974
Revival with Stalnecker Evangelistic Team.
1976
Revival with Ben Peacock.
1978
Jack Price in concert.
Mar. 1980
Revival with evangelist Step Martin and singer John Fairless.
Oct. 1980
Revival with evangelist Wayne Bristow, recording artist Jimmy Hodges and magician
Felix Snipes.
1981
Sandi Patti in concert.
Feb. 1982
Reverend Mike McGough taught book of Jeremiah.
Mar. 1982
Step Martin of Calvary Baptist Church, Shreveport, LA in revival.
Mar. 1982
Miles-Webb concert with Re’Generation Singers.
May 1982
Youth Choir from Central Baptist Church, Marshall, TX in concert.
June 1982
Youth Choir from Red Bank Baptist Church, Chattanooga, TN in concert.
July 1982
Jimmy Hodges from Edmon, OK in concert.
Mar. 1983
Youth Week had Morning Star in concert.
May 1983
Major Ian Thomas from Caperwray, England held Bible study.
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June 1983
FBC Perry, FL youth choir presented musical entitled LIGHTSHINE.
July 1983
John Barbaric, Christian actor, presented patriotic program entitled “Drummer Boy”.
July 1983
Weatherly Heights Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL Choir in concert.
July 1983
Mayrene Bobbitt presented drama of Christian Hymn writers Charlotte Elliott and Fannie
Crosby.
Feb. 1984
Jimmy Hodges, soloist, recording artist, composer, music evangelist in concert.
Mar. 1984
Morning Star youth group from Panama City in concert.
May 1984
Composer, arranger, concert artist Rick Powell and family in concert.
June 1984
Youth Choir from FBC Franklinton, LA presented “Dreamer – What Really Happened to
Joseph”.
July 1984
Youth Choir from Clinton, TN in concert.
Aug. 1984
Mayrene Bobbitt, Monologist, presented a special music education program.
Jan. 1985
Lois Jane Huddleston in concert.
Jan. 1985
‘REVISED EDITION”, a touring group from Dallas, TX presented an evening concert.
Jan. 1986
Lois Jane Huddleston in concert.
Mar. 1986
Chuck Maitzen, Country Gospel Singer, in concert.
Mar. 1986
Mobile College Touring Choir in concert.
Apr. 1986
Good News America revival with Jack Custer.
July 1986
Youth Choir from Brookwood Baptist Church in concert.
Oct. 1986
Dr Leon Kilbreth in revival at FBCN for the whole Choctaw Association.
Jan. 1987
Sound of Joy in concert.
Mar. 1987
ARIEL, renowned Russian Pianist concert held in the sanctuary for whole community.
Apr. 1987
God of Rock youth concert.
June 1987
Joy Singers from Lake City, TN in concert.
Aug. 1987
Murk Family and John Montgomery in revival.
Aug. 1987
John Montgomery in revival in “Come Alive Crusade”.
Sept. 1987
Carey Miller and Roger Pursley revival with theme “Our God Is Able”.
Mar. 1988
Lois Jane Huddleston in concert.
Apr. 1988
Major Ian Thomas from Capenwray, England led in Bible conference.
May 1988
Son Power in youth concert.
July 1988
Danny Wolfe, Contemporary Christian Musician, in Praise Celebration.
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Sept. 1988
Dino Kartsonakis, world famous Christian Entertainer and Dove Award winner in
concert.
Sept. 1988
“Joy Makers”, Senior Adult Choir from FBC Clinton, MS in concert.
Apr. 1989
Wind Ensemble of the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in concert.
Apr. 1989
Bobby Michaels, Internationally known singer, in concert.
Sept. 1989
One night revival with Jack Price.
Jan. 1990
Graham and Debbie Boutwell in concert.
Feb. 1990
Lois Jane Huddleston in concert.
Apr. 1990
Lois Jane Huddleston in concert.
May 1990
James McAtte in revival.
Aug. 1990
Youth Choir from Westside Baptist Church, Gainesville, FL in concert.
Sept. 1990
Bill and Jeannie Murk in concert.
Sept. 1990
New Life Concert, musical special presented at evening service.
Oct. 1990
Evangelist Carey Miller in revival.
Feb. 1991
Mississippi College Concert Choir in concert.
Mar. 1991
Luke Garrett, gifted soloist from Jackson, MS in full concert with FBCN Choir.
Apr. 1991
Florida Baptist Theological College Male Chorale in concert.
July 1991
Hilldale Youth Choir from Birmingham, AL in concert.
Aug. 1991
Continental Singers in concert.
Aug. 1991
Special guest singer Lee Payne from Missouri at FBCN.
Sept. 1991
Eglin Federal Prison Choir in concert.
Sept. 1991
Barry St.Clair gave a “Concert of Prayer”.
Jan. 1992
Murk Family Trio in concert.
May 1992
Senior Adult Choir from Florence, MS in concert.
June 1992
Alan Celoria and the Celoria Family Singers from Oklahoma City in concert.
July 1992
World Class Harpist Greg Buchanon in concert.
Aug. 1992
College & Career Choir from Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN in concert.
Sept. 1992
Moody Adams in one day revival at FBCN.
Mar. 1993
Mike Von Kanel and the Men’s Ensemble from Birmingham, AL in concert.
Mar. 1993
Eglin Federal Prison Chapel Choir in concert.
Mar. 1993
Calvary Baptist Church College Choir from Lexington, KY in concert.
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Mar. 1993
Jack Price in concert.
Apr. 1993
Jay Strack in Okaloosa County Wide Crusade with FBCN participation. Youth rally held
at Choctaw High School with Rick Stanley.
May 1993
Jack Price led the Sanctuary Choir in concert “Made for Praise”.
July 1993
Gordon Jensen led Adult Choir in Praise and Worship.
Oct. 1993
Church Growth revival led by Dr Jerry Sutton.
Feb. 1994
“Liberated Wailing Wall” a touring group of “Jews for Jesus” in concert.
Mar. 1994
Revival with Ted Traylor and Jim Anderson.
Apr. 1994
Lois Jane Huddleston in concert.
Apr. 1994
TRUTH musical group in concert.
June 1994
Luke Garrett gave a concert of Contemporary Christian Music.
July 1994
Florida Baptist All State Choir and Orchestra in concert.
Jan. 1995
Floyd & Boyd Amason, Christian entertainers known as “Christian Smothers Brothers”
in concert.
Feb. 1995
VISION, a group of full-time students from Mobile University in concert.
Apr. 1995
Revival with Dr Jerry Passmore and Doug Seaver worship leader
Jan. 1996
Murk family trio in concert.
May 1996
Major W. Ian Thomas conducted a Bible conference.
Apr. 1997
Reverend Gerald Reeves held a Spiritual Renewal Revival “Coming Back To God”.
Aug. 1997
Melody Boys Quartet in concert.
Sept. 1997
Tim Cash, Director of Unlimited Potential Inc. (a baseball clinic ministry) and
professional baseball player for Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers, guest speaker.
Nov. 1997
TRUTH musical group in concert.
Feb. 1998
Family Life Conference with Dr Ron Guy.
Feb. 1998
Wanda Lee, National WMU Director along with husband Larry Lee led FBCN women in
conference.
Mar. 1998
Ron and Pat Owens of the North American and International Mission Boards led in a
“Fresh Encounter With God” revival.
June 1998
Julie Wenger, singer/songwriter, 1998 winner of the National Christian Artist and
Songwriters “Songwriter Award” in concert.
July 1998
Continental Singers in concert.
Aug. 1998
Danny Wolfe, trumpet & voice soloist in concert.
Jan. 1999
Chuck Sullivan in concert.
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Jan. 1999
Unlimited Potential Inc. (UPI) Baseball Clinic with Atlanta Braves players Sid Bream.
