In 1945, Gibsonia was a small rural community with only a few homes scattered here and there and at that time, no church. It was during 1945 that a few people intensely felt the need for their growing community to have a place of worship. One of the larger Lakeland churches, upon learning of Gibsonia's desire, agreed to become their sponsor.

A Sunday School was soon organized and began meeting in the home of Mrs. Veva Hall and her daughter in Gibsonia. After three or four months of meeting in this home, a tent was secured and Sunday School was conducted in it. Unfortunately for the people, the tent burned. Not to be defeated, they located a vacant building and continued to meet there until the end of the year.

Unable to remain with the group because of illness in her family, Mrs. Hall moved to Lakeland. However, it was the desire of her father, Thomas D. Ellis of Sullivan, Indiana, now deceased, to see a church in Gibsonia. He crated and shipped a bell more than 100 years old to Mrs. Hall with the desire that it be given to the church if it were ever established. With the coming of summer and the lack of cooperation, the small Sunday School disbanded and people began attending church in town or surrounding areas.

In April of 1951, at the close of a revival meeting conducted by Dr. Ed Solomon at Bethel Baptist Church in the Socrum area, a group of men met in the afternoon to discuss and pray about the need of a church in Gibsonia. At this time Bethel Church agreed to sponsor a mission and a committee was appointed by Pastor H. M. Wright. A church census was taken which proved that many families were eager to have a church in the community.

On May 6, 1951, a Sunday School was again organized and met in the home of Mrs. W. P. Jones and sons on Duff Road with an enrollment of 19 members and several teachers. The enrollment increased until the home was no longer large enough for the meeting. The mother church then assisted in purchasing another tent. Mrs. Alice Triplett of Gibsonia gave permission for the tent to be placed on her property directly across Highway 98 from the present Sanctuary. The Rev. Roy L. Bryant, from Bethel, spoke during the worship hour and pastors of other churches cooperated by conducting Thursday night prayer meetings until a mission pastor could be called.

In September 1951, the Rev. James E. Johnson, ministerial student at the Baptist Bible Institute, was called as pastor of the Mission. A building committee was appointed to investigate the possibilities of securing property for a church building. Mrs. Sybil Wilson of Dunedin gave the church property, and some other property adjoining it was purchased. The tent was moved to the new location and the construction of the church was begun by the people themselves.

Through the winter months, the people were faithful in attending services in the tent regardless of the inconvenience. As soon as the building had a roof on it, the people moved in. Prayer meetings averaged an attendance of 40 persons with the Sunday School attendance reaching 90.

After Brother Johnson left the pastorate of the church in July 1952, ministerial students were used to supply the pulpit until October 1952 when James Kutter, from Ellisville, Indiana, became pastor. The first recorded revival after becoming a church was that same year during the week of July 13 and was conducted by Evangelist Hugh Beasley. Also it was during this year that the Gibsonia Baptist Church petitioned and was accepted into the South Florida Baptist Association at the Thursday afternoon session, October 16, 1952, First Baptist Church, Lake Wales, Florida. The South Florida Baptist Association at that time was much larger because it included several surrounding areas such as Plant City, Wachula and Auburndale.

In April 1953, the church requested and received a sixmonth pastoral aid of $50 per month from the Florida Baptist Convention. The following month, on May 6, the first contribution of $2.00 was given to the South Florida Baptist Association. Under the direction of a committee made up of Mrs. Maude Bath. Mrs. Odessa Barton, Pastor and Mrs. Kutter, Thomas Hicks, and John Walker, the first homecoming was held. In June, the church voted to make the pastor's call an indefinite call. Soon after the pastor's call, a fund was started to build Sunday School rooms. Monies began to be collected on August 5 for this additional space and a revival was held with Rev. Johnson (not the former pastor) preaching.

In March 1954, Pastor Kutter conducted a revival. He resigned as pastor sometime around June, to become pastor of First Baptist Church in Zolfo Springs, Florida. In the meantime, Tommy Hicks, a church member, had felt the call to preach. In June the church requested his ordination. He became pastor in July and on August 1, was ordained to the gospel ministry with the help of the pastors of Bethel, Griffin, and Kathleen Baptist Churches. Later that year the foundation was poured for the Sunday School building which was added on to the sanctuary.

