A Church Born on Lee Street in 1960
First Timothy Baptist Church came into being on September 2, 1960, when a small group of Christians gathered at 3624 Lee Street. The Rev. B. L. Wynn, pastor of Abyssinia Baptist Church, led the organizing meeting. By the time the group adjourned, First Timothy had become a reality, and within a short time the congregation had grown to fifty-seven members.
Other leaders who played pivotal roles in the birth of the church included the Rev. H. H. Wright, pastor of Evergreen Baptist Church, the Rev. S. L. Badger, and Deacon Bynum. The new congregation elected its first Deacon Board: Arthur Collins, Sam Sims, Robert Elliott Jr., and McCarthy Benton. B. D. Bellamy and McCarthy Benton were named as trustees.
The church's first pastor was the Rev. Robert L. Smith, who guided the young congregation with patience and vision until his death on October 3, 1976. Under his leadership, the church laid the spiritual foundation that would carry it through the decades to come.
Eighteen Acres on Biscayne
The Rev. R. B. Holmes Jr. served as interim pastor from October through December 1976, then was called to serve as pastor in January 1977. During his decade at First Timothy, Rev. Holmes made one of the most consequential decisions in the church's history: he located and purchased 18.3 acres of land, which would become the ground for the present sanctuary. He preached his last sermon as pastor on September 28, 1986, before accepting the pastorate of Bethel Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida.
The Rev. Neil Mosley served as interim pastor from October 1986 through April 1987, keeping the church steady as it searched for a new shepherd. The property on Biscayne Boulevard had been secured, and the congregation was ready to grow into its new home.
Pastor Newbill and a Word-Centered Mission
In May 1987, First Timothy welcomed the Rev. Frederick Douglas Newbill Sr. as its new pastor, and he continues to serve the congregation today. Under his leadership the church has pursued a ministry philosophy summed up by the motto: "Reaching, Teaching, and Preaching the Word." The three-fold emphasis captures the church's heartbeat: evangelism, education, and proclamation.
Pastor Newbill's voice carries the warmth of a long shepherd. "I am praying for our country and the countless families that have suffered," he wrote during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I remain eternally thankful for my calling as your pastor. First Timothy, you have really showed up. I can clearly see many of the fruits of my labor."
During the months when the body could not gather in person, the 2 By 2 Ministry became a lifeline. Small groups of leaders reached out to the whole congregation, calling, checking in, and comforting members during a difficult season. The 2 By 2 Ministry Leaders "tirelessly gave of themselves during this trying pandemic," Pastor Newbill wrote, and the church emerged from that season with a deeper sense of community.
One Service, Three Ways to Worship
Worship at First Timothy takes place at 10 am every Sunday, and the church has built several ways for members and friends to participate. The live stream runs from 10 am to 11 am each Sunday, hosted online so that worshipers near and far can join in real time. For those without internet access, a conference call line is available at 267-930-4000 with access code 608-837. Members and friends can also join the service via Zoom.
The church's home sits at 12103 Biscayne Boulevard on Jacksonville's northside, with the sanctuary set on the 18.3-acre property acquired during Rev. Holmes' pastorate. The address has been the same for decades, and the property remains a landmark for the surrounding community. The 2 By 2 Ministry's reach, the live stream's audience, and the conference call's accessibility all reflect a church that has learned to meet people where they are.
Youth and the Next Generation
First Timothy's youth ministry has included a variety of activities for the next generation. Past events have included a Youth Zoom Game Night and a Youth Black History Program, both hosted via Zoom to keep young people connected during a season of separation. The youth program remains an active part of the church's life, with the church continuing to invest in the spiritual growth of its young people and to give them a place of belonging within the larger body.
Giving, Online and at the Curb
First Timothy offers online giving through Givelify, where members and friends can make a single gift or set up recurring giving from a checking account, debit card, or credit card. The message is simple: "Give and see what God can do." Tithes and offerings are framed as "God's Tithe and Your Harvest," a reminder that generosity is both an act of worship and an investment in the church's mission.
On Sunday mornings from 9:30 am to 11 am, the Security Ministry is available for curb-side drop-off of tithes and offerings. Envelopes and pens are provided for those who prefer to give in person, a service that has been part of the church's giving rhythm since the pandemic.
Sermons on YouTube and a Member Portal
First Timothy maintains a video archive of past services on YouTube, so worshipers can revisit messages and share them with others who could not be present. The collection is a resource for members who travel, who are sick, or who simply want to revisit a sermon.
Members also have access to a member portal hosted through the church's online platform, where they can find communications, directories, and church resources. The portal helps members stay connected to the church's ministry between Sundays.
How to Reach the Church
First Timothy is active on Facebook, sharing updates and encouragement throughout the week. For prayer requests or general questions, the church can be reached by phone at 904 757 9878 or by email at ftbc@firsttimothy.org. The church stands at 12103 Biscayne Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32218, on the same 18.3 acres that have been home since the late 1970s.