This historic downtown Fort Lauderdale church has deep roots in the community, dating back to 1907,…read morewhen it was founded by a group seeking to establish a strong, faith-based fellowship. In its early years, the church was part of the Southern Baptist Convention's growing presence in Florida and was led by Robert E. Lee. A permanent structure was built in 1913 at Las Olas Boulevard and Southeast 3rd Avenue, and the current campus began taking shape in 1946. Additional buildings were added in 1968 and 1990 to support a growing congregation.
Over the decades, the church has experienced both growth and challenges. Larry Thompson served as its longest-tenured pastor from 1994 to 2016. In 2019, James Welch became Lead Pastor, but the church later faced internal conflict, financial strain, and declining attendance. After flood damage in 2023 and the sale of a large downtown property to cover maintenance costs, the future seemed uncertain.
That's when Church by the Glades, led by David Hughes, stepped in to revitalize this important community landmark. On June 11, 2023, the congregation unanimously voted to appoint Hughes as the church's 18th Lead Pastor, marking a new chapter of renewal and hope.
I've personally attended Church by the Glades for over a decade at their Coral Springs campus and other locations, and it truly feeds my soul. This is a place where you don't just hear the message of Jesus--you see it lived out. Kindness and inclusiveness are at the heart of everything they do. They embody Gospel of Matthew 25:36, serving the hungry, caring for the sick, and ministering to those in prison.
The services are outstanding. The music team is incredibly talented--some of the best singers I've ever heard--and I'm always moved by their performances. The messages are just as impactful. Whether it's Pastor David or a guest speaker, they connect biblical teaching to real-life situations, often using pop culture in creative and engaging ways. It's practical, relevant, and never boring.
This is a church that truly values the next generation. Their kids and youth programs--Kidstuf, The Wave, and Camp United--are top-notch, offering a fun, supportive environment where young people can grow in their faith and build lasting friendships.
There's so much more I could say: dynamic guest speakers, strong support for women in ministry, impactful mission trips, and some of the best holiday celebrations you'll find anywhere. From Christmas and Easter to their well-known Halloween events, everything is done with excellence and creativity. The church is full of passionate, artistic people, and the energy is contagious.
They also have active prison ministries in Homestead, along with campuses in Coral Springs and now this revitalized downtown Fort Lauderdale location. Their motto, "No perfect people allowed," really says it all. As Pastor David often says, God uses imperfect people to do incredible things--and I've seen that happen here time and time again.
One critique I've heard about the Coral Springs campus is that it can feel a bit like a warehouse. If that wasn't your style, this downtown location offers a completely different experience--a beautiful, historic setting with character and charm. They currently offer two Sunday services: a traditional service at 10:00 AM and a contemporary service at 11:30 AM.
I recently attended when guest pastor Jud Wilhite spoke, and it reminded me how special this place is. The last time I had been in this building was years ago during their elaborate Christmas pageants, and it was great to return and see how God is working here again.
Parking is convenient and free during services, with options in the nearby Federal building garage and a lot across the street. They even offer golf cart rides to help you get to and from your car. Inside, you'll find a welcoming coffee bar and small shop that add to the overall experience.
With Easter coming up, this is the perfect time to visit. They're hosting special services downtown at 10:00 AM and 11:45 AM, as well as a beach baptism at 6:30 AM at Pompano Beach. He has risen--come celebrate!