Church History

In September of 1992, a group of believers met a Jackie Ferol’s home.  The group then began to meet at a rented room at the Ebro Motel and Marcus Blue was the pastor. In August of 1993, the group along with the West Florida Baptist Association purchased 2 acres land from Jackie Ferol for $7K, $1500 down and $100 per month. In January of 1994, the land was cleared 100’ wide x 150’ deep, and St. Andrews Baptist Church commissioned five couples to help establish the mission. In February of 1994, a mobile home was moved here from Country Oaks Mission, set up, and the church held first service on February 13, 1994, here on the property with 18 people present.  On February 27, 1994, a dedication services was held with 113 people present from all over the panhandle.   Between March and August of 1994, the rest of land was cleared and the regular visitation and work days were held each Saturday, and the first Vacation Bible School and a Revival was held. Mrs. Mary Jo Watkins was first person to make a profession of faith. Between September and December of 1994, a building fund was established, and a Pastor Search Committee was appointed.  An Architect Group from the Sunday School Board submitted a site plan for developing the property.  In February of 1995 the Mission called Rev. Danny Justice as pastor.  He was a student at FBTC (Now BUF).   The mission applied for and received pastoral aide from the Florida Baptist Convention.  Eleven new members joined the Mission, and a 12’x60’ trailer was donated for a pastorium. Between March and July of 1995, the Association paid off the mortgage and a mortgage burning service was held with approximately 75 people in attendance.  A Mid-week Prayer Meeting and Bible Study was initiated.  Another 12’x60; trailer was donated, and the first trailer was donated to Country Oaks for a pastorium. On June 11, 1995, a Pastorium dedication service was held with approximately 70 people present.  The Mission also had VBS in July of 1995.  The Mission grew to 23 members, average SS attendance was 30, and worship attendance was 39.

 

In November of 1995, a slab was poured for a new building and work proceed rapidly and debt free. Between January and February of 1996, the building was dried in, and a celebration was held with a covered dish luncheon. On February 11, 1996,  Don Barnes was licensed to preach, Bro. Rob Lightsey, a student at FBTC joined the Mission staff as Associate Pastor of Youth.  On June 2, 1996, a dedication service for new building was held, with 104 in attendance.  Jim Fulcher came down the aisle in a wheelchair, and was baptized in the new Baptistry on June 30th.  On August 15, 1996, new pews seating 130 were installed. On June 1, 1997, the Mission celebrated the first anniversary of the new building and dedicated the steeple.  On June 15, 1997, the Mission called Dr, Jerome Barnes as Interim Pastor. In July of 1997, the property behind the Mission was cleared for a future Fellowship Hall. In September of 1997, the Mission purchased a 26-passenger diesel school bus for the children and youth programs, and Don Crossley painted the mural in the Baptistery. 

 

On October 22, 1997, the Mission approved the Constitution & Bylaws, and at the fall meeting of West Florida Baptist Association, it was voted to accept Ebro Baptist into the Association, pending it becoming a Church in November 23, 1997.

 

On August 31, 2003, Rev. Biagio Longo was called to be the pastor of Ebro Baptist where he would go on to serve faithfully until his retirement on September 29, 2024. On February 25, 2026, the church called its current pastor, Rev. Johnathan Taylor.