About Us

Longwood Baptist Church was organized May 31, 1891. In the small Wekiva Baptist Association (now Greater Orlando Baptist Association).

In 1907 Sunday School was begun and for many years the church was served by a circuit rider minister who had responsibilities in several area churches. Sunday School was held each week, but they had preaching only once or twice a month.  In 1933 the church voted to have preaching every week of the month.

By 1940 membership had grown to 224 members.  A November 8, 1953 picture of Longwood Baptist Church in The Sanford Builder carried the caption, "Down through the years, residents of the Seminole County community (Longwood) have earned the reputation of being sincere church-goers. "

In 1957 Longwood Baptist Church officially became First Baptist Church of Longwood.

In the 60s and 70s membership continued to grow. Baptisms averaged 30 a year and reached a high of 56 in 1962.  The church continued to do well in ministry, reaching out into the community and starting a ministry at the Sanford Jail (1960); Seminole County Jail (1961); and Orlando Rescue Mission (1964).

It was during this time period that Rev. Jack Lindsay, pastor for 12 and ½ years, had the vision to purchase the 7.5 acres where we are currently located. The first building to be erected on the property was a gymnasium for an outreach to the community as well as a place of fellowship for our own members.

During the year 1977 FBC-L called James Hammock as pastor and he was to lead the church for the next 15 years.

In addition to completing the move to the new facility on State Road 434 in 1980, Pastor Hammock led the church in finding a new vision for its mission: The Ministry of the Laity. Ministry groups were formed that focused on the necessary ministries of the church. New member orientation was established to introduce all incoming members to the concepts of the ministry of the laity and the uniqueness of our church.

The 1980s also saw the construction of a new education building and replacement of the Family Life Center (gym).

Noah 's Ark, a Christian childcare center, was opened in August of 1985.

 

In 1994 Dr. Gerald Robison answered the call to become the pastor of FBC-L for the next five years.

Under Dr. Robison's ministry we built and presented "Walk Through Bethlehem" to our community two weekends in December each year. During Dr. Robison's leadership we also added AWANA ( a children's ministry).

 

In August 1999 Rev. Chris Whaley became our pastor.

FBC-L continues to grow and reach out to our community under the leadership of now Dr. Chris Whaley. Our emphasis continues on evangelism, discipleship and service under the mission statement of : KNOW - GROW - GO.