1881
In the month of August, Reverend H.Y. Gordon saw the need to establish a place of worship for a new congregation of God fearing believers, and therefore, organized “The African Missionary Baptist Church”.
1886
On August 27, land was purchased to build a Sanctuary.
1886-1947
During this sixty-one year period, God continued to bless the flock and gave them the following Shepherds who succeeded Reverend Gordon:
- Reverend J. W. Horton (deceased)
- Reverend Gilbert (deceased) who built the old sanctuary
- Reverend C. J. Smith
- Reverend J. H. Brown
- Reverend S. Harb
- Reverend J. H. Jackson
- Reverend N. A. Keeman
- Reverend W. R. Monroe
- Reverend J. L. McFarland
- Reverend E. L. Watson
- Reverend E. S. Sanders
1947
On June 1, the Lord blessed the church with Reverend T.C.Callahan as pastor.
On October 31, “The African Missionary Baptist Church” was renamed “St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church”.
Pastor Callahan eagerly faced his pastoral responsibilities with vigor, steadfastness and with a renewed spirit to do God’s will. Under his leadership, the congregation was blessed to witness some of his dreams become realities.
His accomplishments were:
- 1976 Oversaw construction of a new sanctuary
- 1977 Moved the congregation into the new sanctuary
- 1977 Ordained fourteen deacons and two ministers
- 1977 Hosted both the State and District BTU conventions and the First South Florida Association
1985
After faithfully serving his family, church and community for 38 years, on May 25, the Lord called Pastor Callahan home to receive his reward.
During the next six months Reverend Darrell Chambers served as Interim Pastor. His dedication and faithfulness to God permitted the church to move forward.
1985
In November, God gave the church to Pastor Reverend D. A. Lattimore. Through his dedicated service and under his leadership, the church experienced continued growth.
God blessed us to liquidate and burn the church mortgage.
Pastor Lattimore ordained four deacons and began renovation on the Annex.
1987
During the month of May, Pastor Lattimore was called to another congregation for service.
In the absence of a pastor, Reverend Darrell Chambers was called upon to serve as Interim Pastor. He accepted the responsibility and served faithfully for seven months until a Pastor was called.
1987
In December, God gave the church to Reverend John A. Evans, Sr. as Pastor. His dedicated commitment to promote the Kingdom work of God on earth manifested itself in his zeal, enthusiasm and his daily activities of encouraging others to come to Christ. The leadership of Pastor Evans made a profound impact upon the church and community. His accomplishments include:
- Liquidated the mortgage on the Annex
- Dedicated the Annex and gave it the name “Dr. T. C. Callahan Fellowship Hall”
- Licensed five ministers
- Ordained one minister and three deacons
- Instituted the Bread of Life Ministry
His leadership has endeavored to teach, inspire and motivate the congregation to be servants of God. His ministry has left a significant impact in the history of this great Church.
1997
On September 29, As God would have it; Pastor Evans was called to serve another congregation ending his service at St. Luke.
1997-1998
During the remainder of the year and continuing through November 1998, Minister Joseph Daley served as Interim Pastor of St. Luke.
1998-1999
In November, God gave the Church to Reverend Phil Joseph to lead the flock. Pastor Joseph’s tenure ended after thirteen months.
2000
Once again our own Reverend Darrell Chambers was called upon to serve. He served faithfully until God gave the church to Reverend Leonard Hunt as Interim Pastor on May 21.
2001-present
On Sunday, October 14, God gave the Church to Reverend Johnny M. McKinnie as Pastor. We are glad to have him as our Pastor.
Since God has called Pastor McKinnie to be the shepherd of this great church, through the teaching and outreach ministries, souls are continually being added to the fold.
Pastor McKinnie’s accomplishments include:
- Implementation of an active Evangelistic Ministry
- Upgraded lighting in the Sanctuary and a number of other physical improvements to our buildings and grounds
- Began a Senior Outreach program in conjunction with the Osceola Council on Aging with St. Luke as the site host
- Acquired seven housing units on Smith Street
- Ordained six deacons
- Licensed one minister
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
Jeremiah: 17: 7 – 8 (NIV)