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About Us
Andrew McCray
Senior Pastor
Our Staff
History
Our History
It all began in February 1972 when a small handful of Christians got together to discuss starting a new church. At that time Pasco was the fastest growing county in the state. There were not enough schools or churches to accommodate all the people and their needs.
God brought together five couples and a few children. The list was as follows: Elmer and Angie Graham, John and Ruth Hinton, Ray and Florence Murray, Ken and Aletha Majors, Courtland and Delma Young with their three youngest children, Sherry Gayle, Kris and Lora Lee. Working with the Southern Baptist Convention in Florida and Pasco County, Land was provided after a survey of the area was made to know how many Baptists were in the area.
We had to have a “Mother Church” to sponsor us. A church to the east of Hudson, our area, agreed to be our sponsor. This was Amelia Baptist Church at Darby. With their help and encouragement, the work began. Our Associational Missions Director, LeRoy Boatright and his wife, Bessie were added to our little group.
One of the deacons at Amelia Baptist was a building contractor. He brought his crew, and they built a small building which became Hicks Road Baptist Chapel. This building is now used for our fellowship hall. We thank Sam Bates for his willingness to bring his workers, and build us a place to worship and serve the Lord.
Our next step was to get a pastor. Brother Roy was still expected to take care of his duties as Area Missions Director. After much prayer we went up to Cedar Key to hear a pastor that had been recommended to us. Brother Grady Weeks was invited to come and preach a series of meetings for our church. After hearing him, and getting acquainted with him and his wife Inez, we decided he was God’s man for the church. He was glad for the opportunity to serve in our community, and the church grew quickly. He served as our pastor those first years, and was a blessing to the church and the community.
A young man from Mississippi was the second pastor. He was Stacey Summers, just fresh out of seminary. He was only with us a year when he resigned. Curtis Bowen was our third pastor. He also served just one year. Pastor Buddy T. Mathis followed next. He was pastor when the sanctuary was built. Richard Maxwell was next followed by interim pastor Nolan Pierce. Solomon Whitten became pastor for more than ten years. After he left, Pastor Buddy T. Mathis was called to be our pastor again. God called him home to heaven on August 13, 2005. His assistant pastor, Andrew McCray is now serving as interim pastor.
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