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Church History![]() In 1904 a group of Christian believers organized Mt. Olive Baptist Church at the home of Deacon Garvin. The Church's first shepherd, Rev. Thomas, served the congregation from 1904-1906 at its original site, 2628 27th Avenue (presently the home of St. Matthew M.B. Church). Rev. Thomas was succeeded by Rev. Adams who served as Pastor for one year. In 1907 Rev. D.F. Gammons was called as Pastor. During his tenure of 16 years, the Church moved to its present location in 1915, and subsequently changed its name to First Baptist Church of College Hill in 1918. In 1923 the Rev. J.C. Robinson took the helm as Pastor, indelibly leaving his mark by leading the congregation for a record 42 years. In his 25th year the Church erected a new building, and purchased four lots which became parking lots. Also, Rev. Robinson ordained two associate ministers: Rev. William Henry Gordon and Rev. Edmond Patten in April of 1960. October 21, 1963 additionally, the Church purchased a lot at 28th Street and 33rd Avenue. The Rev. William Henry Gordon was instrumental in officially recording the Church's name in the Hillsborough County Court House, and incorporating the Church under the Laws of the state off Florida. On March 28, 1967 Rev. William Henry Gordon succeeded Rev. Robinson as pastor, serving 9 years until his death in October 15, 1976. Under his pasturing the Church flourished and developed many ministries to meet the needs of its growing congregation. The Church therefore purchased the adjoining properties and opened negotiations for the purchase of the property at Lindell and 29th Street. Associate Minister Rev. Edmond Patten humbly led the congregation as Interim Pastor from November 1976 through September 1978. In September 1978 Rev. Young was called as pastor, and he served in this capacity for 14 years resigning December 1992. During his term as pastor the Church purchased a parsonage (1979), completed the purchase of the Lindell and 29th Street Property (1980), broke ground and erected our present edifice (1991). In December 1992 Elder Abraham Brown was elected to serve as Interim Pastor. Elder Brown easily distinguished himself by initiating a variety of relevant ministries to appeal to the Church's burgeoning membership. His faithful service was duly noted and sanctioned by the congregation when he was officially called as pastor in November 1993. The following ministries and projects were begun under Elder Brown's pasturing (1993), to name a few: Telephone Prayer Line; Security Team; Youth Bible Study; Youth Rap Group; Swim meet for youth and adults; lots purchased for erection of a basketball court (a youth community out reach); a singles and couples ministry; in 1995 the Soup Kitchen and clothes closet for the needy. During the course of his leadership, directed by visions from on High, Elder Brown has vigorously directed the membership in meeting the church's building program needs through tithing and sacrificial giving which also led to early retirement of the Church's 30 year mortgage in three (3) years (September 17, 1995). Construction of a Basketball Court for the Church and community was accomplished in 1995. During Conference January 28, 1997, upon recommendation by Pastor Brown, Rev. Evan Burrows was called to serve as the First Youth Pastor - serving in a full time capacity. He officially began expediting his duties in this capacity Monday, February 3, 1997. He started an AWANA Program (Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed). He moved forward to organize the youth department and young adults of the Church. The Lord gave Rev. Brown the vision to build an Education Building over the retention pond. We were blessed to secure the permit to begin construction in 1999. In the midst of building the Education Building, the six (6) houses north of 33rd Avenue were purchased. The houses have been demolished and the property is presently being used for parking. May 21, 2000 a certificate of completion of the Education Building was received. It has been named in honor of our beloved Pastor, Abraham Brown. June 2002 was the beginning of Summer Camp at FBCCH under the directions of Youth Pastor Burrows. In the year 2003 the Young Adult Choir became the "Voices of Praise". On December 31st 2007 Rev. Brown retired as pastor and recommended the Rev. Evan Burrows to be his successor. In an overhwleming vote of support Rev. Burrows was duly elected as pastor on May 32st 2008. First Baptist Church of College Hill has been richly blessed throughout its existence and we give praise and thanks to the Almighty God, for He keeps on doing great things for us and for this we are forever grateful. We express thanks to those laborers who have made their transition but left lasting memories in the history of FBCCH.
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