Our History
The EGfirst Story
On the banks of the Indian River in Brevard County, Florida, small band of Christians had the vision to start a church. Actually, the First Baptist Church was meeting as early as 1888 but did not dedicate its building and constitute as a church until 1889.The official minutes of the First Baptist Church, Eau Gallie, Florida, for March 1889, record the actual dedication of the Church and show that S.F. Grove was the moderator. They read as follows: "Public service was held on the third Sunday in March, 1889. Dedication sermon was preached by Elder W.N. Chaudoin, the prayer by Elder H.M. Prince, Sister Eliza Miller, and Sister May Valentine. Conference was duly held and an invitation to all members of Baptist churches in good standing invited to be seated. Doors of the church were opened and Thomas Mann presented himself as candidate. After due examination he was named for baptism. On motion, adjourned S.F. Grove, Moderator. "The church has had 40 pastors of which is a record and perhaps a few for short durations who were not recorded. Each has made a unique contribution to the life of First Baptist.
The first period of the history runs from 1889-1904. Money was scarce and the congregation small. The highest number of members was 16. Yet, the people were determined. The membership had declined to 1 in 1904. Pastors Prince, Gove and Black served during these years.
The second period runs from 1905-1941 with a new spirit of enthusiasm and growth under Pastors J. Roy Geiger and J.S. Geiger who began the period. There was some decline during World War I and the Great Depression. Pastors Geiger, Hoffman, Keith, Thiat Stones, Adams, Sanders, Kazee, Blizard, B.A. Geiger, Glover, Day, McKee, McCormick, Walker, Wheeler, Quell, Bouterse, Verigan, Martin, Byerly, and Entzminger led during this period.
The third period (1942-1951) showed stability with the membership averaging about 110. Pastors May, Killebrew, Almand, Kanhe, Griffin, and Hartsfield ministered during this time.
The fourth period (1951-1971) saw a growth of the space industry and a great influx of people moving to Brevard County. Most of the present buildings were constructed during that time and two missions were started, Bowe Gardens and Lakecrest. Pastors Long, Barnes, West and Bryant served during these years.
The fifth period (1971-1992) experienced a slowing down of the space industry for several years and then a resurgence of growth in Brevard County with the future looking very promising. The Church showed steady growth and stability with no debt and a strong missions emphasis. Pastors Bugg and Kennon were the leaders during this strategic time.
In 1993 Ralph M. Nygard was called as the 40th pastor of the church. Relying on the promise of God's Word in Jeremiah 33:3 "Call unto me and I will answer you and show you great and might things, which you have not known." Pastor Nygard has led the church to experience much spiritual and numerical growth during the past 15 years of ministry. In 1997 A Long Range Plan was adopted by the church family which included the decision to relocate the church to a new 17 acre site just one mile west of the previous location on Eau Gallie Blvd. Plans were developed and the church moved to a new 40,000 square foot campus that provided Sunday School space for 600 and Worship Space for 750 on May 29, 2001 at a cost of 4.4 million. Currently, plans are being designed so that the church can continue to grow as it adds new space for the growing children's and youth ministry. God is Good!
