About Us
Our History & Purpose
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. 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 groupswere 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 80s 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 for the next
five years and led the church in a period of dynamic growth and development..
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 boys and girls outreach.
In August 1999 Rev. Chris Whaley became our pastor leading the congregation to open its arms
to a new Korean Church plant and the embracing of new technologies that would usher in the 21st century. Over
the past 12 years we have expanded our ministry locally and to the internet and currently stream our worship
services live each week to 13 countries around the world.
FBC Longwood continues to grow and reach out to our community under the leadership of Dr. Chris Whaley.
Our emphasis continues on evangelism, discipleship and service under the mission statement of
KNOWING, GROWING AND GOING IN CHRIST!