Mission Statement

  • Glendale Community Church is a nonprofit congregation in Jacksonville, Florida, dedicated to helping people know God intimately, grow in lasting faith, and serve their community with purpose. Since 1936, we have served the Glendale and greater Jacksonville area through worship, discipleship, and outreach, and we support missionaries and relief efforts both locally and around the world, including in Senegal, Haiti, and through Mercy Ships. Our mission is to know God, be transformed by Him, and intentionally change the world around us through faith, service, and community.

A man in a blue shirt and red tie stands at a podium inside a church, speaking to a congregation. The background has the word 'Grace' written on a yellow banner with musical notes. There are tables with candles, a framed picture, and decorations in front of the podium, with several audience members seated in pews facing the speaker.

History of Our Church

On March 6, 1936, a group of 62 people from 10 families met at the home of E.W. Nesmith. The purpose was to establish a new church, and out of those humble beginnings, Glendale Community Church began. The following week, the group rented an old house across the street and two blocks east of the current location of the church.

In March 1958, which was also the 22-year anniversary of the church, there was a groundbreaking for our current sanctuary. E.W. Nesmith preached the first sermon in the structure in the spring of 1960, and by 1964 the sanctuary was completed. In 1977, a new educational building was completed that included a large kitchen, adjoining dining room, classrooms, a nursery, a library, and church offices. This building remains and is called “Fellowship Hall.”

In Glendale’s existence, we have sent out numerous missionaries including our first, George D. Beacham, who went to Nigeria in 1950. We currently support Rick and Elizabeth Arnold (Senegal), John and Paula Oliver (Mercy Ship), and All Things New (Haiti).

We have had numerous pastors throughout our existence including 4 pastors who served for 10 years or more: Rev. E.W. Nesmith (18 years), Rev. Gordon Elliot (11 years), Rev. Guy Goff (12 years), and Rev. Harvey Hahn (19 years until 12/31/23).