Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church History

 

As we journey forward, we bare witness that nothing lies beyond the power of prayer.  Our church stands today, 113 years strong in Faith and the Holy Spirit.  It has been 113 years of Shepherd and flock working together to be that sacrifice which is our reasonable service to God.

We the members of Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church of Hastings, are the beneficiaries of a great heritage.  Ours is a Christian tradition steeped in diligent labor and noble deeds.  Gethsemane is a great church and its greatness has been exemplified throughout our illustrious church history.

One hundred and thirteen years ago, Gethsemane was founded by Reverend Moses Boegard Britton, Sr. in 1906.  The church at that time was a wooden structure.  Reverend Britton had a vision and a mind to work.  He saw the need to move the church to its present site.  The members of our church were faithful and built a beautiful edifice.  Reverend Britton, Sr. was our pastor for thirty-nine years (1906-1945).

In 1946, Reverend Moses B. Britton, Jr. became the successor to his father. Reverend Britton finished the tasks that his father established and introduced new ones to our church family.  He was our pastor for twenty-six years (1946-1972).

Reverend T.L. Holtz became the third pastor of Gethsemane in 1972.  The church was renovated under his leadership.  Reverend Holtz installed new pews and re-carpeted the church.  Reverend Holtz also served as moderator of the St. Johns River Baptist Association.  He donated a plot of his land to the Association. On the land today now stands, the T.L. Holtz Memorial Building.  Reverend T.L. Holtz remained with us for four years (1972-1976).

On July 14, 1977, Gethsemane called Reverend Jeremiah Steward as the new shepherd.  Under his leadership, the installation of central air and heating, hand railing on the steps, and the formation of the “Steward Gospel Choir” were some of the things accomplished under Revered Steward.  Pastor Steward also served as Moderator of the St. Johns River Baptist Association.  Reverend Steward remained with our church for twenty-two years, until his retirement in 2000. 

In February 2001, God sent Reverend Charles A. Ferguson to be our pastor.  Under the leadership of Pastor Ferguson, the church purchased a van for our van ministry.  A computer was purchased and church offices were remodeled.  Sister Altheia Henderson was hired as the church musician.  Reverend Michael Green and Reverend Isaac Roberts were added to our Ministerial Staff.  Under Reverend Ferguson’s leadership Robert Moore and Deacon Dodge Mayes were ordained.  Reverend Ferguson was pastor for seven years.

On June 7, 2008, our church found itself without a leader.  Our church congregation faced many tough trials in our search for a leader.  However, under the guidance of Reverend Isaac Roberts and Deacon Alex Jackson, Sr., the church remained steadfast to our goals.  

 

 

On February 16, 2009, the Reverend Rick Torrence was elected the new Pastor of Gethsemane. Since taking over the helm our church has gone through a great transformation.

 

Under the leadership of Pastor Torrence, Gethsemane became incorporated.  We saw the completion of a new baptismal pool, the extension of the choir loft, creation of a new pastoral office (on lower floor), renovation and expansion of the bathrooms, installation of an elevator and an emergency exit on the upper level.  Pastor Torrence ushered the church into the 21st century by implementing technology to track financial and membership data.  In 2018, through sacrificial giving, the church purchased 5 lots of land adjacent to the building for future expansion. 

 

Our First Lady, Karon Torrence, was ordained and installed as Co-Pastor in 2012.  Under the leading of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Torrence ordained the following to Gethsemane’s Diaconate Ministry:  Deacon Lorenzo Brown, Deacon Henry Cave, Deaconess Carol Holtz, Deaconess Patsy Jones, Deaconess Willie Mae Steward and the late Deacon Elijah Steward.  Minister Cynthia Bryant was added to the ministerial staff.

 

The music ministry was significantly enhanced with the proficiency of Deaconess Carol Holtz, Sister Stephanie Isaac, Brother Matthew Wright and Brother Vantonio Westbrook, and the late Brother Frankie Wilson and Brother Elmer Hubbert.  

 

The Men’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry and Kitchen Ministry were organized under the Torrences’ leadership.  They also provided stewardship and new member training for the congregation and provided Black History Workshops.

 

The church continues to increase its outreach ministry by actively supporting Operation Christmas Child, hosting a community-wide Vacation Bible School, Hurricane Relief efforts, the Hastings Ministerial Alliance, the Hastings Democratic Club, and new in 2019, Saturate the First Coast.  We continue to support our Sister Churches in their efforts in the ministry.  Pastor and Co-Pastor Torrence are effectively leading us through the Word in our weekly prayer meeting and bible study.  

We continue to stand on the promise made to us in II Corinthians 2:9, “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him”. To God be the Glory.

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Today is a test - update history on Saturday 102023

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