17531 NE Hwy 27A, Williston, FL 32696[email protected]Call or text (386) 473-4399
Faith Baptist Church logoFaith Baptist Church

Our Story

A Legacy of God's Faithfulness

A Legacy of God's Faithfulness

Faith Baptist Church is a testimony to the faithfulness of God. Since coming to Williston in March of 1974, the Lord has used this ministry to proclaim the Gospel, strengthen Christian families, and faithfully preach His Word throughout Levy County and beyond.

Founded in Williston
1974
Years of ministry
50+
Years in the Levy County Jail
Nearly 50

Our History

More than fifty years of God building a church, providing for it, and leading it one step at a time.

  1. March 1974

    1974

    The Beginning

    In March of 1974, God led Pastor Harding and his wife, Susan, to Williston, Florida, with a burden to establish a Bible-believing church where Christ would be exalted and the Scriptures faithfully preached. It was then that Faith Baptist Tabernacle began.

    From those humble beginnings, the Lord began to build a congregation committed to the authority of God’s Word. Mrs. Barker was among the church’s very first members and faithfully served alongside many others during those formative years.

    The ministry steadily grew as souls were saved, believers were discipled, and families were established in the faith.

  2. A Ministry to Families

    1975

    Williston Christian Academy

    Faith Baptist Tabernacle established Williston Christian Academy, providing a Bible-centered education for the children of Christian families throughout the area.

  3. Growing as God Provided

    1979

    The Main Sanctuary Completed

    As the congregation continued to grow, God graciously supplied the facilities needed for an expanding ministry. The main sanctuary was completed.

  4. Growing as God Provided

    1983

    The Educational Building Added

    The educational building was added, making room for the teaching ministries of a growing church family.

  5. A Ministry to Families

    1994

    The Academy Concludes

    For nearly twenty years the academy faithfully served the community. In 1994, as many church families transitioned to homeschooling, the school concluded its ministry.

    Although the academy closed, the church has continued encouraging parents to raise and educate their children according to biblical principles.

  6. Growing as God Provided

    2003

    The Fellowship Hall Completed

    The fellowship hall was completed, finishing just one day before one of Pastor Harding’s daughters was married there — a memorable reminder of God’s perfect timing.

    Each building stands today as a testimony to the prayers, sacrifices, generosity, and labor of faithful church members who invested in the Lord’s work.

  7. A Shepherd’s Heart

    50 Years

    Nearly Five Decades in the Levy County Jail

    One of the defining characteristics of Pastor Harding’s ministry was his compassion for people.

    For nearly fifty years, he ministered in the Levy County Jail, preaching the Gospel and pointing countless inmates to Jesus Christ. His unwavering commitment to reaching souls became one of the hallmarks of his ministry.

  8. 2025

    Season of Transition

    The church spent about a year relying on numerous faithful guest preachers who filled the pulpit while the congregation sought the Lord’s direction for its next pastor. It was a season marked by uncertainty, much prayer, and a sincere desire to remain steadfast in the church’s longstanding biblical convictions.

  9. God’s Perfect Timing

    Feb 2026

    An Answer Within the Hour

    After months of searching and praying, one of the faithful church leaders, a Williston Christian Academy Graduate, brother Justin Maynard contacted Pastor James Knox on February 16, 2026, asking if he knew of any men who might be interested in preaching at Faith Baptist. Within an hour, Pastor Knox responded that he had already shared the church’s information with several men.

    That very same day, Brother Jayson Hill contacted the church and offered to come preach.

  10. God’s Perfect Timing

    Mar 2026

    The First Sunday

    On March 1, 2026, Jayson preached at Faith Baptist Tabernacle for the first time. There was a new spirit of unity and excitement throughout the congregation.

  11. God’s Perfect Timing

    Apr 2026

    Yielding to the Lord

    Over the following weeks, Jayson continued preaching while the church family spent time getting to know him, his wife Merissa, and their children, Wesley and Madison. As relationships grew, so did the church’s confidence that God was leading.

    Time after time, the Lord removed obstacles that once seemed impossible to overcome. Every step reinforced the truth that His timing is always perfect.

    In late April 2026, after much prayer and seeking God’s will, Jayson expressed his willingness to accept the pastorate at Faith Baptist Tabernacle.

  12. A Fresh Start, Honoring Our History

    Today

    Faith Baptist Church

    Desiring a fresh start while honoring its history, the church continues to be known as Faith Baptist Church.

    Today, we thank God for bringing Pastor Jayson Hill, his wife Merissa, and their children, Wesley and Madison, to Faith Baptist Church. We look forward with great anticipation to what the Lord will continue to do as we seek to glorify Him, faithfully preach His Word, and reach our community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Looking Back

Looking back, we can clearly see what we often could not see in the moment. God was working behind the scenes every step of the way; preparing a shepherd, preserving a church, strengthening His people, and reminding us that His plans are always better than our own.

The journey was not without trials. There were seasons of spiritual opposition, uncertainty, and discouragement unlike anything many in our church had experienced before. Yet through every difficulty, the Lord proved Himself faithful. He sustained His church, unified His people, and graciously led us.

As we reflect on more than fifty years of ministry, our testimony remains simple:

God has been faithful.

Come Be Part of the Next Chapter

You are welcome at Faith Baptist Church. Join us this Sunday, or reach out — we would love to hear from you.

Plan Your VisitMeet Pastor Hill