During the early years of Black Baptist in Florida, many churches flourished as early as 1834. They founded their own churches before and after the Civil War. As a result of these changes towards independence, a new society was established. Blacks, from the north and south of Florida stepped up the process of organizing new churches while molding a cooperative movement among them. The Pastors saw the need for affiliation and cooperation among the churches which lead to the organization of societies and associations. The District Associations were organized to serve the needs of the local churches in providing the fellowship for functioning within the Body of Christ.

The leaders soon sought to organize for even more cooperation among the churches, as well as the need for a unified program among the various associations. As a shift in the population and economics occurred throughout the Florida, the need for change arose.

It is interesting to note that in Tampa, during the 39th Session of the General Baptist State Convention, Rev. R.H. Pittman along with other Pastors withdrew and formed a temporary organization called the Progressive Baptist Convention. This newly formed group met at a called session on July, 1913 at the First African American Church in Green Cove Springs to organize permanently with the first President, Reverend Robert H. Pittman and other officers being elected.

The first annual session of the Progressive Baptist Convention was held in March, 1914 with the Mt. Gilboa Baptist Church in Bartow. This newly formed organization based its purposes upon the urgency to respond to unmet needs of district associations and local churches outside the fellowship of a convention. Thus, the work began……

God has smiled upon this convention as it progressed with purpose over the years under the dynamic leadership of great men of God and a focused community of Pastors inclusive of:

Rev. Robert H. Pittman Rev. Dr. John E. Ford Rev. Lawrence N. Anderson Rev. Charles J. Smith Rev. Dr. James Carl Sams Rev. F.G. Hilton Rev. Dr. H.T. Rhim Rev. Dr. N. S. Sanders Rev. Dr. Bartholomew Banks, Sr.

1913-1915 1915-1920 1920-1922 1922-1951 1951-1985 1985-1986 1986-1996 1996-2006 2006-Present

It is with joyful hearts that we give Glory and honor to God for the years of progress and stability in staying firm and committed to our charge of Mission and Education, Out-Reach and Evangelism. Through God’s direction, we are ever mindful to continue to do His will.

O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home!

Under the shadow of Thy throne, Still may we dwell secure,
Sufficient is Thine arm alone, And our defense is sure.

O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guide while life shall last, And our eternal home!

–Excerpts from “A Comprehensive History of the Progressive Missionary and Educational Baptist State Convention of Florida, Incorporated” authored by Mrs. Altermese Smith Bentley—