Our History
The birth of a Christian congregation is always the work of the Holy Spirit fulfilling the Great Commission mandate through faithful servants. As it is the case for many churches, we had a very small beginning, insignificant from the human point of view. But according to 1 Corinthians 1:27, “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty.”
The 1960s
From when she arrived in the US on May 4, 1962, the late Mrs. Mathilde Pierre worked until the following relatives were able to join her over the next 3 years: Raymonde Napoleon; her sons, Jean-Bernard & Rudolph Pierre; Claire Napoleon; Raymond and his wife Therese; Reisa; her brother Albert Napoleon; Davilmar Napoleon, Jacqueline Parent, Jacqueline Louis, Lise Coachi, Armand Parent, and Gustave and Antoinette Parent; Berthony Napoleon and Guy Napoleon. They lived in apartments at Sewall Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ.
In 1965, the late Rev. St. Phard started an official ministry among them, significantly increased the membership well beyond the group of relatives, sought sponsorship from the old Monmouth Baptist Church (MBC), and sought affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). He eventually assigned Pastor Jean-Baptiste Thomas to take his place. Subsequently, the group decided to rent a room in the YMCA on the Main Street in 1967.
The 1970s
By 1973, FFSBC was on the move, and it still owns the property at 1319 Asbury Avenue to this day. Pastor Emmanuel Ceasar led the congregation for about a year, and then he needed to relocate. Rev. Thomas then recommended Pastor Jean Guy Florival, who officially began on November 16, 1975.
The now defunct Monmouth Baptist Church was the sponsor of FFSBC’s ministry from the beginning. They were instrumental in sponsoring FFSBC to secure financing to acquire both the first and the second church buildings it owns.
The 1980s
In 1983, SBC recognized FFSBC as an affiliate. The independent incorporation allowed FFSBC to expand, offer services to the local community, create the Biblical Institute, and even adapt an international, missionary outlook. Vacation Bible School (VBS) began during the 80s and continues to attract hundreds of young people from nearby communities and churches. It represents a great opportunity for kids to be themselves, have fun together, showcase their talents, and mature in their faith.
The 1990s
We purchased the property at 412 Asbury Avenue in 1991, where we still conduct services. We also began operating Good News Radio, a community radio station. New shows are welcome, provided that they align with our evangelical framework, and mission to inform the community about such things as education, civic life, and the like. This has been a great venue for leaders from school system to communicate with parents. Asbury Park High School hosts the “Haitian School” initiative, which helps new immigrants to learn ELS and to assimilate in American Culture.
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