Rev. Dr. Darien K. Bolden Sr.
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Our pastor, since 1997

Rev. Dr. Darien K. Bolden Sr.

A son of Jacksonville. A graduate of Florida Theological Seminary. Pastor of the Historic First Missionary Baptist Church since June 1, 1997.

1997Called to First Missionary
2000Florida Theological Seminary
2014Master of Divinity

His story

Called to Fernandina Beach in 1997.

Rev. Dr. Darien K. Bolden Sr. is a native of Jacksonville, Florida, the twelfth of twelve children born to the late Samuel and Corlean Bolden. He grew up in Duval County schools and graduated from Andrew Jackson Senior High School before attending Florida Community College of Jacksonville.

He answered the call to First Missionary Baptist Church on June 1, 1997, and has pastored this historic congregation ever since. Under his leadership the church restored its 1874 sanctuary, renovated the parsonage, remodeled the consecration room and music rehearsal suite, raised a new steeple over 9th Street, and placed a Florida Heritage marker out front so the whole city could read its story.

He completed his formal theological training at Florida Theological Seminary in Lakeland, Florida, graduating in the Class of 2000. The seminary conferred an honorary doctorate on him in May 2011, and on July 20, 2014 he earned the Master of Divinity from Florida Theological Seminary and Bible College.

Beyond the pulpit, Pastor Bolden is a convention leader and a civic one. He has served the Florida General Baptist Convention as Third Vice President and board member, led the Baptist Ministers Conference of Duval and adjacent counties as President, and moderated the Union St. James Baptist Association, whose Monday morning prayer calls still gather this congregation by phone each week.

"The church in the heart of the city, with a desire to be in the hearts of all people."
The vision he has led under since 1997
Come hear him preach Watch a recent message

Our First Lady

First Lady Renee’ E. Bolden.

Leading Lady of First Missionary since 1997
6th Grand Worthy Matron, Jerusalem Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliated, State of Florida and its Jurisdiction

For more than 28 years, Sister Bolden has served faithfully alongside her husband, Pastor Darien K. Bolden Sr., as Leading Lady of First Missionary Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach, a role she fulfills with grace, compassion, and love.

She was born in Jacksonville, Florida, to the late James Monroe Jr. and Lucille Pough, and reared in love among three siblings. She is the devoted mother of three and the joyful grandmother of four, one of her most cherished circles of love.

Educated in the schools of Duval County, she graduated with the Jean Ribault High School Class of 1983 and earned her Associate of Arts degree from the University of Florida in May 1985. With a heart committed to service, she answered a higher call and joined the United States Marine Corps that June. Her training at Parris Island and advanced instruction at Aberdeen Proving Ground prepared her for her role as a Small Arms Repair Coordinator, serving with honor at Camp Lejeune and earning the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

In 2009 she completed her Bachelor of Social Science, with a minor in Psychology, at Jacksonville University. She has spent more than 40 years working in finance and accounting.

First Lady Renee’ E. Bolden
First Lady Renee’ E. BoldenLeading Lady of First Missionary since 1997

Faith, resilience, and divine protection

Every sunrise is a gift.

Her personal journey is a living testament to the power of faith. After watching her son battle Stage III Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and enduring her own fight with Stage II breast cancer, she adopted the scripture that anchors her soul.

Now a seven-year survivor, she reminds all who meet her that every sunrise is a gift and every step is an opportunity for kingdom building.

“This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24

A life of service

Distinguished, in the church and beyond it.

On October 25, 2025, Sister Bolden was elevated by the grace of God and the will of the Craft to become the 6th Grand Worthy Matron of Jerusalem Grand Chapter. A woman of resilience, dignity, and unwavering faith, she continues to exemplify the virtues of Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha, and Electa, reminding us to “Always Remember Essential Members Exists.”

Ministry

  • Leading LadyFirst Missionary Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach, since 1997
  • 1st Vice PresidentUnion St. James Missionary Baptist Association
  • FounderJacksonville Association of Ministers’ Wives and Widows
  • MemberFlorida State and International Ministers’ Wives and Widows

Order of the Eastern Star and affiliated bodies

  • 6th Grand Worthy MatronJerusalem Grand Chapter, OES, PHA, 2025
  • Past Worthy MatronEJC #4, Order of the Eastern Star
  • Past Most Ancient MatronDaughters of Light #177, Heroines of Jericho
  • Royal MatronGenesis Court #1, Ladies of the Circle of Perfection
  • PrincessLane Mathis Bryan Guild #19, Heroines of the Templar Crusaders
  • Loyal LadyGT McCall #22, Order of the Golden Circle
  • DaughterRabia Court #25, Daughters of the Imperial Court

Service and study

  • United States Marine CorpsSmall Arms Repair Coordinator, Camp Lejeune. Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
  • Jacksonville UniversityBachelor of Social Science, minor in Psychology, 2009
  • University of FloridaAssociate of Arts, 1985
  • Jean Ribault High SchoolClass of 1983
  • Finance and accountingMore than 40 years

Hear him this Sunday

Morning Worship, 10:15 AM.

20 S. 9th Street, Fernandina Beach. Streamed live on YouTube and Facebook for everyone else.

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