Terry Pendleton, Keith Lockhart, Skip Shipp, Dave Palmer & Tim Cash. 1300 attended
with 218 decisions (129 professions of faith). Clinic sponsored by FBCN but held in the
Niceville sports field.
Feb. 1999
Felix Snipes Evangelist.
Apr. 1999
David Ring Evangelist.
July 1999
John Nutt & Selah Youth Concert
Sept.1999
Melody Singers Southern Gospel Quartet.
Jan. 2000
Chuck Sullivan in concert.
Mar. 2000
Jack Price in concert.
Sept. 2000
Dennis Swanberg & Cindy Cornette entertained at FBCN.
Oct. 2000
Prayer conference with Jim & Kaye Johns.
Jan. 2001
Danny Wolfe, trumpet & vocal soloist in concert.
Mar. 2001
The world famous Premier Christian Ballet Company gave performance at FBCN “Ballet
Magnificat”.
June 2001
Gang Rescue Team travels to Chicago,IL for a revival in the CABRINI GREEN area.
July 2001
Sunday on Monday with Rev Jerry Spencer on July 9, Dr Bill Purvis on 16 July, Dr Roy
Fish on 23 July, Terry Hurt on 23 July, and Dr Ted Traylor on 30 July.
Aug. 2001
Chuck Sullivan in concert.
Jan. 2002
Linda Rice, Harpist in concert.
July 2002
Sunday on Monday with Dr Tommy Green, First Baptist Church, Brandon, Fl on July 7;
Reverend Fred Luter, Franklin Baptist Church, New Orleans, La on July 14; Dr Jay
Dennis, Church of the Mall, First Baptist Church, Lakeland, Fl on July 21; and Rick
Stanley, evangelist and stepbrother to Elvis Presley on July 28.
Aug. 2002
Jeff and Debbie McElroy & Steve Pettit, led in a marriage and family enrichment
weekend.
Aug. 2002
Owen Robertson held a drama workshop and was guest speaker at the Sunday worship
service.
Dec. 2002
Rick Stanley, evangelist Step-Brother of Elvis Presley, guest speaker.
Jan. 2003
Rodrigo Rodriguez, world famous classical guitarist, in concert.
Jan. 2003
Kathleen Heirs, Director Human Life for the Florida Baptist Children’s Home, guest
speaker.
Feb. 2003
Children Of The World brought, a group from an Indian orphanage, gave a concert.
Feb. 2003
Kevin Derryberry conducted a night of Praise, Worship and Testimony.
Mar. 2003
Murk Family Trio in concert.
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July 2003
Sunday on Monday special guests were Frank Harber Assistant Professor of Evangelism
at SWBTS, Fort Worth, Tx on July 7; Rick Gage Evangelist from First Redeemer
Church, Atlanta, Ga on July 14; Bailey Smith Real with Evangelism Ministries, Atlanta,
Ga on July 21; and Jerry Drace, Evangelist from Englewood Baptist Church, Humboldt,
Tn.
Feb 2004
Village Singers from Fredrictown, Mo. ministering through guitar,
mandolin, banjo and upright bass.
Feb 2004
Guy & John Early, NFL Football Stars
Apr 2004
Strikeforce from BCF including Melodye Brown
Jan 2005
Dennis Swanburg, (Minister of Encouragement) Special guest for Debt Retirement
kickoff.
May 2005
David Ring conducted services on May 8th.
61
PART XII
SPECIAL EVENTS
Oct. 1910
Church established – Named “Damascus Baptist Church of Boggy Bayou”.
Oct. 1910
Became member of Graves Baptist Association in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.
1912-1913
First church building constructed.
1922
First church building construction completed.
1923
Church joined the Okaloosa Baptist Association.
1943
Name changed to “First Baptist Church, Niceville.”
1944
Church became a full-time church, meeting every Sunday.
1945
Original church building relocated east of unnamed creek.
1946
Church established a Woman’s Missionary Union.
1947
Church held its first Vacation Bible School.
1948
Church installed a baptistry in the sanctuary and began baptism indoors.
Jan. 1949
Church called Rev. Carlton B. Ellis as pastor.
Apr. 1952
Brotherhood was organized within the church, with Robert L. Hughes director.
Oct. 1954
Completed construction of new sanctuary and held dedication with cornerstone ceremonies.
Nov. 1955
Church called Rev. H. F. Morgan as pastor.
Aug. 1956
Church established a “Rotating Plan of Election for Deacons.”
Aug 1957
Church established a plan for “Junior Deacons.”
1958
Church withdrew from the Okaloosa Baptist Association and joined with other churches
to form the Choctaw Baptist Association.
Sep 1960
The Woman’s Missionary Society of the church presented their Girl’s Auxiliary
Coronation service in which twenty-four girls were recognized for their work to achieve
advancement in their steps in Girl’s Auxiliary. MAIDENS: Sherlyn Aycock, Patricia
Allen, Sue Frazier, Linda Ray, Linda Thomas and Helen Truluck; LADIES-INWAITING: Georgia Ann Allen, Janice Griner, Virginia Henderson and Joy Richardson;
PRINCESSES: Leilani Braumberger, and Jeanie Allen; QUEENS: Bonnie Robinson,
Bonnie Howell, Jeanie Baker and Peggy Howell; QUEENS REGENT: Phyllis Griner
and Sandra Peters.
Oct 1960
Church celebrated its 50th Anniversary and published a special historical document. Three
services were held, one in the morning with Dr. John Maguire, Executive Secretary, Florida
Baptist Convention; one held in the afternoon where former pastors and charter members were
recognized; and evening services with Dr. Maguire closing out the celebration.
Dec 1962
Church called Reverend J. C. McLendon as pastor.
1963
Church adopted a constitution and bylaws for the first time.
1963
Church started a live radio broadcast on WFSH, with cost amounting to $15.00 per week.
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1963
Church started a library.
1963-1967
Church demolished the original church building, renovated the office building with a 2nd
story, constructed two prefabricated buildings and two concrete block nursery and adult
educational buildings.
1967
Church sponsored a Boy Scout Troop.
Oct. 1968
Church called Rev. Freddie Steelman as pastor.
1968
Church began an International English Class for foreign born individuals that lasted for
15 years.
1969
Church began a Bus Ministry that ultimately involved 10 buses averaging 450 children
every Sunday.
Oct. 1969
Church celebrated 59th anniversary with “dinner on the grounds” and Dick Naber baking
a 250 pound cake made in a replica of the Church..
Oct. 1971
Church voted to build a Family Life Center (Activities Building) with financing of
$85,000 bond issue.
Jan. 1972
Ground breaking ceremonies were conducted for initiating the Family Life Center
project.
1972
Church sponsored a Girl Scout Troop and a Little League Team.
Sept. 1974
Rev. Don Wilson called as pastor.
1975
Church sponsored a refugee family from Viet Nam.
1975
Church became an Incorporated Body.
July 1976
Church members signed a proclamation dedicated to the 200th birthday of the United
States. The document is framed and hangs in the breezeway between the sanctuary and
Haigler Center.
July 1978
Dr. Joe G. Haigler called as pastor from East Brent Baptist Church, Pensacola, FL.
Sept. 1981
Church allocated $750 to build and erect a living Christmas Tree in the sanctuary. Bro
Ralph Nations designed the tree, which began an annual “Singing Christmas Tree” event
for the community.
May 1982
Mother – Daughter Fashion Show and Luncheon with guest speaker Mrs. Alice Young,
former Miss Ohio.
Apr. 1983
Church held a special “Nita Ray Day” to recognize a special retiring secretary who had
given 20 years of faithful service.
Oct. 1983
Church began holding a special “Niceville Senior High School Recognition” day.
