Wekiwa Springs Baptist Church has been a part of the Apopka community for over fifty years.
The church was started as a Sunday School Mission of Lockhart Baptist Church, by Ray and Donna Kennedy. After their baptism into Lockhart Baptist Church, he soon became the Sunday School Superintendent. He later, with the approval of the church, started a Sunday School Mission on Wekiwa Springs Road. The Sunday School Mission grew and on November 9, 1953, eight people were baptized by the Pastor of Lockhart Baptist. There were other baptisms, and the Sunday School began to grow. Soon there was a need for a larger place. At that time, they were using the garage at the home of Bob and Nita Gibbs.
A new chapel was built, and Brother Kennedy was ordained in 1954 and became the pastor of Wekiwa Springs Baptist Mission. The Mission soon outgrew the chapel, and Milford White and his wife donated the current property to the church. The chapel was moved to the back of the property and used as a fellowship hall and nursery, and a tent was erected on the front of the property. The congregation soon filled it. God’s blessings were flowing and shortly thereafter the need for a new building was evident. Lockhart Baptist borrowed $2,000 from the Baptist State Board in Jacksonville without interest and later paid it back in full, and the work began.
Most of the work was done by the church members and their families. The men would work on their jobs during the day and work on the church half the night. Many Friday nights were filled with work that was done by those who did not have to work on Saturday’s. They tolled all night with the women serving them breakfast and the next morning along with lunches every Saturday. The children who were old enough to do so carried material to the men. It was an effort of the whole family.
There was also help by others. A man by the name of C. W. Rakes installed all the wiring without charge, and another man named Elmer Jones who was known for lending a helping hand to many churches came to help and spread the word to others. The church received it’s first piano from Mrs. L.C. Newton.
The Wekiwa Springs Baptist Mission was organized into a church on April 12, 1957, with a membership of sixty-three.
“You will make many decisions throughout your life, but there is no decision more important than turning your life over to Jesus and allowing him to be the Lord of your life. This decision alone will determine your eternal destiny,” stated Wekiwa Springs Baptist Church Pastor Mike Davis.
“We would be thrilled and honored if you would allow us to share the love of our Lord Jesus Christ with you. We would like to show you that wonderful love in a very personal way by joining us for one of our worship services. We’re a friendly church that loves people. We would be happy to meet you and your family and prove that you matter to God, and you matter to us.”
Wekiwa Springs Baptist Church is conveniently located at 584 N. Wekiwa Springs Road, Apopka, Florida. Sunday school starts at 9 am., Sunday morning worship begins at 10:15. Sunday evening worship is at 6:00 pm, and Wednesday worship starts at 6:00 pm. Children’s worship and activities are available for grades one through four and fifth grade.
Please call 407-886-7864 for more information or visit their website at www.wsbcapopka.com
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