Watch an explanatory history of Greater Fort Missionary Baptist Church as told by Reverend Mayberry.

Fort Clarke was originally a US Army post during the third Seminole War. After the Seminole War ended the fort eventually became a settlement establishing a post office on May 26, 1840. It was discontinued on July 30, 1858. In February 1864 Capt. W.E Chambers camped at Fort Clarke just before the battle of Gainesville. During the time of Chief Osceola, blacks and Indians were slaves and could be seen running through these same woods. At the same time Commander Henry Clarke of the 5th US Infantry and his soldiers quartered here at the fort. It was built as an outpost and supply base for troops in the area and was subsequently named after the Commander. As the fort was converted into a church it retained the name. It was originally an all-white congregation.

After the Emancipation Proclamation J.H Stringfellow, a pro-slavery leader, turned the church over to black former slaves who possibly had been allowed to attend services there as slaves. Therefore, the name of one of the first settlements in this area is preserved in this church and is so stated on the historical marker in the front yard of the church. Based on this Fort Clarke Church could be one of the oldest black churches in Florida. Other areas around the church that are also embodied in history are Fort Clarke Forest, Fort Clarke Middle School, Grace United Methodist Church at Fort Clarke and Fort Clarke Blvd.

Though not confirmed, Fort Clarke could possibly be the daughter church of First Baptist Church of Gainesville. During the early years baptisms were done in a pond across the street on property that was owned by the church. That property was later swapped for the land where the church now sits.

Throughout the years Fort Clarke Baptist Church has been known to have had many great singers such as Leo Stoney, Sr. and Mayola Chatman. In the past the choir was called upon many times to perform at state conventions, unions, churches and associations.

It was also known to have some dynamic preachers. Some of the men and women who are the foundation of this church are:

  • Rev. Squire Long, whose wife, along with Annie Fleming-Cook (mother of Dea. McKinley & Bro. Jonell), started the home mission to help those in need.
  • Rev. R.P. Pointer who was said to be such a powerful preacher that white people would stop by and listen at the windows to hear him preach.
  • Rev. W.A. Miles built the church where it stands today. He was a gifted preacher and singer. He was also ahead of his time because he accepted women as preachers when it was not popular to do so.
  • Rev. O.E. Harris who once baptized over 20 people at one time. His wife, Emma, created the first youth choir.
  • Rev. Christine Henry- Nattiel was the first female pastor’s assistant and the first ordained Baptist female preacher in the state.
  • Rev. Willie WG Mayberry was the youngest pastor to be accepted in the Florida General Baptist Convention and youngest official of the Jerusalem Association.
  • Rev. Daniel McNish who under his leadership, the church added the fellowship hall where we prepare meals and show our love for one another as we break bread together.
  • Rev. Hubert Brown who with his love for music, took the gospel choir to many places, with the most memorable journey to Penn New Jersey.
  • Elder J.W. Honeysucker who established the first missionary outreach program called Fresh Start for feeding the needy and homeless on a weekly basis.

Other pastors who have served are Rev. Ambrose Welch, Rev. John O’Neal, Rev. Burrell Rutledge, Rev. A.C. Douglas, Rev. Adam Cromwell, Rev. Willie R. Holmes, and of course our current shepherd, Pastor Stacey Graham who teaches us that even in the midst of a pandemic we can still praise God.

Greater Fort Clarke Missionary Baptist Church is extremely proud of its rich history and legacy. We firmly believe that “Upon this Rock” Christ has built this church and “The Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it”.