Jan. 1984
Church voted to build a new sanctuary at approximate cost of $725,000.00, with
Continental Church Builders as construction manager.
Mar. 1984
Challenge to Build Capital Funds Program launched to raise $450,000 for new building.
Commitments totaled $468,000.
May 1984
Ground breaking ceremonies for new sanctuary were held.
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July 1, 1984
Last Sunday for worship services in the old Sanctuary. Moved to temporary Worship Center
in the Activity Building.
July 29 1984
Dr. C.E. Autrey, Professor of Evangelism for Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
and former President of Southern Baptist Convention, filled the pulpit.
Sept. 9 1984
Church authorized a Bond Program for $350,000 to support new sanctuary construction.
$140,000 reserved the first Sunday.
Apr. 1985
Bill Carmichael from Florida Baptist Convention Church Training Department spoke to
all adults in Discipleship Training and spoke at the evening service.
Sept. 1985
Love Plus Encounter with Paul, Patsy and Jamie Bellington.
Sept. 22 1985
Celebrated 75th anniversary by moving into new sanctuary, with a Cornerstone ceremony
held. A Time Capsule was installed which contained: a Bible, a list of church members,
a Dedication Day folder, a newspaper, and other things that may prove interesting to
those who open it many years in the future.
Jan. 1986
Church voted to buy a Windsor 840 Rodgers organ at a price of $30,225.
June 1986
Began a Puppet Ministry in FBCN.
Mar. 1987
Church adopted Phase II of the Challenge to Build renovation program by pledging
$325,000 to eliminate the Phase I line of credit, renovate the Activity Building, upgrade
existing buildings, and
many more improvements to the church plant.
Mar. 1987
Chapel dedicated to the memory of Deacon Jesse W. Brown, and named “Brown
Memorial Chapel.”
1987
Purchased a set of handbells.
Monthly “Keenagers” fellowship begun by Rev. Haigler and led by Frank Jordan, Sarah
Holcomb, and then for fifteen years by Lloyd Williams.
Sept. 1987
Dennis Brown accepted call as Minister of Music and Youth.
Nov. 1987
Miss Mississippi, Kim McGuffie, special guest for NHS Day.
Aug. 1988
Pastor Appreciation Day to honor Dr Joe G. Haigler for 10 years as pastor FBCN.
Nov. 1988
Church began a “Mothers Day Out” program.
Nov. 1988
Church recognized by the Florida Baptist Convention as 6th in state for Discipleship
Training Awards.
Jan. 1989
Baptist Television Network (BTN) Satellite Communications structure implemented at
FBCN.
May 1989
Scott Reynolds called as part-time Youth Minister.
July 1989
“SUNDAY NIGHTS IN HIS PRESENCE” celebrated for the month of July with the
following special emphasis. July 2nd. Dr. John Sullivan, Executive Director-Treasurer
Fla. Baptist Convention guest speaker in morning service; Rick Stanley, Elvis Presley’s
Stepbrother, Evangelist guest speaker for the evening service. July 9th. Dr. Anis
Shorrosh, world renown speaker, author, and documentary producer . July 16th. “Variety
Praise” with Ron & Fran Patterson trumpet player and magician. July 23rd. Youth
Mission Trip to Pennsylvania report. July 30th. Mark Fox, nationally known vocalist and
comedian in concert.
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July 1989
Ralph and Carol Nations Day observed for their 8 years as Minister of Education, FBCN.
Aug. 1989
Church-wide fellowship to honor Scott Reynolds for his service to the youth.
Nov. 1989
NHS Day guest speaker Kim Wickes, recording artist, author, sololist.
Dec. 1989
Dr. Joseph DuBose, President of the Fla Baptist theological College guest speaker.
Jan. 1990
First’s Belles become part of FBCN Music Ministry.
Apr. 1990
Church voted to accomplish a major renovation of the Activities Building with
financing through a “Pressing on in Jesus’ Name” program of church member gifts.
May 1990
Tom Townsend , former youth minister, guest speaker.
June 1990
Gordon Bedwell extended an invitation to serve as Summer Youth Director.
June 1990
Church purchased a new 1990 Ford 15 passenger van to use in ministry activities.
June 1990
Church constructed a large double door garage to use in exterior storage of materials &
equipment.
July 1990
Pro-Life rally at FBCN led by Randall Terry, founder and director of Operation Rescue.
July 1990
Church voted to establish a Crisis Pregnancy Hotline.
Aug. 1990
Gordon Bedwell tenure as summer Youth Director extended through Dec. 1990.
Nov. 1990
NHS Day guest speaker, Julie Coons, Miss Alabama for 1989.
Jan. 1991
Congressman Earl Hutto spoke at Baptist Men’s Day.
Feb. 1991
Family Life Conference with Bob Stone.
Apr. 1991
Guest speaker, Kent Hovind, Creation Science Evangelist, at FBCN.
June 1991
Pat Howell called as Minister to Youth.
July 1991
“God Bless America” Community celebration at Niceville High School Stadium
sponsored by Twin Cities Ministerial Alliance. FBCN participated along with other area
churches
.
Ralph and Carol Nations recognized for 10 years ministry at FBCN
Aug. 1991
Aug. 1991
FBCN Youth Choir on trip to Picyune, MS and Kenner LA to present musical “Light
Your World.”
Nov. 1991
NHS Day guest speaker, Gold Medalist Max Dempsey.
Dec. 1991
Dedication ceremonies held for the newly renovated Activities Building.
Feb .1992
Lee & Donna Payne from Missouri held family life conference in conjunction with
Valentine’s Day.
Mar. 1992
Church established a “Prayer Garden” between the sanctuary and activity building.
July 1992
Rev. W. Patrick Howell celebrated his first anniversary as Minister to Youth.
Aug. 1992
Rev. Joe G. Haigler celebrated his 14th anniversary as pastor of FBCN.
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Aug. 1992
Special Gideon speaker Doug Fannon.
Oct. 1992
Training workshop by Evangelism Equipper, Ron Gaines Personal Evangelism Team.
Jan. 1993
Geoffrey Benward from Franklin, TN guest speaker.
Mar. 1993
Dr. Rick Yount, Associate Professor Education Department, Southwestern Baptist
Theological Seminary led a Leadership Seminar.
Apr.1993
Church participated in the County-wide Jay Strack Crusade. 500+ commitments made
for Jesus.
Apr. 1993
Church held “Dr. Joe G. Haigler Day” and renamed the Fellowship Hall the “Dr. Joe
Haigler Center” in honor of his 14 years as pastor of the First Baptist Church, Niceville.
May 1993
Farewell to Dr. & Mrs. Joe Haigler in their retirement. Dr. James Monroe called as
Interim Pastor.
June 1993
Church extended a call to Dr. J. Woods Watson as pastor. He began his ministry on July
25, 1993.
July 1993
Dr. James Monroe tendered his resignation as Interim Pastor due to call of Dr. Watson.
July 1993
Rev. Ralph Nations celebrated 12 years as Minister of Education at FBCN.
Sept. 1993
Rev. Dennis J. Brown celebrated 6th anniversary at FBCN.
Sept. 1993
Constitution and Bylaws changed to authorize 18 deacons rather than 15.
Oct. 1993
Christian Symphonic Band & Chorus with 35 instruments gave concert with FBCN
Choir.
Nov. 1993
NHS Day with special guest Scooter Tucker of the Houston Astros.
Jan. 1994
Began two worship services each Sunday Morning.
Feb. 1994
Marriage Enrichment Workshop with Dennis Hayford, Cottage Hill Baptist Church,
Mobile, Al.
May 1994
Rev. Peter Marshall guest speaker.
May 1994
Church initialed a project to complete renovation of the nursery and make improvements
throughout the Church plant. Cost $40,000 and financed by increasing existing loan.
