BY CAROL MOSLEY
Special to the Telegraph
Brooker Baptist Church has a rich history to celebrate. The 21 pastors over time, and countless members, have been ministering to the community for 125 years. On Oct. 12 the church will welcome the community to join with members to celebrate with music, food, a history presentation and guest speaker.
Pastor Dave Teems has been with the church since 2022. He was tired of being retired and prayed to find his next mission. He was approached at a retreat by Rhonda Roberson (daughter of local celebrity Dolly Harrell) who asked if he would be interested in becoming the pastor to Brooker Baptist Church. His divine mission revealed, he and his wife, “Eddy,” left their home in Monticello, Florida, and headed for Brooker. Eddy currently serves as the secretary.
Pastor Teems said he has been deeply heartened by the way the members and community at large pull together, especially in times of need. The former pastor, Paul Samson, passed away during COVID in 2021, and the members came together to assure his wife had a secure home to go to. The tight-knit members have been there for each other through many times of trials and tribulations.
The land for the church was originally donated by Emra Priest Ward (1836-1909), who is buried on the property along with his wife, Margaret (1846-1906) and children. His son, Thomas Phillip Ward, built the steeple for the original church. The Wards were early settlers in the area before the town was even Brooker. The Wards also donated the land for the railroad to come through, creating an economic opportunity for local farmers to ship their crops via a locomotive known as a “Peggy.”
Some of the ministries currently offered are vacation Bible school and AWANA children’s ministry. The church has also always worked closely with community’s school, collaborating on seasonal events and special programs. There is a men’s Bible and Breakfast and the monthly Birthday Celebration Lunch at Cedar River in Starke. It’s open to anyone interested in a chance to meet new people, share a meal and celebrate anyone having a birthday that month. Join in on the first Tuesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. (self-paid).
That expression of faith and joy will be on display on Oct. 12, along with a Sunday service and community repast to follow. Gospel music will fill the air with the sounds of singer and songwriter, Ben Davis. Inspiring words will come from the guest speaker, Phillip Harrington, regional catalyst from the Florida Baptist Convention.
Before the service begins at 11a.m., a history of the church will take attendees from its early beginnings in 1900 to the community supported place of worship it is today. Come at 10 a.m. for that fascinating journey. Hear testimonies of members and former members through the years.
Jerome Kelley, lifelong member, all around volunteer and unofficial church historian, will give the history presentation with the 100th year celebration video. To make this video, members brought their photos in and they were laid out on six long tables. Once the difficult task of deciding the most representative photos to use was completed, Lorna Reddish took charge of getting them put into video.
After the service, a meal will be served in the fellowship hall with the entree and beverage provided. All side dishes and desserts are a welcome accompaniment, so bring your favorite food to share. In addition to good conversation with good company, entertainment will include musical performances.
All friends are welcome. Please RSVP so that food is ordered in sufficient quantity. Call Pastor Teems at 352-485-1875 or email to [email protected] to let them know you’ll be there.
The Brooker Baptist Church is located at 17197 Bradford Ave. in Brooker.
Brooker Baptist Church at its 100th anniversary.