In January 1955, the church voted to organize the missionary auxiliary groups for the children and to fund the literature for those groups. Mrs. Maude Bath and Mrs. Bessie Ellerbee were sponsors of the Sunbeams. Mr. Clinton Goodman sponsored the Royal Ambassadors. At this time the church voted to address benevolent needs by preparing for the collection of canned goods to be used as needed. In the summer a Vacation Bible School was held with 112 enrolled. Some of the earliest baptisms were performed at the water hole near Bethel Baptist Church and at the Calvary Baptist Church.

A building committee made up of Brothers Sim Mock, Charles Montgomery, and Berry Jackson was elected. A revival was held with Lenard Halbrook preaching, and the church set aside and ordained the first deacon, Brother Theodore Bridges, on June 5, 1955.

Significant growth came in 1956. A mimeograph machine was purchased for printing, and the first church budget was adopted in the amount of $6,083. The Budget Committee recommended that all amounts over budget be designated for the building fund.

Early in 1957 a finance committee made up of Lloyd Jackson, Arvester Bibby, and Mack Reynolds was elected. A growing and concerned congregation voted on October 1957 to give 10 percent of undesignated gifts to the Cooperative Program of the Southern Baptist Convention and one percent of undesignated gifts to the South Florida Baptist Association after the pastor's salary was deducted.

In 1958, a fund was begun to build a baptistry at a cost of $600. Brother Hicks resigned as pastor on November 5, 1958, and the first pulpit committee, consisting of Arvester Bibby, J. B. Tiilman, and Mack Reynolds, was appointed.

On January 7, 1959, William Wilson was called as pastor. In February, the first Constitution and Bylaws were developed, presented, and adopted as recommended by the deacons and pastor. Shortly after Brother Wilson became pastor, the church completed the Sunday School building they had begun. Additional Sunday School space was provided by fixing the old shed that had been used for dinners on the grounds. A 90-day note of $1,000 was secured from the bank in order to complete the renovation of the shed.

In 1960, the church took a step forward by electing a church music director-Mrs. Myers Carlton. The first Youth Week was observed and the 90-day note of $1000 was paid off. A committee was formed to begin survey and planning for future needs of the church. The committee was made up of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Bridges, Mr. and Mrs. Myers Carlton, Mr. and Mrs. B.W. Bridges, B. J. Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Deaton, Mr. and Mrs. Major Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Bryant, Mr. and Mrs. Lem Parrish, and Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Green. This committee recommended in 1960 that the lot adjoining the parking lot and the W. S. Carter property be purchased for a total of $10,300.

Also in 1960, a Daycare program was begun under the direction of Mrs. J. M. Wallis. Initial enrollment was eleven. Brother Myers Carlton was licensed to preach in September 1960. A unique singing revival featuring Brother Herman Mikell, Associate Music Director for the Florida Baptist Convention, highlighted the year.

More space for Sunday School was needed and early in 1961, $5,000 was borrowed to add rooms to the east and west sides of the converted shed which doubled as Sunday School and Social Hall space. Significant growth prompted the deacons to recommend that a committee be appointed to work on the planning and building of a new sanctuary. The following were appointed to serve on this committee: Mr. and Mrs. I.Q. Mize, Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Bridges, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Green, Mr. and Mrs. Arvester Bibby, Mr. and Mrs. John Wallis, Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Kinard, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Sutton, Mr. and Mrs. Major Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. Lemuel Bath, Mr. and Mrs. Lem Parrish, Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Efird, Mr. and Mrs. Myers Carlton, Mr. and Mrs. V. L. Ramage, Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Brown, Mrs. Stella Bryant, Mrs. Ethel O'Brien, Mrs. William Wilson, Miss Iona Keckley, and Miss Verna Lee Roberts. Shortly thereafter the church voted to become incorporated.