Aug. 1994
Dr. Tom Kinchen, President Fla. Baptist Theological College guest speaker for Senior
Adult Day.
Aug. 1994
Tommy Bowden Auburn University Football Coach, guest speaker.
Oct. 1994
Ted Stone, motivational speaker, writer, and national leader in drug war, guest speaker in
all services.
Nov. 1994
Professional potter, Greg Aman guest speaker NHS Day.
Dec. 1994
Church negotiated a 25- year lease of property on south side of Bayshore Drive from the
City of Niceville, at the cost of $1 per year.
Jan. 1995
Associational Prayer Rally held at FBCN with Dr. Alvin Reid, Professor of Evangelism
at Houston Baptist University
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Feb. 1995
.
Family Life Conference with Conference Leaders Dave & Marge Roddy, retired from
Family Life Department of the Fla. Baptist Convention.
Apr. 1995
Hugh Starnes, Area Administrator Fla. Baptist Children’s Home, guest speaker.
May 1995
Church renovated the upstairs of the office building to create five educational
departments.
June 1995
Church celebrated the purchase of a new Grand Piano with a piano recital, dedication,
and plaque presentation.
June 1995
Church initiated a 5-year strategy plan to define the growth objectives of the church.
Sept. 1995
Life Style Evangelism Conference entitled “Women Reaching Women” led by Esther
Burroughs of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Oct. 1995
Charles Hodges, President of the Fla. Baptist Family Ministries presented a seminar on
trusts, wills, and other options.
Nov. 1995
NHS recognition with Mike Killam, Fellowship of Christian Athletes Director of
Northwest Florida.
Oct. 1995
Church suffered considerable damage from Hurricane Opal, with major repairs covered
by insurance.
1996
Church opened the Hope Center for Crisis Pregnancy, incorporating an existing Crisis
Pregnancy Hot Line
Feb. 1996
Family Life Conference with Bob Stone.
Mar. 1996
Renee’ Scheidt from Renee’ Music Ministries led a seminar on surviving the loss of a
spouse.
Mar. 1996
Dr. James Monroe called as Interim Pastor upon resignation of Dr. J. Woods Watson.
Sept. 1996
Church held a special “Ginny Jordan Day” to honor her 21 faithful years as church
pianist.
Nov. 1996
NHS Day guest speaker, Mike Tomasulo, Evangelist.
Dec. 1996
Rev. Gerald B. Reeves accepted a call as pastor of FBCN effective Jan. 19, 1997.
Oct. 1997
Church installed a video projection system to be used in worship services.
Nov. 1997
Tim Cash and Keith Lockhart of Atlanta Braves guest speakers for NHS Day.
Dec. 1997
Church was robbed of $25,000 worth of computer and sound equipment
May 1998
Jerry Pritchett called as Associate Pastor/Minister to Youth.
June 1998
Rev. Billy Grimes began tenure as part-time Minister to Senior Adults.
July 1998
Church held “Ola Thames Day” in recognition of the many years of faithful service as
Church Clerk.
Aug. 1998
Kent & Gloria Fox, nationally renowned Puppeteers, conducted workshop and worship
services.
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Oct. 1998
Church began a Television Ministry that involved a Sunday Morning, 30 minute Bible
Study by the pastor held at 11:00.
Oct. 1998
Renee Melton led seminar for ladies “Hope For The Heart” and “Tough Times Survival
Kit.”
Nov. 1998
Jay Strack, guest speaker for NHS Day.
June 1999
Rev. Mike Hatfield called as Associate Pastor/Minister of Education
June 27, 1999
Church held a special “Vera LaPorte Day” to honor oldest church member, and
dedication and naming of the church media center in her honor.
Nov. 1999
Rob Burns for Niceville High School Day.
Feb. 2000
Created web site for FBCN and was awarded the distinction of being one of the three best
church sites in the nation.
May 2000
Established a Fla. Baptist Emergency Shelter Home in cooperation with Fla Department
of Children and Families entitled “My Friends House.”
Sept. 2000
Church obtained a Florida State license for the Mother’s Day Out program.
Sept. 2000
Rev. Chuck Hartness called as Associate Pastor/Minister to Senior Adults.
Oct. 2000
Rev. Billy Grimes was given special recognition for his outstanding service as interim
Senior Adult Minister, by the church proclaiming “Billy Grimes Day.”
Jan. 2001
Dr. T.W. Hunt held an area wide prayer conference at FBCN.
Jan. 2001
Church established a special prayer chapel, located separately from the church, entitled
“Gray Prayer Chapel,” named after active deacon Rickie Gray’s wife, Sheila and
daughter, Kristen, who were killed in a tragic car accident.
Mar. 2001
Church began a Preschool program, licensed by the State of Florida, to accommodate
preschool educational needs of the community. One class of 12 students was held.
Apr. 2001
Long Range Building and Planning Committee (LRBPC) presented a 20-year Master
Plan consisting of four phases of implementation, which called for a new sanctuary, new
educational building, renovation of existing facilities, and eventually a family life center.
June 2001
Church adopted a “Deacon Ministry Manual” to provide guidance to the Deacon Body.
Jan. 2002
Geoff & Diane Gorsuch, Executive Directors of Men’s and Women’s Navigator Ministry
were guest speakers.
Feb. 2002
A major technological upgrade of computer systems, telephone system, sound system,
and video and choir lighting system was accomplished.
Mar. 2002
Church began two Sunday Morning Worship Services and two Sunday Schools with
revised times.
Mar. 2002
Dr. J. C. Brown, 98 year old Grandfather of Minister of Music, Dennis Brown, was guest
speaker.
Apr. 2002
Church voted to implement Phase I of the 20 -year Master Plan, which consisted of
installing a modular office building to house all FBCN administration offices, and
renovating the current office space to expand the children’s ministry area. Financing was
obtained by a line of credit loan from a local bank with member participation in a
“Reaching Forward Program.”
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Aug. 2002
Church recommended Brad Ellis, Youth Intern Minister, to be extended to 31 Dec 2002.
Oct. 2002
Church recommended Brad Ellis’ tenure be extended through May 2003.
Jan. 2003
Church called Rev. Monte Rowse as Associate Pastor/Minister to Students.
June 2003
Church discontinued the television program and began a weekly radio broadcast program
to reach the local community, which would provide a more cost effective outreach media.
Oct 2003
Church celebrated the 93rd Church Anniversary Remembering the days of old with new
history document produced.
Dec 2003
My Friends House ceased to exist due to non-funding by State & Florida Baptists
Children’s Home.
Jul 2004
Sunday on Mondays for month of July had the following noted guests:
5 Jul – Reverend T.A. Duke, 12 Jul Tommy Neiman , 19 Jul Regional Director
Fellowship of Christian Firefighters International, 26 Jul – Dr Bill Bullington.
Sep 16, 2004
Hurricane Ivan struck the area and inflicted heavy damage to the church plant. The
steeple was damaged beyond repair, all shingled roofs on all buildings were leaking, the
Sanctuary flat roof required replacement and the Sanctuary interior walls required
repainting.
Jan 2005
People Mover bought for $59,795. Drivers required to possess a Commercial Drivers
License.
Feb 2005
Church met at Okaloosa Walton College on Feb 6 & 13th while repairs from Hurricane
Ivan were being accomplished.
Mar 2005
An unnamed storm hit on March 31-April 1st the and deluged the area with in excess of
11 inches of rain in a very short time. Due to the fact that the Sanctuary flat roof was
undergoing repair from Hurricane Ivan, the drainage system could not accommodate the
massive amount of water, therefore the Sanctuary interior was destroyed requiring
extensive repair. The Haigler Center was revamped with chairs, TV’s and overhead
speakers to establish a temporary Worship Center, which was used until repair of the
Sanctuary in June. First worship service in the repaired facility was on June 5th.
