Page 5 - St Simons Baptist Church Flipbook
P. 5
History
The birth of First Baptist in the unfolding years, this Baptist
Church of St. Simons Island work would have a unique witness
reflects a bold and faithful vision in our Lord’s Kingdom.
that had its seminal beginning Throughout the ensuing years
in 1938. Two prominent Baptist FBCSSI has sought to improve
leaders in Georgia, Rev. BJ and expand the facilities to
Graham and Dr. Louie Newton, accommodate the growing needs of
saw the need to establish a the Island community, including:
sanctuary on the Island. A local • Additional classroom space
woman, Grace Foote, with a deep • A versatile fellowship hall
commitment to mission work, • The purchase of adjacent land
took a role of strong spiritual and properties
undergirding and extending • A Mission Home that offers
this vision across the entire state of Georgia. Under
the leadership of church member, J.C. Strother, and respite for missionaries around the world
with the resources from J.C. Strother Lumber and • A family life center
Hardware, the vision became a reality. • A first-rate preschool
The founders raised $42,000 from local and • A continual upgrading of all facilities
state sources, including WMU Mission Groups and The outcome of this historic flow is the
Churches across the state. From these diligent efforts, emergence of a strategically located ministry
First Baptist Church of St. Simons Island was built complex that offers a dynamic opportunity for a
and officially established. creative and impacting ministry in the years ahead.
The first sermon, “Jesus Christ the Cornerstone”, The “Cornerstone” envisioned by Dr. Newton and
was preached by Dr. Louie Newton on June 6, 1945. Rev. Graham awaits FBCSSI to build on a dream that
Congregational members and leaders realized that will honor Jesus Christ, our Chief Cornerstone.
Location
FBCSSI is located at 729 Ocean Boulevard near massive moss-laden oaks are a canopy of beauty, an
St. Simons Island’s historic Village on the shores of alluring ambience in the setting of FBCSSI.
the Atlantic Ocean. St. Simons St. Simons Island is a thriving
Island is located approximately and growing place of friendly
80 miles south of Savannah, neighborhoods. The Island is
Georgia and 80 miles north of an ever-growing place of rich
Jacksonville, Florida. diversity, a truly cosmopolitan
Ships of the seven seas context of ministry. While there
sound their horns as they is a very strong number of year-
pass the iconic Lighthouse round residents, tens of thousands
located near the Village’s pier. of visitors are attracted year-round
The pier, a short walk from to our Island, including those
FBCSSI, is a major attraction to passing through to attend the
Islanders and visitors. Village annual UGA Bulldogs and UF
shops, restaurants, parks, and Gators football rivalry in nearby
playgrounds draw people Jacksonville, Florida.
from everywhere. In short, St. Simons Island is a vital place for a
As worshippers walk to our sanctuary, they highly compelling ministry for people in
can catch a glimpse of the vast Atlantic Ocean. The spiritual search. 4
