First Baptist Church of Haines City was organized in June 1918 in a building on Railroad Street. It then moved to an old grammar school at the corner of 5th Street and Highway 17-92. Since its humble beginnings in Haines City, First Baptist Church has been one that goes where God calls. After only 3 years, in 1921, the church moved to the little bungalow that now houses the Church of God. After 8 years of construction, in 1948, the church moved into its new facility at the intersection of 1st Street and Ledwith Avenue, where it would remain for the next 44 years. During this time, the Inman Education Building was completed, signifying this church’s long history of commitment to education. In 1990, the church moved for the 5th and final time to our present location, just south of the Post Office in Haines City. In 2001, seeing the need to incorporate both a community vision and to unify the names of the Church, Preschool and Christian Academy, First Baptist Church changed its operating name to NorthRidge Church. To this day, we continue to operate as First Baptist Church of Haines City, Inc, doing business as NorthRidge Ministries. In its 92 year history, NorthRidge Church has proven it is willing to do whatever it takes to reach our community and surrounding areas for Christ. Our current ministries serve families from Haines City and many surrounding cities. Our desire is to continue to reach out to the people around us, sharing God’s love with them and attempting to provide practical assistance and guidance – to reach them where they are, and in a way they can understand. Over the past 99 years, the church has had 15 Pastors, and only 3 over the last 49 years. Dr. M. David Myers, along with his family, came to Haines City in 2004 to take the position of Senior Pastor. He and his family continue to serve this church with a desire to see Haines City and the world reached for the cause of Christ. Led by Dr. Myers, our motto, “Where Friends Become Family,” has become more than a slogan; it is a way that we function in every one of our ministries.
