It’s been four years since members of First Baptist Church Jacksonville sold their north campus to Jacksonville State University, four years since their combined congregations started meeting in their EaglePoint campus (part of the church since 2008) and three years since they bought new land.
Now they’re ready to move forward as one — and have marked July 19 as groundbreaking day. The ceremony will be 5–7 p.m.
The church’s new property is a land-locked 46 acres, which pastor Derek Staples is grateful to preserve as a gift for many FBC generations to come.
“Whatever God puts in their hearts, they’ll be able to do,” he said.
State-of-the-art campus
Staples said the new building will house a state-of-the-art kids and youth wing, a big commons area and fellowship hall with an anterior café. However, the permanent worship center is not part of phase one.
He expects it to be complete by 2030. Until then, the congregation with around 500 in Sunday morning attendance will worship in two services in what will become the permanent youth worship area. This space can comfortably fit 350 people.
While church leadership and members had hoped to walk into their new building debt-free, a legal dispute with adjoining land owners — and the difference in costs following a few years of delay due to the litigation — means about one-third of the $14 million project will be paid off over time.
‘Hopeful and trusting’
Staples remains hopeful and trusting in the Lord’s provision, calling the debt “manageable,” noting the revenue from the future sale of the EaglePoint campus will go toward the remaining balance.
The congregation has maintained unity throughout the process, he added.
“They have strived for a oneness that speaks to the gospel,” Staples said. “As a pastor, I just don’t want to mess it up!”
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