Apr 2005
Relocated the Hope Center from 637 Bayshore Drive to 601 31st Street and renamed it
The Center of Hope.
Jul 2005
Sunday on Mondays for month of July had the following noted guests:
11 Jul – Russell O’Quinn national known speaker, 18 Jul – David O’Neill talented
musical evangelist, 25 Jul – Reverend William Rice, Pastor Calvary Baptist Church,
Clearwater, Fl.
Jul 2005
The STARRS Child Development Center of FBCN was established with approval of
State of Florida by merging the STARRS Preschool and WEE school together.
Jul 17, 2005
Reverend Gerald B. Reeves resigned as Pastor after serving eight years.
Aug 14, 2005
Established a Transition Team to serve as a coordinating unit sounding board for the
Church Staff and Church as a whole, and relieve the Deacons of some of the
administrative tasks associated with obtaining a new pastor.
Nov 19, 2005
Most of Hurricane Ivan damage repaired and a new steeple installed.
Nov 20, 2005
Church called Dr. Ernest Bailey of Enterprise, Al as Transitional Pastor.
69
Mar 2006
Pastor Search Committee was elected following 40 days of special prayer. Those
chosen were Billy Cook, Jr., Steve Faris, Nancy Grigsby, Mike Hayes, Jeff Waits,
Steve Walker and Art Wilson.
Jun 2006
Dr. Ernest Bailey resigned due to health of his wife.
Aug 2006
Reverend Charles Pinkerton was called as Transitional Pastor.
Sep 2006
Reverend Mike Hatfield resigned as Education Minister due to a call to another church.
Reverend Chuck Hartness assumed the Adult Ministry responsibilities in addition to his
Senior Adult Ministry area. The Student Minister and the Children’s Ministry Director
assumed oversight of education in their respective areas.
Oct 2006
Orange Fest Halloween Festival was held.
Dec 2006
The Church celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Singing Christmas Tree.
Jan 2007
Church began to hold Town Hall Meetings quarterly on the 5th Sunday in lieu of monthly
business meetings, with other meetings to be held as necessary. The meeting would be
immediately after worship service with a sit-down meal followed by the Town Hall
Meeting to enact church business.
Sep 2007
Reverend Dennis Brown, and wife Leah celebrated 20 years of ministry at FBCN.
Dec 2007
Dr. Mike McGough was introduced to Church as the Pastor Search Team
recommendation to fill the Senior Pastor Position. He accepted the call with starting date
of Feb 10, 2008.
Jan 2008
New Constitution and By-Laws adopted by the Church. Concept changed from
committee responsibility to Ministry Leadership Teams (MLT’s) encompassing
Deacon’s, Fellowship, Missions, Properties, Personnel and Stewardship,. Trustees
comprised of MLT chairmen with Stewardship MLT chairman functioning as Church
Treasurer. Ministry Teams as needed to replace committees. Church Ministerial and
Administrative Staff functions remained basically unchanged. Another important change
was a requirement for prospective members to complete a new members class prior to
their membership being established.
Jan 2008
Church hosted a powerhouse team entitled Team Impact between Jan 30th and Feb 3rd
with community wide emphasis. These world class athletes, including champion powerlifters, previous WWE wrestlers, and former NFL football players, demonstrated their
strength by tearing phone books in half, breaking concrete blocks with their hands and
other powerful actions while telling about the love of God and His Grace.
Feb 2008
Dr. Mike McGough began his duties as Senior Pastor, having accepted the Church’s call.
Dec 2008
The special emphasis on debt payoff culminated on Dec 14th with the church
becoming debt free since 1947. A special celebration was held during Morning
Worship Services on January 11th, 2009! Free at Last, Thank God, We’re Free at Last.
Jan 2009
The church began a four year plan for spiritual growth based on Luke 2:52 – “and Jesus
grew in Wisdom and in Stature and in favor with God and Man. A prayer journal
was made available to each church member to encourage regular Scripture reading and
memorization.
Sep 2009
Senior Adult Ministry experienced a name change to LEGACY. Every function
To be labeled Legacy xxx. Example: Legacy Choir, Legacy Luncheon (old Keenager’s).
Sep 2009
Legacy adults went to Gatlinburg on 28-30 to hear Dr. Charles Stanley, Dr. Johnnie
Hunt, Larnelle Harris and George Beverly Shea.
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Oct 31, 2009
The church hosted the Annual Orange Fest celebration with FUMC and other churches in
the area as alternative to Halloween. Partin Drive was closed to all vehicle traffic and an
estimated 6000 – 8000 adults and children attended the function which consisted of
carnival games, food concessions, candy and prizes and an emphasis on Jesus Christ as
Joy and Happiness of the occasion.
Nov 2009
A revised/updated Deacon Ministry Manual was adopted by the church.
Jan 2010
Changed format of worship services, having Traditional style at 9:00 and Contemporary
at 10:30. Objective was to reach out to young families.
Jan 2010
Continuing the spiritual growth plan developed in 2009, twelve church members were
selected to develop a personal prayer journal with devotional thought for each month
involving Compassion, being a Seeker, having Boldness, Service, Wisdom and
Discernment, Humility, Discipline, Prayerfulness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Integrity,
and Purity.
Feb 2010
The sanctuary was updated with a new lighting system which allowed much better, and
more evenly distributed, white and colored lighting. The projection system was also
enhanced with IMAG, allowing simultaneous lyrics/text/preacher on screen.
Feb 2010
The Church established a planning committee for celebration of 100 years of existence of
FBC Niceville. Those appointed to the committee were:
Chuck Hartness (Staff
Liaison), Angie Blackburn, Linda Hayes, Ginny Jordan, Joy Love, Sharry Lyon, Jo
Nagel, Nancy McGough, Connie Phillips, Sandy Sims, and Paul Sisk, Sandy Sims was
appointed as committee chairperson. To generate excitement and interest in the
forthcoming celebration on Oct 3rd, 2010, the committee decided to emphasize noted
events of each decade and present that information to the church inform of a skit which
simulated a radio broadcast each Sunday. The decade emphasis began on July 25, 2010
and culminated on September 26, 2010. Tamitha Cox developed the skit ideas, which
was well received by the congregation. The song “Yesterday, Today, and Forever” was
selected as the theme song for the celebration after the Scripture Jesus Christ is the same
yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8).
Jun 2010
Reverend Monte Rowse, Minister to Students, resigned his position. The Personnel MLT
established a search team under their leadership. The members of the Student Pastor
Search Team were: Roger Barrett, Chair, Lee Belyea, Mitzi Dennis, Kim Francks,
Lorraine Gregory, Gene Peterson, Ann Rodgers, Ryan Smith.
May 2010
Started a new ministry to Firefighters with special guest Tommy Neiman who is a
firefighter and Regional Director of Sirens For The Cross Ministry. FBCN will be
working with Emerald Coast Fellowship of Baptist Churches to begin Bible studies and
place Chaplains in the fire departments of Okaloosa County.
May 2010
Redesigned and updated the church web site FBCNICEVILLE.ORG to provide current
information on all FBCN's ministries, check church calendar, see announcements on
coming activities and tap into an archive of audio and video messages.
June 2010
In the summer of 2010, First Baptist Church of Niceville was selected, along with 45
other churches in America, to host WinShape Camps C3, a day camp brought to local
communities by Chick-fil-A’s WinShape Foundation and Connect Ministries. The day
camp was a collective endeavor between area churches, businesses and organizations to
reach children and families for Christ in our community. The camp was held June 27 –
July 1 at Ruckel Middle School, with 255 children attending. Over $26,000 was given in
the community toward scholarships for 172 of the children. Seven children made a
decision for Christ during the first year of the camp.
