“The Grand Ole Association”

 

The First Session of First South Florida Missionary Baptist District Association was held in November of 1889 at Providence Baptist Church of Bartow, Florida. At this time Rev. W.B. Mills was the host Pastor and Rev. E.C. James was the Moderator. Historically, First South Florida Missionary Baptist District Association is the oldest and largest constituent of Progressive Missionary and Educational Baptist State Convention of Florida, Incorporated. At its peak, First South Florida had a membership of well over 100 churches that were active and enrolled. Primarily located in central Florida, we have member churches in the cities of Eatonville, Geneva, Sanford, Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Winter Park, Winter Garden, Winter Haven, Apopka, Avon Park, Auburndale, Bartow, Lakeland, Loughman, Lake Alfred, Lake Hamilton, Haines City, Dade City, Brooksville, Dunedin, Groveland, Plant City, Tampa, Oldsmar, Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, Mulberry, Ft. Meade, and Sebring.

 

Purpose The objectives of this Association is to do Missionary and Educational work; to facilitate the fraternal union and cooperation of Baptist Churches in the work of up building the kingdom of Christ; to constitute new Churches and to aid and assist old ones; to spread Biblical principles among Churches in its bound.