Shores Baptist Worship Center
- (352) 687-1048
First Baptist Church of Silver Springs Shores, initially known as “Shores Baptist Chapel,” was established in 1975 as a mission sponsored by the Marion Baptist Convention. In February 1978, it transitioned to become a mission of the First Baptist Church of Ocala. The inaugural worship service took place on January 19, 1975, at the Mid-State Federal building, located at the corner of Highway 464 and Water Road. Sixteen people attended the service, which was led by Pastor Clyde Harless, the Associational Missions Director for the
On October 26, 1997, following the morning worship service, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new sanctuary was held. The event was attended by 150 members and friends. Sister Pamela Halsey led the congregation in song. The “Challenge to Build” fundraising program concluded successfully with a banquet, totalling pledges of $147,314 over three years. Construction of the new sanctuary began in November 1997 and was completed by October 25, 1998.
Marion Baptist Association. Between 1978 and 1987, the church experienced rapid growth in both attendance and contributions. This period of expansion led to the appointment of four pastors and underscored the need for a new sanctuary. In 1987, First Baptist Church of Silver Springs appointed Arthur Hoff as pastor. By 1997, plans for a new sanctuary were finalized, and the “Challenge to Build” fundraising program was launched. In 1995, under the leadership of Pastor Arthur Hoff, the congregation began researching and adopting plans for a new sanctuary. The congregation officially voted to construct a building that would include a sanctuary, a conference and rehearsal room, and two offices.
The following members were selected: Deacon Sylvester Denton, Deacon Lloyd Brooks, Deacon Audley Mclean, Sister Ala Leist, and Sister Bernice McDonald. After careful deliberation, in August 2005, Minister Harold N. Garner, Jr., from New St. John Missionary Baptist Church of Ocala, was selected to fill the pastoral position at Shores Baptist Worship Center. And on September 24, 2005, Reverend Harold N. Garner, Jr. was installed as the new pastor of Shores Baptist Worship Center and is currently serving the church and the community of Silver Spring Shores in that capacity.
In the years that followed, several significant changes took place. In October 2003, the church adopted a new mission statement: “People reaching people through the power of God’s love” and changed its name to Shores Baptist Worship Center. In December 2004, Pastor Arthur Hoff resigned after seventeen years of dedicated service to the church and the Silver Springs Shores community. In the subsequent months, Deacon Sylvester Denton maintained the church with pulpit supply from Marion Baptist Association. Eventually, the congregation selected and organized a pastor search committee.
The following members were selected: Deacon Sylvester Denton, Deacon Lloyd Brooks, Deacon Audley Mclean, Sister Ala Leist, and Sister Bernice McDonald. After careful deliberation, in August 2005, Minister Harold N. Garner, Jr., from New St. John Missionary Baptist Church of Ocala, was selected to fill the pastoral position at Shores Baptist Worship Center.
On September 24, 2005, Reverend Harold N. Garner, Jr. was installed as the new pastor of Shores Baptist Worship Center and is currently serving the church and the community of Silver Spring Shores in that capacity.
Trust the Holy Spirit to move in power as you disciple the congregation through faithful preaching. “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”
~ 2 Timothy 4:2 ~