History

From Humble Beginnings…

First Baptist Church of Atlantic Beach began with the passion of two women devoted to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Atlantic Beach community. Mrs. Val Singleton Norman and Mrs. Zeffie Leek started in February 1945, what is today our church. Originally named Wonderwood Baptist Chapel, Mrs. Norman and Mrs. Leek’s diligence saw Wonderwood church services moved from the temporary facilities of the Recreation Center at Mayport to our own facilities by November 1945.

The church flourished there until the navy purchase the land, and Wonderwood Baptist was moved to its current location today in 1959. October 4, 1959 marked the present locations first service and a month later Wonderwood Baptist officially changed its name to First Baptist Church of Atlantic Beach.

Our Mission is Still The Same
Many years have past, however; First Baptist still seeks to meet the need of the community to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For every person, at every age level we offer a wealth of worship opportunity to grow in knowledge of the Lord. The primary reason we meet together is to focus our attention on God, giving Him our worship and receiving His blessing and inspiration.

Every time we meet is a divine appointment with God. Studying the Bible, God’s Holy Word, is vital because not only does it instruct us intellectually, but also guides us spiritually. Preparing us for the great commission. Just as Jesus came “not to be ministered unto, but to minister..” we accept our responsibility to reach out in service to others. This applies both within the church family and outside our fellowship. Nothing compares to the joy of Christian fellowship, and that is why we make it a priority to build lasting bonds between the members of our church. Bonds of concern, bonds of love, and bonds of genuine commitment to one another.

A lighthouse in the community for over 70 years.

Planted on Mayport Road within two miles of the Mayport Naval Station allows First Baptist Church of Atlantic Beach the opportunity to minister to our heroic men and women of the armed forces. Pastored by Rev Greg Crocker, a 21 year Navy Veteran, retiring as a Command Master Chief his experience enables the church to reach out and support all military families. First Baptist has many retirees and active duty families worshipping and serving the church and community.

Affiliated with the Jacksonville Baptist Association and the Southern Baptist Convention Pastor Crocker preaches the Bible in the context that it is written. We believe that the Word is inspired, inerrant, and infallible.