A revival in 1962 featured Pat Wimberly as evangelist and 27 additions were reported, including 14 for baptism.

In March 1963, the church licensed Norman Tullis to preach. The eleventh anniversary of the church was celebrated by a payoff of the $5,000 note which had been secured for adding to the Social Hall-Education building. Immediately thereafter a bond issue was begun to finance the building of a new sanctuary. Revival that year reported 23 additions, including 18 by baptism.

In July 1964, bonds were accepted for the new sanctuary. Contractor Shannan Anderson's bid of $49,666 was selected. Construction began on the new sanctuary.

Nineteen hundred and sixty-five was a significant year as the 13th homecoming was celebrated by dedicating the newly-constructed sanctuary. Other significant steps of growth in 1965 featured the setting up of the first Church Council and a church decision to conduct the first census of the area.

Early in 1966, a visitation program was established and Thursday night was set as the visitation night. The church began a “family night” on Wednesday nights featuring a supper and meetings of the various organizations in connection with the prayer service. Brother E. J. Daniels preached a revival in 1966 and there were 26 additions, including 17 by baptism.

In 1967, Mr. Bud Hudson assumed the position of Music Director. As the church grew stronger the beginning of a new work was considered along with the purchase of property for that purpose. This was defeated from the floor in business session.

Brother Wilson's nine-and-one-half-year pastorate came to end on July 7, 1968, with his resignation. The church had grown from 204 in membership to 442; the Sunday School average attendance from 100 to 177. Brother Frank Farris came immediately to be the Interim Pastor for eleven months.

In August 1968, a committee, composed of Kenneth Sutton, Major Roberts, and Myers Carlton, was elected to investigate a possible pastorium. Subsequently the church voted in November to purchase the Marvin Harris property which included a home to be used as a pastorium. The price was $10,000.

Brother Francis Cruce was elected by the church as pastor on May 11, 1969. He came on the field in July and shortly thereafter the church voted to add a Minister of Youth to the church budget and to take Arthur Rich on as a staff evangelist. A need to remodel the old sanctuary for Sunday School and church office space was noted and a committee, made up of John Wallis, Major Roberts, and Jerry Ritter, was elected.

During 1970, Glenn Beck was licensed to the gospel ministry. The church also purchased a baby grand piano, added a bathroom on the pastorium, and air conditioned the social hall. In Brother Cruce's first year as pastor, Gibsonia Baptist Church reached a high point. Fifty-three were baptized, the most in any given year up to that point. Sunday School jumped from 173 in average attendance to 223, Church Training from 62 to 90 in average attendance.

In 1971, the church purchased a new Allen organ for $4,070 which was paid off within the year. A decision was made to hire the first full-time Youth Director for the summer. Charles Cruce was hired for $125 a week. This was also the year that an Easter sunrise service was begun on Lake Gibson. Later in the year, in November, the church conducted a stewardship emphasis. The first pictorial directory was made in 1971. Along with the added emphasis on youth, a softball team was established and entered the Lakeland City League. Church membership grew to 562, with 37 baptisms being reported.

Gibsonia has always been interested in community service. In July 1972, the church voted to allow Polk County to use the Social Hall for a voting precinct.

Jimmy Duke joined the staff of Gibsonia Baptist Church as part-time Minister of Youth at a salary of $15 a week plus $10 car expense in February of 1973, for two months. In April, Ron Cathey was called as summer Youth Director. Later that year Ron became full-time Youth and Youth Music Director.

The growth of the Kindergarten-Daycare ministry was such that in September 1973, guidelines for employment and salaries for employees were adopted to facilitate sensible and appropriate operation. A much needed PA system was installed in the church sanctuary. Grand total membership reached 625. The Sunday School averaged 212 in attendance and there were 28 baptisms. Brother Francis Cruce tendered his resignation as pastor in the final month of 1973. Membership under Brother Cruce's leadership had grown from 413 to 625.

Brother Clyde Geren was called to be Interim Pastor just prior to Christmas. Brother Geren continued to be interim throughout 1974 during which Brother Ron Cathey was ordained. The church grew to 667 in membership, averaged 237 in Sunday School and baptized 37 people.