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Oct 3, 2010
First Baptist Church, Niceville (originally known as Damascus Baptist Church of Christ
of Boggy Bayou) celebrated 100 years worshipping God and serving the community.
The celebration began at 9:00 with a light breakfast then followed with a two-hour
worship service which consisted of great music of combined choirs, instruments and
special music. The Florida Baptist Historical Society presented a framed certificate
commending the church for 100 years of bringing the Gospel to this area. Previous
pastors recognized were Charles Pinkerton, Gerald Reeves, Woods Watson and Ernest
Bailey. Dr. Mike McGouch, pastor, recognized four longest church members (Ruby
Brown – 75 years, Evelyn Thomas and Epsie Lee Killen – 73 years and Betty Edge – 63
years). He then followed with special recognition of Edna Sisk for teaching the oldest
ladies of the church, and unveiled a vision called Hope for the Future. The vision
consisted of renovation of existing facilities and new construction so that FBCN could
become a multi-generational church with special emphasis on young adults and families
with young children. After the special program all shared a special meal consisting of
barbeque with all the trimmings hosted by Jim & Nicks Barbeque of Niceville.
Oct 10, 2010
Church held a special called business meeting to discuss and approve :
(1) Renovation of the parking lot with demolition/removal of three houses and several
large oak trees. Total cost was estimated at $152,000 to be completed in 8 weeks.
(2) Purchase property from Mrs Dorothy Clark located at 210 Reynolds Avenue at a cost
of $60,000.
Nov 7, 2010
Pastor Dr. Mike McGough presented the vision Hope for the Future for earnest prayer
and fasting before the Lord for direction. Vote of the Church Membership was scheduled
for January 30,2011 to determine whether to proceed.
Nov 21, 2010
Church adopted a 2011 budget consisting of $1,720,537 with a weekly requirement of
$33,087.
Dec 8, 2010
Church presented the Singing Christmas for the first time in 4 years to celebrate the 100th
Anniversary of the church, which was the 25th anniversary of the event.
Dec 2010
The History Committee began plans for establishing a Time Capsule to commemorate the
first 100 years of First Baptist Church existence. Some of the items that were planned to
be contained in the capsule were: copy of this history document, list of church members,
a newspaper from the local area, DVD of the 100th anniversary celebration (realizing that
it may not be usable in 50 years), church bulletin of the celebration, a brief historical
eight page overview (with pictures) of the church history, a copy of the Florida State
Baptist Witness newspaper concerning the FBCN 100 year celebration, and other
interesting items including a recent church pictorial directory.
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PART XIII
MISSION ACTIVITIES
1959
Elizabeth Providence, Assistance Secretary, Foreign Mission Board, was guest at the
church and participated in the Woman’s Missionary Union activities.
Oct. 1959
A church appointed Missions Committee composed of Lloyd Williams, Mrs. L.L. Yeast,
Mrs. Katie Weeks, and Mrs. M.D. Alford who brought a report to the church that there
were at least 100 families in the Seminole area that were Baptist or Baptist preference.
Upon their recommendation, the church rented a building in Seminole to begin a mission
in that area. The first meeting of the new mission was attended by over 125 people from
the Seminole area, and First Baptist Church Niceville. A $10,000 loan was secured from
Florida Baptist Convention to purchase property for the Mission and to build the first unit
of the educational facility . Eight lots in the Addition to Seminole Subdivision were
purchased at a price of $2,800, with title belonging to First Baptist Church Niceville.
This is the first mission of the church that records reflect. Reverend Robert Cupstid was
called as Mission Pastor in December, 1959.
1960
Church adopted a resolution to establish the “Seminole Chapel,” now known as
Northbay Baptist Church
Jan. 1962
The “Seminole Chapel” established themselves as a functioning church separate from
FBCN, with name changed to “Parkway Baptist Church” (now known as Northbay
Baptist Church). At this time, the title for the property was passed on to the new church,
from First Baptist Church Niceville.
1969
Church established a mission behind Edge Elementary School at Nathey & Palmetto
Streets.
1982
FBCN Youth Mission Trip to Shiprock, New Mexico
Feb. 1983
World Missions Conference with Robert Holifield, Claudia Mitchell, Wayne Bristow,
Elizabeth Ann Beane & George Harbuck.
Apr. 1983
Dr. Joe Haigler and Reverend Richard Root traveled to Navajo Indian Reservation at
Shiprock, New Mexico for a week of revival.
July 1983
FBCN Mission Trip to Shiprock, New Mexico to minister to Navajo Indian reservation.
July 1987
Church sent team of individuals to Calgary, Canada to work on the Canadian “Southern
Baptist Seminary”.
Oct. 1987
FBCN Mission trip to Calgary, Canada to assist in construction of the Calgary seminary
Feb. 1988
World Missions Conference with Charles Granger, Stetson University Baptist Campus
Director; Mary Carolyn Lilly, Home Missionary, Baptist Center Director, Montgomery,
AL; Peggy Howell Oliphint, Foreign Missionary, Iringa, Tanzania Africa; J. Albert Hill,
Foreign Missionary, Portugal; Jerry Rainwater, Home Missionary, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Mar. 1988
Bill and Annetta Ridings on mission trip to Japan.
Apr. 1988
Church voted to provide assistance to Prairie Community Baptist Church in South
Dakota.
July 1988
Fred and Ginny Starr appointed as Special Campground Missionaries of the Home
Mission Board, Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).
July 1988
FBC Single Young Adults on mission trip to South Dakota.
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Jan. 1989
FBCN sponsored Choctaw Baptist Association Annual Missions Banquet with Dr. James
Hill of the Home Mission Board as guest speaker.
June 1989
Youth Mission to Thorndale, PA to lead youth revival and Backyard Bible Clubs
Commissioned on June 18.
Mar. 1990
Jim McAtee, Foreign Missionary to Indonesia guest speaker.
May 1990
Jack and Eugenia Calk appointed as Special Campground Missionaries of the Home
Mission Board of the (SBC).
July 1990
Larry and Becky Doyle, Missionaries to Ecuador, guest speakers.
July 1990
Dr. Mike McGough, son of Jimmie and Eldon McGough, who was a missionary to
Canada, was guest speaker.
Mar. 1991
Bill and Annetta Ridings commissioned to Missionary Service in Japan though the SBC.
May 1991
FBCN Baptist Men on mission trip to Florida Baptist Theological College to build a
family Picnic pavilion.
Feb. 1992
Fred and Ginny Starr commissioned as Area Volunteer Consultants in the Mission
Service Corps of the Home Mission Board.
May 1992
Missions weekend “Crisis and the Christian Woman” ladies retreat led by Nancy
McGough and morning worship services led by Dr. Mike McGough, missionaries to
Canada.
May 1992
Lowery and Evelyn Brown commissioned into Volunteer Home Mission Board Service
in Colorado.
Aug. 1992
Church entered into a partnership relationship with New Hope Baptist Church, Aberdeen,
South Dakota with 1% of unbudgeted giving designated to support their ministry.
Aug. 1992
Bill and Annetta Ridings approved as Home Mission Volunteers for Choctaw
Association.
Sept. 1992
FBCN participated in the Florida/England Partnership by furnishing team members who
did mission work for a week in England.
Dec. 1992
Lora Gulledge approved as Mission Service Volunteer.
May 1994
FBCN individuals on mission trip to Aberdeen, SD for construction on New Hope
Church.
July 1994
Don & Kay Madaris, missionaries to Mexico and author of “Scrap Paper Miracles” gave
a special presentation at the church.
Aug. 1994
Dr. J. Woods Watson (pastor) and Mrs. Flora Saxon on Mission Trip to Indonesia with
Dr. James Monroe.
