The First Baptist Church of Oakland, originally known as the Friendship Baptist Church, opened its doors in 1880. The church fellowship began in the Oakland Subdivision of East Jacksonville, Florida. The building was used as a dance hall during the week initially but was soon converted to a spirit-filled sanctuary. In 1895, the old building was torn down to make way for a new church building. The Church’s name was changed in 1916, by vote of the congregation, from “Friendship Baptist Church” to “First Baptist Church of Oakland”. Our church has had affiliations with the Progressive Baptist State Convention of Florida, the National Baptist Convention of America, Florida Baptist Convention (Southern Baptist), and the East Florida and Bethany Association.

1880 - Our first Pastor was Rev. J. W. Johnson, under his leadership and the determination of the spirit filled Christian congregation, the dance hall where church services were being held was quickly converted into a spirit-filled sanctuary.

1895 - Under the leadership of Rev. P. J. Butler, God made it possible for the congregation to tear down the old hall and build a new sanctuary.

1916 – Under the leadership of Rev. A. C. Porter, the congregation voted to change the name of the church from “Friendship Baptist Church” to First Baptist Church of Oakland. Rev. Porter’s tenure marked the beginning of a new era in the life of this congregation.

1922 – Following the death of Rev. Porter, Rev. James M. Royster served this congregation for 12 years. His name became a legend to many and his gospel preaching was known throughout the area. The growth of the church was greatly accelerated and he did a tremendous job of pulling a divided and fragmented congregation together. The church grew numerically and spiritually under his leadership. He resigned the pastorate in 1934.

1935 - Rev. James Carl Sams was called to Pastor our growing Christian fellowship. Under Rev. Sams’ leadership the church acquired new Bibles, new hymnals and new furniture. Districts grew from 6 to 16. In 1940, a building drive was initiated for the construction of the three-story building that we occupy today. During Rev. Sams tenure, he was elected president of the Progressive Baptist State Convention of Florida. In 1955 he was elected Vice President of the National Baptist Convention of America in Denver, Colorado. In 1958 Rev. Sams resigned as our Pastor to accept the pastorate of the Second Missionary Baptist Church here in Jacksonville.

1959 - Rev. Charles B. Dailey accepted the call to become Pastor of this congregation. He officially assumed the leadership on the first Sunday in July 1959. Under Rev. C.B. Dailey’s leadership, the church experienced phenomenal growth. His emphasis was on stewardship, tithing, sacrificial giving, education,and community involvement. Rev. Dailey was an outspoken advocate for this community and fought against discrimination and injustice. He was soon recognized for his leadership qualities, honesty, and integrity. Dr. Charles B. Dailey gave 46 years of dedicated and tireless service to our church family and the Jacksonville community.

2005 - Rev. Torin T. Dailey accepted the call to serve, lead and minister to the congregation and the community. Prior to assuming this pastorate, Rev. Dailey served as Assistant to the Pastor under the leadership of his father. During his tenure, Rev. Dailey continue to reach outside of the walls of thechurch through initiatives like the "Youth Explosion".

2016 - Rev. Tavares Parker served as Associate Pastor under the leadership of Rev. Torin Dailey. Upon Rev. Dailey’s departure, Rev. Parker was voted to serve as our Interim Pastor during the Pastoral Search process.

2017 - On February 12, 2017, The First Baptist Church of Oakland confirmed the selection of and called Pastor Christopher McKee, Jr. to become our pastor. He accepted the call on that same day.