The Bethel Church (formerly Bethel Baptist Institutional Church) is a historically-black Baptist megachurch in Jacksonville, Florida, in the United States. Founded in 1838, it is the city's oldest Baptist congregation.

In July, 1838, the Reverend James McDonald of Georgia came to Jacksonville, then a young but growing settlement in northeast Florida on the St. Johns River, and established the first Baptist congregation in the city (Davis p. 401).

Bethel Baptist Institutional Church is the oldest Baptist church congregation in the state of Florida. At the end of the Civil War, Bethel Baptist Church was recognized by the court in Jacksonville to be a black church, but the history of this church extends well beyond the 1860s to the 1830s and its initial founding. Instituted in 1838 by ...

In 1910, the parishioners celebrated the opening of the third church with great fanfare. This is the beautiful House of God that now rises over downtown Jacksonville. The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception has a rich history as one of the oldest Catholic Church’s in north Florida.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla — On Sunday, Bethel Baptist Church in downtown Jacksonville celebrated its 185th year anniversary as Florida’s oldest Baptist church. “It speaks to our imprint and impact...

Jan 26, 2024 · Bethel Baptist Institutional Church (Bethel Baptist Church) is the oldest Baptist congregation in Jacksonville, Florida. In July, 1838, the Reverend James McDonald established the first Baptist congregation in Jacksonville, Florida.

Bethel Baptist Institutional Church is the oldest Baptist church congregation in the state of Florida. At the end of the Civil War, Bethel Baptist Church was recognized by the court in Jacksonville to be a black church, but the history of this church ext...

Bethel Baptist Institutional Church of Jacksonville is one of the oldest Baptist churches in the state. With 12,000 members, it is also one of the largest congregations in the United States. Established as the First Baptist Church, the congregation now uses the name Bethel Baptist Institutional Church.

Nov 13, 2023 · The oldest predominately African American church in Florida celebrated its 185th anniversary. The Bethel Church congregation came together in Downtown Jacksonville and celebrated Sunday to honor its rich history, the past and present — …

The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is a historic Catholic church in Downtown Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. A parish church in the Diocese of St. Augustine, it represents Jacksonville's oldest Catholic congregation.