Aug. 1995
A commissioning service was held to commission Fred & Ginny Starr, Bill and Annetta
Ridings, Dennis Brown as Volunteer Missionaries to Indonesia.
Aug. 1995
Dennis Brown (Minister of Music), Bill & Annetta Ridings, Fred & Ginny Starr, Lora
Gulledge on Mission Trip to Indonesia with Dr. James Monroe.
Sept. 1995
FBCN hosted the National “Building Witnessing Relationships” conference led by Jack
Smith of the Southern Baptist Convention Home Mission Board.
74
July 1996
Church began a partnership with New Life (Afro-American) Church in Niceville.
Aug. 1996
Lora Gulledge and Paul Sisk on Mission trip to Indonesia with Dr. James Monroe.
Jan. 1998
Family Missions Banquet with Dewey Hickey, Director Strategy and Resource
Development of the North America Mission Board along with Tray Barber, Pastor
Capital Heights Baptist Church, Bismarck, North Dakota.
Oct. 1998
FBCN pastor, Gerald Reeves and team composed of Maxine Reeves, Nancy Grigsby,
Vickie Knight and Evelyn Schrader on mission trip to Belgium.
Aug. 1999
Church held Commissioning Service for Doug and Ellen Fannon as Missionaries to
Indonesia.
Nov. 1999
Gang Rescue Prison Ministry embraced by FBCN by providing volunteers and prayer
support.
Oct. 1999
FBCN Mission trip to Belgium by FBCN members Dennis Brown, Katy Saxon, Flo
Saxon, Tim Jolly, Andrea Majors, and Michael Hayes.
Nov. 1999
FBCN Mission trip to Belize by Reverend Mike Hatfield, Minister of Education.
Apr. 2000
Church entered into a local partnership with the National Gang Rescue Ministry.
June 2000
Mike Hatfield (Minister of Education) on mission trip to Belize.
June 2000
Valerie Bockover and Callie Gray on mission trip to China, teaching conversational
English.
Nov. 2000
Mission trip to Belguim with Reverend Gerald Reeves, Dennis Brown, Teresa Pruett,
Opal Hearon and Jean Allen.
Jan. 2001
Reverend Gerald Reeves and Dennis Brown took clergy educational tour of Israel.
Apr. 2001
Church entered into a partnership with First Baptist Church of Choctaw Beach.
June 2001
Reverend Mike Hatfield led mission trip of 30 FBCN members to Honduras.
July 2002
Reverend Mike Hatfield and Dennis Brown led mission trip of 17 FBCN members to
Belize, including Gang Rescue members. A commissioning service was held on Sunday
July 14, 2002.
Aug 2002
Vicky Dixon, Karmen Bilderback, Lisa Blackman and Julie Higgins took Vacation Bible
School to The United Kingdom (England).
Apr. 2003
Reverend Gerald Reeves and Rev. Dennis Brown led a team of individuals to Martinique
on a musical mission trip involving the handbell ministry and the ladies ensemble
Highest Call.
May 2003
Reverend Chuck Hartness, Art and Buddy Wilson, John Jones, Pat Baker, Shirley
Franks, Reverend Mike Hatfield, Nellie Hatfield, Rickie Gray, and Roger Smith
participated in a Gang Rescue Mission trip to Belize.
June 2003
Youth of FBCN participated in World Changers with a trip to Fort Pierce, Florida on
June 7-14, 2003.
Jun 2004
Mission trip to Belize with Jonathan & Pat Baker, Shirley Franks, Rickie Gray, Mike
Hatfield, John Jones, Jean Smith, Janet & John Staples, Andrew & Jeff Waits, and
Art & Buddy Wilson.
75
Jun 2005
Gang Rescue mission trip to Belize with Dan Augustin, Rick Colquett, Rickie Gray,
John Jones, Janet & John Staples and Art and Buddy Wilson.
Jul 2005
Mission trip to Belize with Pat Baker, Shirley Franks, Juanita Guntharp, Johathan
Hatfield, Nellie Hatfield, Mike Hatfield, Patti Ory and Debra Thummel.
Jun 2006
Gang Rescue mission trip to Belize with Dan Augustin, Richard Colquett, John
Jones, T.J. Kollar, Lindsey Kollar, Chuck Hartness, Stephanie Hartness, and
Art & Buddy Wilson.
Jun 2007
Gang Rescue team led by Art Wilson went to Belize.
Jun 2007
Charles Pinkerton led a team to Costa Rica on 15-22 & 23-30 June.
Jul 2007
Charles Pinkerton led a team to Jamica on 6-14 July.
Oct 2007
Charles Pinkerton led a mission trip to Honduras with Rick DeVuyst, Chuck Hartness,
Sue Hartness, Angel & Maria Morrobel, Jeanette Perry, Jean Smith and Cathy Van
Matre.
Mar 2008
From Mar 27 – Apr 4th, 31 members, mostly youth, traveled to Costa Rica to work
on an Indian School and minister to school children
Jun 2008
Charles Pinkerton led a medical mission trip to Guatemala on Jun 20 – 27th.
Jul 2008
On Jul 20 – 25th the Men’s Ministry traveled to Wesson, Ms to construct new sanctuary
for Zion Hill Baptist Church.
Jul 2009
Fourteen members of FBCN went to Boston to partner with Bland Mason in his church
plant. Perian Herring led in the mission effort.
Jul 2009
Gang Rescue team led by Art Wilson went to Belize July 27 – Aug 3rd. They provided
items such as used eyeglasses, and funds to buy Bibles, school supplies, shoes, t-shirts,
etc
Mar 2010
Youth during spring break went on mission to Guatemala, building a home for one of the
Guatemala residents and working with children at the Florida Baptist Children’s Home
Malnutrition Center. Those attending were Monte Rowse, Nancy Grigsby, Laura Barnes,
Laura Jones, Parker Grigsby and Austin Taylor.
June 2010
Roger Barrett led a team of six to work with our Pastor/Church Planter, Bland Mason in
the Boston area. They did construction as well as evangelism and prayer walking. Those
that participated were Roger Barrett Mark Barrett, Randy Sims, Corey Skipper, Betsy and
Jessica Gunn.
June 2010
Jerri Quesenberry worked with Timothy and Keiry Jones and their family in Costa Rica.
She assisted the Jones family in their ministry, which is farming and translating the Bible
to the Indian language spoken in that country. They are the only missionary presence in
the country, which provides them a unique opportunity of ministry.
July 2010
Nancy and Parker Grigsby went to Guatemala with the Florida Baptist Children's Home
staff to work in the malnutrition center for children. Additionally, 11 residents of the
various Florida Baptist Children's Home campuses were also able to go and minister to
the Guatemalan children, thereby giving them the opportunity to share in helping other
children.
76
PART XIV
PHOTOGRAGHS OF
INDIVIDUALS AND ACTIVITIES
International Class Members and
Workers enjoy fellowshipping
together.
!st Place in Christmas Parade
Ted and Mary Reeves
First formal wedding at
First Baptist Church
1970’s RA Meeting
77
1957 Youth banquet
Early Nursery
1964 Church Nursery
78
Jesse and Geraldine Horton
Santa and Mrs. Claus
Jesse doing what he did best –
Loving children!
1950’s Church Fellowship
79
Church Library – Early 80’s
Early 80’s Brownie Troop
80
1976 Youth Choir
inside 1956 Sanctuary
1976 Youth Choir
Rev. Joe Haigler’s Retirement
1993
81
1962 Girl’s Auxiliary Coronation
1962 Girl’s Auxiliary
Coronation
Girl’s Auxiliary Coronation
(about 1958)
82
1968 Church Youth Group
1990’s Senior Adult trip to Nashville,
Tennessee
1995 Birthday Party for Jack Harper
Oldest church member and homebound
83
Rev. and Mrs. F.H. Morgan
- 1956
Rev. and Mrs. J.C.
