As the history of this church unfolds, you are about to see God's hand move and prove that when He wants a church, He will make a church.
On November 8, 1993, a group of people gathered at private homes looking for the leadership of the Lord. There were seventeen to be exact. These seekers would meet weekly. As time past, this number grew to 96 seekers of the Lord. Due to the large number of people meeting in private homes and running out of room to hold all who despirately needed the Lord, there were five men from this group that went to the Missions Committee at Highland Baptist Chruch on November 17th seeking assistance . Highland Baptist Church agreed to take this body on as a mission. Dr. Sammy preached the first service at Langer Hall. The priest of St. Florian Catholic Church helped secure Langer Hall where we regularly held services over the next two years. Through the month of November, our mid week services were held in private homes.
December 5, 1993, Bro. Randy Smith preached his first sermon for us. Through the month of December, our mid-week services were now being held in the Mid-Lauderdale Volunteer Fire Department due to the size of the congregation. Over the next two months, the congregation desired it was time to call Bro. Randy to be our full-time pastor. The month of February was spent preparing the house on Martin St. for Bro. Randy, Novelle, and Sheree`.
As the Lord continued to move. We held our first revival with Dr. Sammy preaching and Ed Haag conducting our music on May 22-25, 1994.
There was a spot of land that was being looked at and prayed about by just about every member of this congregation. This spot of land was owned by the Catholic community. The owner of this land had passed away and and the Lord prepared this land for us to purchase. On June 11, 1994, we voted to purchase this land where our new building is now located. Once agreed, on July 2, 1994, we decided to name the church St. Florian Mission Church.
Continuing to meet and worship our Risen Savior and Lord, we voted to approach the bank for a construction loan for our new building on December 11, 1994. The Lord had the loan approved through South Trust Bank on January 3, 1995.
March of 1995 ground was broken and starting moving earth at the church site. After the land was cleared, in April of 1995, the layout, foundation, and the concrete slab were put into place. The tabernacle was being built. The Lord moved His hand to erect His church.
In May of 1995, Keith Walker was hired as the pianist and part-time Minister of Education.
We have spent the last six months watching, praising and thanking God for one miracle after another, as we watched our new church building be come a reality. We just say THANK YOU LORD!! for the past two years and preparing us for the work the Lord has for us in the future. We thank Highland Baptist Church for their prayers and encouragement. To Dr. Sammy Gilbreath and Jack Hilliard, GOD BLESS YOU!!
