Rooted in Faith

History of First Institutional Missionary Baptist Church

For generations, First Institutional Missionary Baptist Church has faithfully served the Lake Wales, Florida community as a beacon of faith, hope, and service. Located at 205 D Street in the historic Northwest community, the church has remained committed to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, teaching God’s Word, strengthening families, and serving others through Christian ministry.

Throughout its history, First Institutional Missionary Baptist Church has been blessed by faithful members and dedicated leaders whose service helped shape both the church and the surrounding community. Among those leaders were James P. Austin Jr. and Jeresa Colvin Austin, two highly respected community servants whose impact extended far beyond the church walls. James P. Austin Jr. served the City of Lake Wales as a commissioner and became the city’s first African-American mayor in 1989. He was also instrumental in the development of homes throughout the Northwest community.

Jeresa Colvin Austin devoted sixty years of service to First Institutional Missionary Baptist Church as Church Clerk and later served as Superintendent of Sunday School. Her lifelong dedication to education, ministry, and community service earned her recognition as Lake Wales’ first African-American Pioneer Citizen of the Year.

Over the years, the church has stood as a spiritual anchor for generations of families, providing worship, discipleship, fellowship, outreach, and community support. Through seasons of growth and change, the congregation has remained steadfast in its mission to share the love of Christ and to be a positive influence throughout Lake Wales and Polk County.

Today, First Institutional Missionary Baptist Church continues its legacy of faith while embracing new opportunities for ministry and service. Building upon the foundation established by those who came before, the church remains committed to worshiping God, developing disciples, serving the community, and advancing the Kingdom of God for future generations.

As the church looks toward the future, it does so with gratitude for its rich heritage, confidence in God’s faithfulness, and a renewed commitment to being a light in the Lake Wales community for many years to come.

1914–Present

Our History Timeline

Honoring the faithful people, pastors, and milestones that shaped our church.

Church Pastors & Milestones