Once known as First Missionary Baptist Church, Landmark Baptist Church has a unique story. It all began with Bill Edmonston. He founded the church in November 1958.
Early meetings took place in a local VFW hall. The church thrived. In July 1959, Landmark Baptist Church acquired its own building. Fifty charter members formed its foundation.
Pastor Edmonston later received a call to another ministry. Jimmy Walker and Paul Crouch then served as pastors. In 1967, Edmonston returned and a new auditorium was completed the following year. In 1970, Edmonston accepted a church position in Tallahassee.
December 23, 1970 marked a pivotal moment. Mickey Carter was unanimously chosen as pastor. His first Sunday on January 3, 1971 saw 37 attendees at Sunday school. Growth was steady.
In 1972, Landmark Baptist Church decided to start a Christian day school. Within weeks, classrooms opened. They were adjacent to the main auditorium’s east side. Around 30 students enrolled ranging from kindergarten to third grade.
Attendance increased rapidly. A new auditorium was constructed in 1974. It sat on property next to the old auditorium and day school. The first Sunday service held on August 11 saw 706 people attending.
Plans for a summer youth camp emerged that year. A Landmark member donated ten acres. Pastor Carter and church members began clearing the land. The first “Camp Glory” session occurred in August 1975. Landmark later bought 40 more acres. A church member covered the payment before it was due. The camp now spans 50 acres. It sits a few miles northeast of the main church. Junior Camp takes place in June for 2nd through 6th graders. Teen Camp is in July for 7th through 12th graders.
The Christian day school expanded to include 12th grade by 1975. The summer of 1976 brought needed land adjacent to the main auditorium. On June 6 that year, Landmark raised $100,000. This money made the down payment on the property possible. It also funded the gymnasium and classrooms.
In 1979, First Missionary Baptist Church became Landmark Baptist Church. The name change came from Proverbs 22:28. The verse reads “Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.”
That same year, Pastor Carter felt compelled to establish a college. It would uphold the church’s founding principles. The college initially operated east of the main auditorium.
1979 also marked the start of an outreach program for senior citizens. Originally “Super Sixties,” the Senior Patriots met on Saturdays. They met from November through March for preaching, singing, fellowship, and lunch. Day trips to local attractions were also included.
A radio ministry began in 1971. It featured a 15-minute question and answer segment. This aired each Sunday morning on a local AM station. In 1973, Dr. Carter began broadcasting the morning worship service. In the early 80s Landmark was forced off the air. A member purchased the station and gave it to Landmark. On April 6, 1986, WLVF began broadcasting. Its call letters stood for “We’re Landmark’s Voice of Faith”.
Landmark Baptist Christian Retirement Village opened in 1985. The village sits west of the church. It includes 78 privately owned homes. A chapel hosts Bible studies and special events.
The auditorium balcony expanded in 1987. This accommodated the growing church membership.
In 1989, Landmark added a fellowship hall. It stood adjacent to the back of the auditorium. The hall included a commercial kitchen and cafeteria.
In 1990, the 90.3 FM frequency joined the radio ministry. Gospel 90.3 became a favorite in Central Florida. A Spanish ministry began in 1992. It was called Iglesia Bautista Landmark. As attendance grew, the auditorium was enlarged in 1996.
In 2021 Pastor Mickey Carter became Pastor Emeritus completing 50 years of faithful service. Pastor Barry Parsons became the pastor of Landmark Baptist Church.