A significant era began in Gibsonia Baptist Church as Brother Joe Williams was called as Pastor, January 1975. Brother Williams had been a Minister of Education and Gibsonia had to request his ordination by First Baptist Church, Bartow, where he had served as Minister of Education.

In July 1975, James McKeithen joined the church staff as Staff Evangelist. The church pledged regular prayer and concern to his ministry. Fifty-three baptisms were reported and membership grew to 759. Sunday School average attendance soared to its highest ever at 263, with 111 average attendance in Church Training.

The adjoining property owners petitioned Polk County to close Park Avenue with church approval. The church accepted the Department of Transportation's offer to: (1) purchase east 6 feet of property bordering U.S. 98 for the amount of $2,500, and (2) lease adjacent 4 feet for 2 years for $270.00 inclusive. The Lottie Moon Christmas offering was $1,800.

In 1976, growth in attendance was such that risers, suitable to hold chairs, were installed in the sanctuary balcony. A church library already in existence was moved to the northwest corner of the sanctuary on the ground level and a position of Church Librarian was established.

Early in 1976, the Stewardship Committee recommended that a new church budget account for Building, Survey and Planning be established and be funded with $650.00. It was also decided to add monies from the general fund whenever possible.

The height of growth in the life of the church was manifested in the need for a dual Sunday School and worship service. Missions giving involved a goal of $200 for Home Missions, $500 for State Missions, and $2,500 for Foreign Missions, in addition to regular cooperative program gifts. A full-time Maintenance/Custodial Director, Jepp Bryant, was hired. As the year closed the church took steps to revise the church Constitution and Bylaws of July 1959.

A significant sign of a growing North Lakeland was the four-laning of U. S. Highway 98 by the State of Florida. Baptisms for 1976 totaled 69, the highest ever in the history of the church. The church also reached its highest average attendance in Sunday School at 300 while Church Training average attendance was highest too at 118.

Early in 1977, a report was given by the Building and Survey Planning Committee. It related to the need for an Educational Building. New Baptist hymnals-1975 edition - were purchased and the church voted to license Brothers Quentin Hagan and Al Hall to the gospel ministry in June. Mission giving improved in 1977 with goals of $1,500 for Home Missions, $600 for State Missions, and $2,800 for Foreign Missions. Gloria Harper became Daycare director. In the fall the church participated in simultaneous church growth crusade in connection with South Florida Baptist Association.

At the beginning of 1978, the church joined in a World Missions Conference which was held by the South Florida Baptist Association. Property across Yale Street (known as Ken-Mar property) became available and was purchased at a price of $40,000.

Significant and trying events are a part of every fellowship of believers. Such was the year 1978. In April of 1978, Gibsonia Baptist Church reestablished its position of alignment with Southern Baptist doctrines and practices as opposed to that of Pentacostal denominational doctrines by a vote of 107 - 54. Needless to say, this was a difficult time in the life of the church. Toward the middle of the year Brother Ron Cathey resigned as Youth Director after five years of successful ministry. Brother Cathey was the church's first full-time staff member.

A significant part of the ministry of a church is its deacons. Brothers I. Q. Mize, Arvester Bibby and Pierce Boyer became the first deacons to be named Deacon Emeritus.

During the summer Mary Frances Tiller became Daycare director as the weekday ministry of the church continued to grow. Near the end of the year a report from the Building, Survey and Planning Committee (made up of John Wallis, Mr. and Mrs. Myers Carlton, Charles Garing, Joyce May, Al Dodd, and Harold Johnson) presented a four-phase, long -range building plan which was adopted by the church. Brother Mike Brown was also called as Assistant Pastor/Minister of Youth.

Church membership reached 914 in 1978. An average of 260 In Sunday School attendance and 78 in Church Training. Baptisms were 47.

