About Our Church
Our Vision
We will carry God's word to the hurting and the lost; helping people build a strong relationship with God, with unwavering love and a commitment to a kingdom building church. We will also teach, coach, and train the next level of warriors for the spreading of the Gospel to defeat the enemy in any way possible.
Our Mission
We are here to provide a word that will meet people at their need (ref. Acts 13:15 NLT).
OUR HISTORY
In the year of 1880, Bethel Baptist (St. Nicholas) was organized as an offspring of the Bethel Baptist Institutional church located in downtown Jacksonville. The Church was founded in the St. Nicholas area and the family of the late Deacon Thomas donated the land. Among the pioneer Ministers was Rev. Oliver, Rev. Bonaport, Rev. Murrow, Rev. Gatlin and Rev. Graison. Under the leadership of Rev. Graison, it was felt by the members that the Church should be in a better location to serve the needs of the members at large. Therefore, the Church was moved to its present location, 2606 San Diego Road, the corner of Bethel Court, and San Diego Road. Pastors prior to 1993 were Rev. H. Shaw, Rev. W. Payton, Rev. Pelican, Rev. G. H. Philips, Rev. S. L. Badger, Rev. S. Love, Rev. D. Johnson, Rev. W. L. Jordan, Rev. R. Walker, Rev. W.O. Granger, and Rev. Baker.
Rev. Dr. Richard William Jackson was called as Pastor in February 1993. He served faithfully for 17 years until he went home to be with the Lord on August 15, 2010. During his tenure, Pastor Jackson had a vision to purchase the property next door to build a Fellowship Hall and God granted his request. The Fellowship Hall was completed and dedicated on August 29, 2010 in Pastor Jackson’s honor. After Pastor Jackson’s death, Rev. Andrew Sims, Sr. who was faithfully serving as Assistant Pastor was called and became the Pastor of St. Nicholas Bethel Baptist Church on September 30, 2010. He served through March 29, 2018.
There was a shift in the atmosphere. The people of God listened to the voice of God as He moved mightily in calling our present Pastor, Rev. Carl C. Patterson on January 10, 2019 as Pastor Elect; and was installed on February 23, 2019. A dynamic teacher, singer, percussionist and most importantly a preacher who will stand on the promises of God. Rev. Patterson proclaims preaching is the spoken communication with a view to persuasion dealing with matter, manner, and purpose. While serving as Pastor Elect, Rev. Patterson incorporated a Praise Team and Musician along with 12 members who joined St. Nicholas Bethel Baptist Church under his leadership prior to the installation. God has called a visionary, teaching us to “Trust the Process”.