The First Baptist Church Orlando was organized during 1923, under the leadership of Brother Isaac Smith.  It began as a Bush Church and, during the early years, flourished under such leaders as Sister Clara Dixon, Sister Annie Brown, Deacon Ulysses Turner, Deacon Joe Johnson, Deacon Arthur Evans and others.  Rev. Jacob Vann served as the first pastor for a short while, and Rev. Jason King became the pastor in 1936.  After 39 years of faithful and devoted service, death took him from the church in 1975.  In February 1976, Rev. Henry G. Baker preached his first sermon as Pastor-Elect, and on April 11, 1976, was officially installed as pastor. In 1985, after successfully pastoring First Baptist for ten years, Pastor Baker was called to Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Freeman, VA.

On Easter Sunday, March 30, 1986, Rev. James Edwards III was called to Pastor and served for eight years.  Then early 1994 he was called to pastor the Rose of Sharon Baptist Church, Chesapeake, VA.

Rev. Henry G. Baker returned to the church on the 3rd Sunday in October 1994 with his sleeves rolled up and ready to carry out a new vision.  In his second tenure astonishing achievements were made to the Glory of God.  Two ministers were ordained:  Rev. Betty A. Montgomery, who was elevated to Assistant Pastor, and Rev. S. Allison Baker, who serves as Associate Pastor at (CC), in Columbia, South Carolina.  Rev. Andre L. Powell Sr. was licensed in 2007 and called two years later to pastor Lebanon Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Gatesville, North Carolina.  

Three others licensed were Minister Margie N. Jefferson, who led the Mission’s Ministry; Minister Wong-ya G. Jones Sr., and Minister George D. Bailey Jr.  Additionally, Rev. Carlethia W. McCollum joined the fellowship Youth Pastor.  In March 2001 the church was renamed Greater First Baptist- Orlando.  On the 3rd Sunday in August 2002, the current $1.5 million edifice was dedicated

After 16 years, Rev. Baker preached his retirement sermon on October 17, 2010.  Three months later, in January 2011, the congregation voted unanimously to extend the call to Rev. Moses Ware to serve as the next pastor.  He was officially installed June 12, 2011.  

Rev. Ware quickly began leading the congregation in fulfilling a new vision God had given him.  Today, we celebrate that vision and the future of Greater First Baptist Church-Orlando, as we have completed Phase One of renovating a state-of-the-art building with seating capacity to exceed 150 people, a commercialized kitchen, and elegant restroom facilities that is sure to make The Hall-Turner Fellowship Hall a well sought after venue for meetings, banquets, receptions, and other community events.  The vision to purchase seven adjourning lots to the Church in 2013 will allow us to expand our ministry and services to the community in the future with a playground, basketball court, additional parking, and eventually, a youth and teen center. 

HITHER TO HAS THE LORD HELPED US!