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Sunday
Bible Study -9:30 a.m.
Worship-11:00 a.m.


Wednesday
Family Meal -5:30 p.m.
Prayer Service -6:30 p.m.


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The First Baptist Church of Delray Beach was constituted in January of 1912 in the home of Mr. and Mrs. L S. Sundy, with 14 charter members. The original meeting place is the present day Sundy House on Swinton Avenue, and is on the national historical register. The first church building was a one-room building, located on the comer of SE 4th Ave. and 3rd Street. Following a period of financial hardship the tiny, struggling church was forced to declare bankruptcy in 1917. However the church recovered and even managed to begin its first mission work in Lake Worth in 1920. This new work eventually became the First Baptist Church of Lake Worth.

 

In 1926 the church moved to the corner of South Federal Highway and 1st Street, where it ministered and grew for the next 33 years. This building became somewhat of a local landmark as its attractive features included six tall ionic columns. At the time of the erection of this building, the church borrowed $20,000 from the Home Mission Board. The church still was not large, and Delray Beach shared in the economic difficulties suffered by the state and nation for the next decade.

 

The original church building on SE 4th Avenue was converted into a pastorium that was destroyed by the September 1928 hurricane. Another hurricane in 1947 caused damage to the church sanctuary. In 1950 a second mission work began that became the First Baptist Church of Boca Raton. In 1953 the church began the Little Friends Kindergarten to provide Christian education and daycare for preschoolers. This vital ministry continues today and is known by the name, "Little Friends Learning Center."

 

By the early 1950's the church had finally reached a rapid pace of growth, and needed more space. Seven acres on the comer of Swinton Avenue and SE 4th Street were purchased in 1953 for $15,000. In 1959 a third mission work was begun in the Germantown Road area. While that original church dissolved a few years later, the buildings were sold to the present day Calvary Bible Baptist Church, which continues an effective ministry in its setting. In 1956 construction began on the Swinton Avenue property, and the church eventually relocated to that site in 1959. The cost of the entire project was just over $400,000. At the time of relocation, average Sunday School attendance was around 500.

 

The church's 33 years of ministry on Swinton Avenue, included several significant events. In 1967 a number of members left and formed the Lakeview Baptist Church in North Delray Beach. In 1972 the debt was retired ahead of schedule; in 1973 a Deaf Ministry was begun; in 1974 the sanctuary was refurbished- in 1976 property was purchased on Barwick Road to begin a new mission work; and in 1979 a Family Life Center was constructed at a cost of $300,000.

 

In 1985 the church formed a Long-Range Planning Committee to study options available for maintaining a growing ministry into the future. In 1987 the church began the First Spanish Baptist Mission. That same year the church voted to purchase a new site on Military Trail in West Delray, and relocate. This nine acre parcel of land was purchased for $1.2 million and is the church's current location.

 

In 1991, the church sold its complex on Swinton Ave. to the Drug Abuse Foundation for $775,000. That same year, in the month of April a ground breaking ceremony was held on Military Trail and the church sold $1.7 million in bonds to help finance the construction of the church. The construction of Phase-I was completed in 1992 at a cost of approximately $2 million. The church dedicated its new property and buildings, and celebrated its 80th Anniversary, on June 14th. Phase-II plans call for a permanent sanctuary and additional educational and parking space, while Phase-III plans call for the construction of a gymnasium / family life center. In the six year period, from 1987-1993, the church raised over $1.5 million to help pay for the land and buildings, in addition to funds received from sale of the old church.

 

Within the first five years at its new location on Military Trail the church experienced rapid growth. Over 400 additions were recorded, and new ministries and programs were begun. In 1996, the church elected another Long-Range Planning Committee for the purpose of leading the church into the 21st century.

 

In 1999 the church adopted a new Mission Statement which amplifies the church's purpose and mission. This Statement is: "We are a Christ-centered community of believers who seek to share the love and grace of Jesus Christ by standing in God's POWER through Prayer, Outreach, Worship, Education and Relationships." In January of 2000, the church embraced a new Vision Statement and began the process of developing new ministries, programs and emphases that earnestly seek to minister to and meet the needs of those within the church and community. Additionally, the church celebrated the dawning of a new millennium with enthusiasm, and the promise of a bright, exciting future.