Rev. Dr. Darien K. Bolden Sr. and First Lady Renee’ E. Bolden
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Plan your visit

Your first Sunday, step by step.

Walking into a new church takes a little courage. Here is everything you might wonder about, so the only surprise is how welcome you feel.

Sundays 10:15 AM20 S. 9th StreetCome as you are
  • WhenSundays, 9:00 AM Church School · 10:15 AM Worship
  • How longAbout ninety minutes
  • What to wearWhatever you have on. Come as you are.
  • ChildrenWelcome everywhere, with classes at 9:00
  • ParkingFree on the street, right outside
  • GivingNever expected, always welcome

Before you arrive

We are the white steeple on 9th Street.

Four blocks south of Centre Street in the historic district, between Ash and Beech. You will see the Florida Heritage marker out front and the steeple above the oaks.

  • Address20 S. 9th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
  • Sundays9:00 AM Church School Institute · 10:15 AM Morning Worship
  • ParkingStreet parking on 9th Street and the surrounding blocks. Arrive ten minutes early and you will have your pick.
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Getting here

  • From I-95Take exit 373 and follow A1A (State Road 200) east about fourteen miles onto the island. A1A becomes South 8th Street in town. Turn right on Ash Street, then right on South 9th. We are just ahead, with the heritage marker out front.
  • From the beach sideHead to downtown Fernandina on Atlantic Avenue. Turn left on South 9th Street, one block east of 8th. We are the second block down.
  • On footFrom the shops on Centre Street, walk four blocks east to 9th Street and one block south. About eight minutes.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

When you walk in

A Sunday at First Missionary.

9:00Sunday morning

Church School Institute

Classes for every age meet in the Emma B. Delaney Fellowship Hall. It is the easiest place to meet people in a small setting before the full service.

10:15Sunday morning

Morning Worship Experience

Praise and worship, a hymn, the responsive reading, giving, prayer, and the preached Word from Pastor Bolden. Expect to be there about ninety minutes, and expect it to go by fast.

AfterStay a minute

Say hello

Pastor and First Lady Bolden greet guests after service, and if you would like to talk, pray, or ask about joining, this is the moment.

Order of worship

What happens, in the order it happens.

A typical Sunday morning at First Missionary, from the first song to the benediction.

  1. Praise and Worship
  2. Hymn
  3. Responsive Reading
  4. Doxology
  5. Welcome and Announcements
  6. Worship through Giving
  7. Altar Call Prayer
  8. Song of Preparation
  9. The Preached Word
  10. Invitation to Discipleship
  11. Benediction

A warm welcome

Someone is already looking forward to meeting you.

Hospitality is not a program here. It is the people. From the moment you reach the door, someone will be glad to see you, help you find a seat, and make sure you feel at home.

Come as you are, and come expecting family.

Let us know you are coming
First Missionary Baptist Church seen from South 9th Street
20 S. 9th Street, where the welcome beginsPhotograph: Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0

Good to know

The questions everybody has and nobody asks.

What should I wear?

Come as you are. Many of our members dress in their Sunday best, and you are welcome to, but nobody is checking. You will be greeted the same in a suit or in jeans.

How long is the service?

Plan on about ninety minutes from 10:15. Church School Institute at 9:00 runs about an hour before that, if you would like to come early.

Is there something for my children?

Yes. Church School Institute has classes for every age, children included, in the Fellowship Hall at 9:00 AM. During worship, families sit together in the sanctuary, and little noises are part of the joyful noise.

Am I expected to give?

As our guest, there is no expectation to give. For our church family, generosity is an expression of worship and a way we care for our neighbors in Fernandina Beach. If you feel led to participate, you're welcome to give during service with cash or online through ShareFaith, Cash App, or Zelle.

Will I be singled out as a visitor?

You will be welcomed warmly during the announcements, and you can stand or stay seated, whatever feels right. Nobody is put on the spot.

Can I watch online first?

Absolutely. Every Sunday service streams live on YouTube and Facebook, and replays stay up. Watch a recent service and come when you are ready.

I need prayer before Sunday. What do I do?

Send a request any time through the prayer page, call the church at (904) 261-5548, or join the Union St. James prayer calls every Monday from 6:00 to 6:15 AM: the women's line at (978) 990-5274 (code 8793234#) and the men's line at (848) 220-3100 (code 05052025#).

Let us know you are coming

We will save you a seat.