McLendon
Rev. J.C. McLendon
1966
Rev. Freddie & Becky
Steelman
Peggy Wilson – wife of
Pastor Don Wilson
Rev. J.C. McLendon
Early 60’s
The Steelman’s and two of
their children
Richard Root – Minister of
Music
84
A Reception for the Haiglers
Dr.. Joe and Hazel Haigler
1994 Pastoral Staff
1994 Church Staff
1995 Church Staff
1995 Pastoral Staff
85
Rev. Gerald Reeves
1998
2001 Pastoral Staff
Christmas gathering
86
Listing of Names Identified in Pictures
Page 76
International Class – Top left photo
International Class Workers (Left to right): Helen Barrett, Billie Burnette,
Mary Sasser, Maedell Bass (director), Michelle McKinnon, Jewell
Kearley, Robert Hughes, Peggy Wilson (pastor’s wife), Jinny McGoughan,
Joy Love.
International Class – Top right photo
Workers (left to right): Robert Hughes, Jewell Kearley, Luanne Kearley.
1970’s Royal Ambassadors Meeting (Left to right) Standing: Mike Bass,
Perry Ballard. Sitting: Jimmy Horne (leader), Lane Bolen, Keith Pook,
Jeff Ward, Allan Horne, unidentified. Floor: Gary Hoskins, Robert Mason,
Randy Hardy
Page 77
Early Nursery: Mrs Anise Phillips (left), Mrs. Oscar Barbaree
(right).
1964 Church Nursery (Left to right): Millage Alford (deacon), Dean
Wise (sitting), Nita Reeves (standing).
Page 78
1950’s Church Fellowship (Left to right): Nan Thames, unidentified,
Mae Peters, Mrs. Fillingame, Mrs. Galloway, unident., Ola Thames, Eva
Dell L’Orange, Pauline Hatchett, Lou Merle Peters, H.E. Calfee, J.P.
Evans, Pastor Carlton Ellis (back right). Three on front right unidentified.
Page 79
Church Library – Early 80’s (Left to right): Mrs. J.W. (Doris) Grant,
Jake Bass, Mike Bass.
Page 80
1976 Youth Choir inside 1956 Sanctuary (on platform): Ron Moulton,
Minister of Music (left end), Don Wilson, Pastor (at pulpit).
Page 81
Girl’s Auxiliary Coronation (about 1958) Bottom left photo (Pictured
left to right): Jeannie Baker, Ann Tillman, Martha Blackwell Lingerfelt,
Phyllis Griner, Diane Lee Nathey Luke, Jo Brown Nagel, Judy Holmes,
Sandra Peters Plant, Bonnie Robinson.
Page 82
1962 Girl’s Auxiliary Coronation – Bottom right photo: Jeannie Baker,
(standing left), Bonnie Robinson (standing right).
Page 83
1978 Church Youth Group (Left to right) Top row: James Massey,
Juston (Bubba) Grant, Jimmy Sasser, Johnny Porter.
Middle row: Larry Jackson, Pam Cox, Linda Killen, Jackie McLendon,
Keith Paulk, Johnny Kearley,
Bottom row: Linda Thomas, Terry Richards, Linda Price, Peggy Spoon.
87
1995 Birthday party for Jack Harper (Left to right): Paul Sisk, Leon
Thames, Jack Harper, Paul Adams, Victor Croft.
Page 84
1994 Pastoral Staff – Left photo (Left to right) Standing: Ralph Nations
(education), Dennis Brown (music). Sitting: Pat Howell (youth),
Woods Watson (pastor).
1994 Church Staff – Right photo (Left to right) Top row: Pete Simpson
(custodian), Dennis Brown (music). Jill Feist, Ralph Nations (education).
Middle row: Scott Cupstid, Linda Hayes, Ellen Fannon, Woods Watson
(pastor), Pat Howell (youth).
Front row: Karen Cupstid, Nancy Overton, Linda Lowe, Robin Nelson
1995 Church Staff - Left photo (Left to right) Top row: Pat Howell
(youth), Dennis Brown (music), Pete Simpson (custodian), Rich Baugh
(administrator), Ralph Nations (education).
Middle row: Robin Nelson, Maedell Bass, Woods Watson (pastor), Nancy
Overton, Lissa Corley. Front row: Karen Cupstid, Linda Lowe.
1995 Pastoral Staff - Right photo (Left to right) Standing: Dennis Brown
(music), Ralph Nations (education). Sitting: Woods Watson (pastor), Pat
Howell (youth).
Page 85
2001 Pastoral Staff Christmas gathering (Left to right): Jerry Pritchett
(youth), Chuck Hartness (senior adults), Mike Hatfield (education),
Gerald Reeves (pastor), Billy Grimes (former min. to senior adults), not
pictured: Dennis Brown (music).
88
PART XV
100th Anniversary Celebration
Yesterday, Today and Forever!
100th Anniversary Planning Team
Chuck Hartness, Connie Phillips, Jo Nagel, Sharry
Lyon, Joy Love, Ginny Jordan, Sandy Sims
(Chairman), Nancy McGough, Angie Blackburn
Pastor Mike reading names of
FBCN’s longest membership
Combined Worship Arts groups
89
Children’s Choirs
11
Pastor Mike explaining the
Hope for the Future Campaign
Dinner on the Grounds
Mrs. Evelyn Thomas (FBCN member for 73
years) and her granddaughter, Jil Watson
Sharry Lyon, Sandy Sims, Linda Hayes, Angie
Blackburn Joy Love, Jo Nagel, Paul Sisk,
Chuck Hartness
90
Charter Members
Harpist Erin Hagans
Ruby Brown and Mary McLendon
(wife of deceased pastor J.C. McLendon)
Concept Master Plan
Children’s Choir
91
Rendering of Finished Project
Tribute to Jeannie Baker
who began decorating for anniversary
but died before finishing
Choir waiting to start
Pat Chandler finished Jeannie’s
decoration
One Hundred Years of Ministry, Missions and
Mullet
92
Alice Hagans getting dinner ready
Epsie Lee Killen with daughter Jo Ann Nechetsky **
Ginny Jordan (Church Pianist) with grandchild
Sandy Sims (100 Anniversary Team Chair Person)
welcoming Transitional Pastor Charles Pinkerton
93
FBCN Children’s Choir
Logo for 100 years celebration
Ruby Brown with daughter Billie Burnette
and niece Pat Snyder **
Charles Pinkerton Transitional Pastor
Balcony scene
Dennis Brown – Worship Arts Minister
94
Chuck Hartness – Minister to Adults
100th Anniversary Choir
Charter Member Descendents Being Recognized
95
Receiving a Certificate from
Florida Baptist Historical Society
Amazing Grace played in Remembrance
of Departed Members
Gerald Reeves – Former Pastor
Woods Watson – Former Pastor
96
Ernest Bailey – Transitional Pastor
Roger Smith and son Ryan providing special
music
Eating Outside
Oldest Members enjoyed their meal
Eating Inside
97
Angie Blackburn and Paul Sisk
Anniversary Team Members
Crowd Waiting for Anniversary Dinner
Sue Hartness and Sandy Sims
Niceville Mayor Randall Wise and wife Helen
Chuck Hartness and Connie Phillips
Anniversary Team Members
Pastor Mike McGough and wife Nancy
98
Pastor Mike, Nancy and
Lee Haugan
Mrs. J.C. McLendon – wife of Deceased
Former Pastor
Gerald and Maxine Reeves – Former Pastor
Current and Former Staff
99
Current and Former Staff With Wives
Dennis and Leah Brown
Steve Faris, Deacon Chairman
Dr. Ernest Bailey, Transitional Pastor
Bill Wise, Transition Team Chief
100