Pastors

 

Pastor Peter Gant 1884-1906

The church was organized as St. John Baptist Church on the corner of Lincoln Avenue and West Orange Street in 1884 which is the same year that a local historian states the first African American baptist church in Lakeland was established.  This was one year before Lakeland was officially incorporated. 

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Pastor H. R. Morehead 1906-1916

 He was a prominent figure in the African American community and around the state of Florida.  He also live in the community of Moorehead.  His picture appears on the South side of the sanctuary.   A clipping appear in the February 16, 1916 issue of the local newspaper following his death.

 

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Pastor William Smith served from 1916-1920

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Pastor Horace Stephens 1920-1955

He changed the name of the church to First Baptist Institutional Church.  During the tenure of Rev. Stephens there were many social and economic challenges.  Through it all, First Baptist then known by the banks and business at First Baptist Colored, remained a cornerstone of the black community.  His descendants are the children of Paris Hill and Freddie Adams both were his nieces, his brothers' daughters. 

 

Pastor J. E. Harris  served from 1955-57

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Paul Henry Jackson 1957-1990   During his tenure the church saw tremendous growth. In 1971 an edifice was condemned and the church had to be rebuilt.  During his tenure the mortgage was satisfied on the new edifice.  His descendants are still members of the church.   He is survived by daughter Paulette Jackson Burnett.

 

Pastor Melvin Parham.  1990-1995

 

Pastor Johnnie Horton, Jr. 1995-1996

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Pastor Alex Harper, Sr. 1998- 2024.  The Rev. Dr. Alex Harper, Sr. Library and History Center was established in his honor in 2023 in the educational annex of the church.  The pastor was an avid reader and thought that the history of the church should be preserved for future generation.  At the time of his death, the church celebrated it 140th anniversary and his 26th year of pastoring the church.    He is survived by his wife and children.