ABOUT US
ABOUT CROSS CITY FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
Cross City First Baptist Church has a rich history that includes many pastors, leaders, and dedicated members. Founded on God’s word and fueled by a desire to reach people with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, FBC has sought to follow God’s leading for 149 years.
In 1876 the Florida State Baptist Mission Board sent two missionary preachers, Reverend R.E. Reed and D. F. Ward, to Dixie County who encouraged the organization of a church. In 1878 The newly formed Baptist church was first named Lydia Baptist. Charter members included Mac Mimms, John Edwards, Jake Futch, Allen Mikell, John W. Chewning, and Henry Parker.
In 1899 this church was presented to the Lafayette Baptist Association as the Hart Hamock Baptist Church. The first called pastor was Reverend J.S. Shepfield of Judson. Others who served as pastors included Reverend John Jewell, Reverend Henry Corbett, Reverend W.F. Ward, and Reverend T.M. Webb (1897); and C.F. Holmes (1899-1904).
The church was moved to Cross Roads in 1907 where church services were held in a building owned by Will Chavous. This building served as a school during the week. At this time the church kept the name of Lydia Baptist. In 1915 the first church building was constructed on the grounds of the Cross City Cemetery. This property was donated by Tom Ward. In 1922 the name of the church was changed to Cross City Baptist. Brother Charley Holmes and Brother Tom Webb were two preachers during this time of church history. In 1926 a new church was erected and used until 1938 when it was destroyed by fire.
Pastors serving Cross City Baptist during the years of 1915-1940 were Reverends Joseph Bell, W.A. McMicken, A.S. Jones, W.B. Liston, J.W. Griffin, W.J. Russel, F.H. Bancroft, L.E. Thomas, H.M. Wolfe, and Milton C. Gardner (1936-1940).
After the church building was destroyed by fire in 1938, church services were held in the court room of the county courthouse. A new building was built and dedicated on June 7, 1942 while Brother B.N. Wolfe served as pastor. A five-room parsonage was also built and located near the red brick church.
Reverend William M. Taylor became pastor of FBC in October 1942. Pastors that succeeded him included Reverends Jack Overton (1945-1954); Harold Combs (1955-1957); Richard Gardner (1957-1964); Milton C. Gardner (1936-40 & 1964-1968); Paul Day Sr. (1968-1974);
Jack Bruce ((1974-1978) and Beldon Smith (1978-1981).
Allen Harden, first paid Minister of Music, served from 1961 until 1987 when the church and community honored him with “Allen Harden Day.” Mr. Harden also served as youth director, and later as Assocaite Pastor. Others who have served as Ministers of Music include: James Enfinger,
John Willis, Mike L. Crammer, Carlos Perez, David Soden, Allen Monarch, and Ronnie Lambert.
Eddie Benton was called as Minister of Youth and Education in the early 70s with Norman Loges, Kerry Antley, James Enfinger, Mike L. Crammer, John Willis, Doug Sanders, Allen Monarch, Nathan VonStein, Ryan Parker,Chad Brock, and Goren Radak serving the youth in the following years. Nancy B. Holifield served as Minister of Education and Activities 1990-1992. Other church staff included Secretaries Mary Paige, Mary Jo Cravey, Becky Wade, Marion B. Landrum, Genie Willis, and Beth Lambert. Financial Secretaries included Darlene Enfinger, Ann Poor, and Carol Knight.
Judy Childers served as financial secretary for the building program in 1990.
During the pastorate of Gerald Hollis (1983-1987), FBC opened the Child Development Center serving preschool children.
Karen Cooper served as Day Care Coordinator. The center was open 1984-1988.
Following Bro. Hollis, Reverend Wesley H. Willis (1987-1992) served faithfully as pastor while his son, John Willis served as Minister of Music and Youth. Under the leadership of Brother Willis, a building program resulted in the construction of a new sanctuary. The building committee was Gary Holifield, Dennis Bennett, Jude Chewning, Tommy Cooper, Vessie Mills, Gail Rains, and Ruby Welch. Larry Lord was the general contractor.
Dedication for the building was January 13, 1991.
The following pastors served in the resent past: Dr. Fritz Fountain, (1994-2001); Jake Cravey (2001-2004),
Mike Brown (2005-2023); Ed Eldridge (2023-).
Bro. Cravey engaged the church in ministry outreach through a visitation program called “Faith” adding many to the church membership. A new educational building was constructed during the pastorate of Bro. Mike Brown, who served 18 years as Pastor of Cross City First Baptist Church.
The Lord continues to lead and bless through the ministry of Bro. Ed Eldridge, Senior Pastor. FBC has been blessed by his faithfulness to share
God’s word and his encouragement to members to reach out to others with the Good News of the Gospel. Brother Goran Radak currently serves
as Associate Pastor and Youth Minister (2023-). Members have several opportunities to join various ministries in and outside the church.
We are thankful for all the Lord has done, is doing, and will continue to do as we follow Him who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
All praise and honor to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Written by Nancy Holifield, March 2025