Early in 1979, Setliff & Regnvall were employed to be the architects for Phase I of the long-range plans. A giving program, “Together We Build,” was initiated to finance the two-story educational building. Plans were presented to the church and approved. Bids were let out and Dean S. Tilton was chosen as contractor with a bid of $254,955. Much of the year was consumed in planning and building. The church purchased a 12-passenger van to be used in church and Daycare activities and the Constitution and Bylaws were updated. In 1979, while demands were high in giving to building, it was also a banner year in mission giving with $25,171 being given.

While new buildings are built, old buildings must be maintained. Early in 1980, the roof on the Sanctuary was replaced and new carpet was installed at a cost of $7,150. Brother Al Hall was ordained to gospel ministry at the request of Green Street Baptist Church in High Point, North Carolina. The Sunday School renewed its commitment to age grading and missions goals were raised. Homecoming 1980 was held in connection with the dedication of the new two-story Educational Building. Clyde Geren, former Interim Pastor, was the speaker. A Yokeman Program for training potential deacons was initiated. Church membership in 1980 was 950.

Early in 1981, Brother Joe Williams resigned as Pastor to accept a pastorate at Parkview Baptist Church in Lake City, Florida. Under Brother Joe's ministry the church grew in membership from 759 to 943. Clyde Geren came to be Interim for his second term.

Clyde Geren resigned as Interim in early 1982 and Marshall Mines became Interim. Marshall Mines resigned as Interim and Robert Liner served as Interim until April 1982 when Ted Corley was called as Pastor. In July 1982 Bud Hudson resigned as Music Director after 15 years of faithful service.

Philip Hudson was ordained to the gospel ministry in August 1983. A Children's Church was started.

In mid-1984 Pastor Corley resigned. Summer came with no staff members. In September 1984, Hubert Barnes was called as Interim Pastor and Wade Lipham was hired as Music Director. Ernest Barnes was called as Pastor and came to the field in early December 1984.

In 1985, the Social Hall remodeling was begun at an estimated cost of $50,000. Also, a second mortgage on the Ken-Mar office building was paid off.

In 1986, the church voted to accept a job description for a Minister of Education.

The youth made plans in April 1987 to attend a Centerfuge retreat at Ridgecrest in 1988.

The Search Committee was appointed for Educational Director. Members were Jean Wallis, Glenna Nail, Ken Sutton, Bobby Jones and Tammy Cooper. Plans were made to construct covered walkways in May. The Media Library began work reconstructing the library under the direction of Marshall Mines and his staff. July 31, 1988, was a great event as our first full-time Educational Director was called to the field. William Caudle came September 19, 1988.

A 15-passenger van was purchased in 1989. The Educational Building and Sanctuary were painted on the outside. Cathy King became Daycare Director in September 1989. Pastor Ernest Barnes resigned December 27, 1989.

In 1990, Rev. Hubert Barnes was called as Interim. The church voted to sponsor a Spanish Mission. Interim Pastor Hubert Barnes resigned July 29, 1990. William Caudle resigned as Minister of Education September 23, 1990. A new van was purchased for the Daycare. Rev. Charles Swartz was called as Interim Pastor in November 1990.

In 1991, remodeling of the Sanctuary began to take place, and the debt for the Educational Building was paid off. Rev. Swartz resigned as Interim February 24, 1991. The Sanctuary remodeling was completed. Michael McCurdy was called as Pastor in March of 1991.

In early 1992, the church voted to begin a Bus Ministry. In February 1992, the church called Tommy Bullock as Minister of Education/Youth.

In December 1993, the paving of the parking lot was completed.

In February 1994, new furniture for the vestibule was purchased. In April 1994, the church was in the process of completing the picnic area behind the church office.

In February 1995, Rev. Michael McCurdy resigned as Pastor. Beth Cummings, who had been Interim Music Director, became Music Director in May 1995. Rev. George Kaufinger was called as Interim Pastor on June 28, 1995. In October 1995, Randy Wisniewsky became Part-time Youth Minister. Also that month, the Instrument Fund was begun to raise money to purchase newer instruments for the church.

