The booming metropolis of Vero, which 10 years later would become Vero Beach, had a whopping population of about 300 on April 18, 1915, when Dr. James Calvin (J. C.) DuBose organized Vero Baptist Church with 15 other congregants, holding services in a tent acquired from a traveling minstrel show. DuBose had previously conducted alternating services with a Methodist minister in a school house.
“He was a circuit preacher and he came here to preach with a group of people who wanted to get together to form churches,” said Alma Lee Loy, a member since 1937, and chair of the First Baptist Church 100th Anniversary Steering Committee. “They would split it off and had services twice a month. The Baptists and the Methodists started out together; one preacher would come one time and one would come another time.”
The first of many structures built over the years was completed in 1916, just in time for Christmas, on land donated by the Indian River Farms Company.
“We have always been in this exact location,” says Loy. “We’ve been a part of this downtown area since before there was a downtown area. Through our membership we’ve been a big part of the community.”
In an excerpt from a 50th anniversary edition of “Church Chimes,” the spirit of cooperation in constructing the early buildings is evident. “Money was scarce, but mosquitoes were plentiful,” it reads. “Mr. Wood, who was a Methodist, recalls that he and Dr. DuBose did all the construction of the steeple, even to the last shingle.”
The church officially became First Baptist Church in 1935 and as membership expanded, so did the need for additional space. By 1965, Vero’s population was roughly 10,000 and church membership had grown to 1,550. Gladys Phillips, 101 years old and a member since 1925, is among its current 1,000 members.
The distinctive pink and white Georgian Colonial sanctuary was completed by Easter 1962. The original wooden buildings were torn down in 1993 to make room for future construction, including the Family Life Center and Children’s Ministry Center.
“This church has always been a mission-minded church, right from the very beginning,” says Loy. “Through the years, we’ve actually helped start a number of churches. Four of them in Indian River County were directly attributed to the efforts of First Baptist Church in order to further the Lord’s work. That’s one of the real concepts of Baptist churches; to help them grow.”
They include First Baptist Church of Wabasso, Forest Park Baptist Church (now Calvary Chapel), Glendale Baptist Church, which later sponsored Kings Baptist Church, and Sebastian Highlands Baptist Mission.
“First Baptist Church has been a great part of the community of Vero Beach throughout its history and especially through its musical history,” says Dr. Michael Carter, Minister of Music and Worship since 1996. “Every year we do Handel’s Messiah; this December will be our 46th annual performance.”
“One of my predecessors was her father,” adds Carter, pointing to Loy. George Loy volunteered 12 years as the church’s first Music Director and wife Vi sang in the choir for 53 years.
The church was the original venue for Atlantic Classical Orchestra concerts, and has also hosted concerts by the American Guild of Organists.
“We have been celebrating all year leading up to this,” says Loy of the 100th Anniversary, which features a weekend of activities April 17 to 19.
Dr. Earl Morgan, a member since 1998 and interim minster in 2014, has led a 100 Days of Prayer committee, posting a daily scripture and prayer based around the theme of the anniversary, “To God Be The Glory – Greater Things He Will Do.”
Festivities kick off at 7 p.m. Friday with a Musical Celebration, featuring the Sanctuary Choir, bell ringers and special ensembles.
On Saturday at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary, representatives of Alice and J.C. Dubose’s five children will present a history of the church with memorabilia, followed by the cutting of an anniversary cake in the Family Life Center.
“We’re going to hear from them some recollections they have of Dr. & Mrs. DuBose and Vero Beach and the early years. It’s just going to be an awesome celebration,” said Morgan. DuBose, an optometrist and founder of DuBose and Sons Jewelers, resigned in 1920, returning as interim pastor in 1929. His children and grandchildren include missionaries and ministers, a Wycliffe Bible translator and a Christian music songwriter.
The weekend concludes with a Celebratory Worship Service Sunday at 10:30 a.m. conducted by interim pastor, Dr. Al Brausam and several former pastors, followed by an anniversary luncheon.
“I’m just so excited. It’s just going to be glorious; it’s historic,” says Morgan. Loy nods her head in agreement, “It’s going to be wonderful.”
