About Us
A Brief History
In the early 1980’s First Baptist Church of Winter Park, Florida purchased land in the Maitland area with the intention of developing a second campus. This land ultimately became part of the Maitland Center, a large business and office complex. Over the years it was obvious that God had closed every door that might lead to the development of a church in that area. The value of the purchased property dramatically increased, and in the late 1980’s the church voted to sell the property. At about this time God planted a dream in the hearts of a few of the members at First Baptist Winter Park. This group came together to pray and plan. As a result of their initiative the church felt strongly that the money from the sale of the property should be used to help start other churches. The church approved the plan to establish the Pembrook Foundation whose mission would be to plant and assist new churches primarily in the state of Florida. During the planning stage much counsel was sought, including Dr. John Sullivan, Executive Director of the Florida Baptist Convention, and Dr. Bill Bright, Founder of Campus Crusade For Christ. The necessary administrative work was carried out, and the Pembrook Foundation was born.
The Pembrook Foundation is directed by a Board of Trustees, selected from throughout the state, with emphasis on the Central Florida area. The first Executive Director of the Foundation was Dr. J. C. Mitchell, former pastor of First Baptist Winter Park. Dr. Mitchell served in that capacity until 1997 when he retired. His tireless efforts on behalf of the Foundation helped establish it as a legitimate and valuable resource for the planting and financial assistance of Southern Baptist churches in the state of Florida.
After Dr. Mitchell’s retirement Mr. Ron Mooney was hired in 1998. Ron was serving as vice-president for development at the University of Houston before coming to Pembrook. Ron succesfully served for two years.
Early in 2000, Dr. Jim Pennington was hired as Executive Director. Jim brings much experience as a Pastor whose churches have sponsored a number of new church starts. He has been an active member of the new work committees in local Associations. But perhaps most important is the fact that he is a church planter, himself. He pastored a new work in Charlotte, NC and another in Orlando, FL.
God has continued to bless the ministry of Pembrook in that we have been able to assist churches in the state to a substantial degree. Since its beginning in 1991 through the year 2009 the Foundation has been able to financially assist over 212 churches with grants totaling over $1 million. We have worked cooperatively with the Florida Baptist Convention, which enthusiastically supports our mission. We are especially grateful to Dr. John Sullivan, Glen Owens, and Cecil Siegel, representatives from the FBC on our Board of Trustees, for their support, expertise, and counsel.
