History

Gulf Gardens Baptist Church began as a mission of the Gulf Coast Baptist Association on January 3, 1954. The mission services were held in a small frame house. The house quickly became too small. The old L & N Railway Station of Mississippi City was purchased and moved to the corner of 15th Street and 38th Avenue in June, 1954. The church was constituted in July, 1956, with 182 charter members.

The Educational Building was completed in December, 1959, and plans began for a newOld Picture From Gulf Gardens auditorium. On February 12, 1961, the congregation met for the first time in their lovely new auditorium for the dedication. That evening was historic in that it was the first time that a baptismal service was held. Twenty-eight people were baptized. The church by-laws and constitution were adopted in 1960. The old depot was sold and moved away after Hurricane Camille in 1969.

Gulf Gardens Baptist Church continues to be a beacon for the community in a prime location. Each day, literally hundreds of people pass by the church. Shortly before the fall of Hurricane Katrina, the membership feared the church would close. Since the storm, the church is thriving and is light to all who enter. The membership reached out to the community distributing food, water, clothing, baby formula and diapers, toiletries, and other necessities.

Gulf Gardens Baptist Church will celebrate their fiftieth anniversary on July 30, 2006 as a church. We would love to have all who see this join us in a celebration of God’s faithfulness. We continue to be a church where Jesus is Lord and people are loved.