Phone: 904-354-1464 | Fax: 904-359-0015   Early Church History
In the heart  of Jacksonville, Bethel Baptist Institutional
Church is recognized as one of the historic monuments among
churches in the State ofFlorida. In July 1838, Reverend James
McDonald assisted by Reverend Ryan Frier, organized the first
Baptist church inJacksonvilleunder the titleBethelBaptistChurch.
There were six charter members: Reverend James McDonald, the
first pastor, and his wife; Mr. Elias C. Jaudan, who became the
first deacon, and his wife; and two slaves known as Bacchus and
Peggy. The first racially mixed meetings were held in the
Government Block House, which stood near theCountyCourthouse. In
1840, the church purchased a lot on the northeast corner of
Duval and Newnan Streets and built their first house of worship.
The Legislative Council of theTerritoryofFloridaincorporated
theBethelChurchonFebruary 10, 1841. William B. Kass, Charles
Merrick, Soloman Warren, Elias Jaudan, H. H. Phillips, and A.
Ossian Hart, the first trustee