The genealogical roots of the church reach as far back as 1919. A humble beginning with a few people on the comer of Fifth and Davis (Quitman Hall), known as Bush Harbor. Under the direction of Reverend C. G. Gordon, this group was known as St. Mary's Baptist Church. In 1930, Reverend J. W. Barlow was called. He served faithfully until he passed, after which Reverend F. Peterkin was called. Rev. Peterkin moved the church body to Duval & Madison Street and changed the name to "Bright Hope". The church body grew and a new site was soon found on Dewitt and Union Street. Rev. Peterkin moved on to answer another call after three years, and his assistant, Rev. Taylor carried on for three more years.
In 1936, Reverend J. M. Bing was called. After having visited the great Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York City, as an evangelist, he renamed the body once again to what is now known as Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church. Realizing the need of a larger edifice, because the body was expanding so fast, he recommended a younger man who he felt the energy, ability, and a "called of God" in the person of the Reverend K. D. Mitchell. Reverend Mitchell accepted the challenge, put his hand to the plow, and immediately went to work with his flock to doing the work of the Lord. They remodeled what they had, while laying the ground work to build on the corner of Dewitt and Union Street. They labored faithfully for ten years growing spiritually and financially. Under the leadership of the Reverend K. D. Mitchell, the members were able to see their new structure going up at last. However, it was not the Will of the Lord that Rev. Mitchell would see the new building finished. Rev. K. D. Mitchell was called home on January 21, 1950.
On April 4, 1950, the Reverand B. L. Wynn accepted the call to pastor Abyssinia. In 1
969, the government purchased the church site on Dewitt and Union Street to build a Post Office building. This forced Abyssinia to move, and saddened many hearts of the members, but didn't stop the church from moving on. On October 25, 1970, the church temporarily moved to Broad and First Street in a store front building. Then on December 20, 1970, ground breaking for the new church on Division and Kings Road was held, and construction began the next day. Abyssinia gracefully and thankfully marched into their new building on June 6, 1971. Rev. B. L. Wynn pastored Abyssina until February 5, 1982 when the Lord called him home and said job well done.
In November of 1984, the Reverend Tom E. Diamond accepted the call to pastor Abyssinia. On November 25, 1984, Reverend Diamond preached his first sermon to the church family, and on March 24, 1985, Reverend Diamond was installed as pastor of Abyssinia accepting the charge from Rev. Allen Paul Weaver, Pastor of Bethesda Baptist Church in New Rochelle, New York. In October of 1998, the Reverend Eugene Diamond was installed as Co-Pastor of the Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church. His title was later changed to Pastor in 2002.
In November of 1999, the church purchased 10 acres of land on the Northside of Jacksonville at Interstate Drive and 1-95. Our new sanctuary is open and we want you to come and worship with us. Our address is 10325 Interstate Center Drive.
