As the entire country continued to heal from the deep social, financial, and spiritual wounds caused by the Civil War, so did a small community of Christians deep in the woods of Northeast Florida. Led by Reverend A.J. Clark, they sought solace, inspiration, and comfort in the arms of God. Founded in 1875, The First Baptist Church of Mandarin is believed to be the oldest church in Jacksonvilles Mandarin community.

The original wooden structured was built in 1880 deep in the woods off of State Road 13. While the luxuries common in modern day sanctuaries: air conditioning, cushioned pews, and beautiful interior appointments, were absent, the spirit of God was very much present in the midst of this small congregation.

Records of the early years are obscure and incomplete, but we do know First Baptist Church of Mandarin never closed its door and continued to grow and prosper. Early pastors included: Reverend Jackson, Reverend Farrow, Reverend K.A. Andrews, Deacon G.W. Frances (1937), J.M. Royster (1937), Reverend N.C. Tolbert (1937-1943), Reverend J.L. Dudley (1943-1945).

In 1945, under the direction of Reverend N.M. Daniels, the Church began the move towards building a larger brick building at 12107 San Jose Boulevard. Members placed the buildings cornerstone in 1950.

The next three decades brought a flurry of activity and several leadership changes. Pastors included: Reverend N.M. Daniels (1945-1958), Reverend J.L. Davis (1958-1974), Reverend William Levant (1975-1981), Reverend Charles Kemp (1981-1982), Reverend Vernon Walker (1982-1988), and Reverend David Middlebrooks (1988-1989).

Reverend Gary L. Williams Sr. was called to pastor the First Baptist Church of Mandarin in 1990. A young man full of vigor and new ideas, the church began to grow in membership and ministry. In 1991, the growing congregation facilitated the addition of a 7:30 a.m. worship service. Over the next few years, FBCM expanded not only spiritually, but also, in membership and ministry. With the addition of computerized records, weekly radio broadcasts, and outreach ministries, FBCM was quickly becoming a Mandarin community landmark. Ministries added during the early 1990s include: the Youth Choir, C.I.T.Y (Christ in Teenaged Youth), Junior Ushers, New Members Orientation, Senior Ushers, K.I.A (Kids In Action), the Hospitality/Benevolent ministry.

In 1993, FBCM purchased land at 3990 Loretto Road. In 1994, members held a ground breaking ceremony for the new FBCM facility, THE PROMISELAND. 10 months later, the FBCM moved into the current location, 3990 Loretto Road. In 1997, the Promiseland Preschool, serving children ages 6 weeks to Pre-K, opened its doors at 3990 Loretto Road. The center, under the direction of First Lady Maxine Williams, flourished. 2 years later, FBCM established the Promiseland Preschool II on Crown Point Road. Also in 1999, Pastor Gary L. Williams, Sr., founded the Promiseland Academy, a private school serving students Kindergarten through 5th grade. In 2001, the FBCM family opened the Family Life Center. Complete with dining facilities, chapel, computer lab,recording studio, and multi-media editing suites, the center serves as a recreational hub for the congregation. In 2002, the FBCM family opened a 24,000 square foot gymnasium for congregation and community. Summer 2003 marked the opening of the newly renovated sanctuary at First Baptist Church of Mandarin.