A History of First Baptist Estero

  • October 20, 1957 - First service held in Old School Building with 22 people attending. Sponsored by First Baptist Church of Bonita Springs.

  • November 6, 1957 - Agreement with First Baptist Church of Bonita Springs to serve as mother church to the mission church.

  • January 1958 - First Revival service led by Dr. Zoller.

  • February 12, 1958 - Called Dr. Zoller as the first mission pastor. Serving until August 4, 1959.

  • December 1958 - Property purchased. In the summer of 1959, construction started on the first building.

  • October 10, 1959 - Called Rev. Richard Watson, who served until his untimely death

  • December 26, 1959 - He guided the building of the first building where his funeral was the first service held.

  • March 1960 - New building dedicated.

  • April 13, 1960 - Called Rev. J.E. Carroll as pastor.

  • April 9, 1961 - Mission organized into the Estero Baptist Church with 76 charter members

  • 1966 - Pastor Rev William Phillips served until 1968. Under his leadership, the bell tower was constructed.

  • 1968 - Pastor Rev. H.H. Highfill served until 1969 when sudden illness caused his resignation. Under his leadership, the church purchased pews, installed heating and air conditioning, and added carpet to the floors. The church paid off indebtedness. Debt-free.

  • 1969 - Called Rev Otis Clingan to serve as pastor.

  • 1970 - Church begins bus ministry

  • March 1970 - The church purchased four adjoining lots.

  • December 1971 - The Church voted to build a new sanctuary

  • January 1972 - The Church celebrated with a note burning and groundbreaking for the new sanctuary.

  • February 1972 - First Baptist Church of Estero, Inc. was incorporated.

  • April 1972 - Purchase of property finalized. The church now owns 22 lots, three buildings, a church bus, and a Pastorium.

  • Dr. Jasper Smoak served as Pastor until June 17, 1986

  • April 6, 1986 - Celebration of 25 years serving the Lord.

  • June 17, 1986 - Church called Rev. Eugene Abernathy as Pastor

  • 1992 - The Church called Rev Dale Blackburn as Pastor

  • May 18, 1997 - Ordination of Philip Joseph Campbell served as Pastor

  • January 30, 2000 - Rev. James A. Johnson called as Pastor

  • November 3, 2002 - Rev. Ray Gould started as interim Pastor.

  • January 1, 2005 - Pastor Frank Brand called as Pastor.