Rev. George Kaufinger was called as Pastor on January 14, 1996 and was ordained on February 25, 1996. A Hymnal Fund was started in February 1996 to purchase new hymnals. In April, enough money was raised to purchase 247 hymnals. Homecoming 1996 consisted of an Old Fashioned Day with antiques on display. Ernest Barnes preached and Wade Lipham led the music. A new Yamaha Grand piano was purchased in June. In September 1996, Gibsonia warmly expressed its thanks to Jepp Bryant for 20 years of faithful service as church sexton and prayed that God would bless him for his faithfulness.

In July of 1997, George Kaufinger resigned as Pastor and Beth Cumming resigned as Minister of Music. In October Rev. Hank Frisbee was called as Interim and served until March 1998. In December, Randy Wisniewsky resigned as Youth Pastor.

In April 1998, Rev. Andrew Crews was called as Pastor and served until December. Rodney Mitchell came as Summer Youth Leader. Coley Voyles was Minister of Music from February until April 1998. Keith Vaughan came as Minister of Music in April and served until March 1999.

In February 1999, Rev. Michael Moon was called as Interim Pastor and served until July. James Sheldrake served as Music Minister from March until July. Michael Rippy was called as Youth Minister in April 1999. Rev. Moon started the Little People Prayer Meeting. He or Michael Rippy met with the Daycare children once a week in the sanctuary for a small church service. It helped the Daycare children realize they are part of Gibsonia church. Rev. Alfred Grant was called as Interim Pastor in September 1999 and stayed until April 2000 when Rev. Thomas Dail was called as Pastor.

In January 2000, Robert Tamney came as Music Minister and served until May 2001. In June 2000, an Ocean Odyssey Vacation Bible School was held as an outreach to the neighborhood and Daycare children. Bethel Baptist Youth of Graceville worked with our youth at the week-long VBS. It was great to see 23 children come to know Jesus Christ. Michael Rippy left in July 2000.

In September, Celebrate Jesus 2000 Revival Services were held with Rev. Jim Bohrer as speaker. The Worship Team under the director of Robert Tamney presented a great variety of music. We were touched each evening with the messages by Rev. Bohrer and the music by the visiting choirs.

In October, Gibsonia was presented two awards by the South Florida Baptist Association for 1999-2000: Top Churches in Numerical Increase in Baptisms - 10, Top Churches in Baptism Ratio to Resident Members - 1:7.5.

In December, the church office moved into space which was previously used as the library. On December 17, 2000, the Lighthouse Korean Baptist Church, which is partnered by Gibsonia, started meeting in the Ken Mar Building, which previously housed the church office and youth. Also in December, Rev. Larry Clements (retired), one of our members, started a ministry at the Beverly Nursing Home.

In June 2001, a Truth Trackers Vacation Bible School was held as an outreach to the neighborhood and Daycare children. Youth from the Salem, Georgia, Baptist Church did a great job at the week-long VBS. There were multiple salvation decisions during that week. In July and August, Backyard Bible Clubs were held in several areas around the church.

In July, the Daycare was painted and beautiful pictures were added to the building which conveyed the message of Jesus' love. Now, all who pass can see them. In August, Gene Burke was hired as Music Minister. In September, a new pictorial directory was started with the finished product published in December. The Daycare family pictures were included for the first time.

In October, Gibsonia sponsored North Pointe Mission Church which started meeting in the Fellowship Hall with Rev. Frank Derrick as minister. Also in October, Rev. Larry Clements started a ministry at Savannah Court, an assisted living facility.

In January 2002, a new keyboard was purchased and Donald “Scooter” Byars was hired as part-time Youth Minister.

As of December 2001, Gibsonia Baptist Church has had 1,023 baptisms. The membership to date is 501. Gibsonia has had some tough times in the last few years, but the Lord is doing some great things in our church and we have GREAT EXPECTATIONS for the future.

MINISTERS ORDAINED BY GIBSONIA BAPTIST CHURCH

MINISTERS LICENSED BY GIBSONIA BAPTIST CHURCH

CHARTER MEMBERS

PASTORS WHO HAVE SERVED GIBSONIA BAPTIST CHURCH