First Baptist Institutional Church was founded in 1884 as St. John Baptist Church. It was located at the intersection of West Orange Street and South Lincoln Avenue on the site where the RP Funding Center (formerly the Lakeland Center) is currently located. Rev. Peter Gant was the organizing and founding pastor. He faithfully served as the Under Shepherd from 1884 to 1906.

     Rev. H. R. Moorehead, Rev. William Smith, Rev. Horace L. Stephens followed in succession while still under the St. John Baptist Church name. The name was changed under Pastor Stephens just as it was relocated to 930 North Dakota Avenue (now Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue) in 1922.

      Rev. I. E. Harris followed Rev. Stephens as pastor. He was followed by Rev. Paul H. Jackson. Rev. Joe Rose served as interim pastor in 1990. He was then followed by Rev. Melvin Parham and Rev. Johnnie Horton. Rev. Alex Harper, Sr., our current pastor, was called to FBIC in December of 1997.

      FBIC has continuously led in the development and participation of a variety of programs and ministries as a part of First South Florida Association, Congress # 3, The Progressive Missionary and Education State Convention and the National Baptist Convention. At the forefront of these affiliation is equipping our members to serve in their call for Christ and to be strengthened as His disciples.

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First Baptist Institutional Church Marks 140 Years of Faith, Family and Community - LkldNow