In April 1971 the Lord stationed the Reverend George Reese Francis as pastor of the Dayspring Missionary Baptist Church Congregation located on Congress Street in Lake City, Florida.  From that time to 1980 Pastor Francis was catalyst of God’s work at that location.

​

After attempts to purchase property surrounding the Congress Street location for expansion failed, in 1979 it was recommended that the Church pursue the purchase of property that would allow for continuous growth.  The total Dayspring membership did not agree with the recommendation.  As a result, some chose to remain at the Congress Street location.  Under the direction of the Holy Spirit; a group of courageous, dedicated, and determined men and women along with Pastor Francis voluntarily accepted the recommended challenge. 

           

The vision was to build and edifice that would adequately accommodate regular as well as exceptionally large gatherings during special worship services.  Additionally, Christian Education was at the vision’s forefront.  A vital element of the vision was to promote the up-building of God’s Kingdom through enhanced Christian Education.  The edifice had to, therefore, accommodate a greater number of those seeking a closer walk with the Master.  

           

In January 1980, this small band held its first conference/business meeting at the Lake City Women’s Club.  The first worship service was also held there.  The Reverend C. C. Rawls and the New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Family graciously allowed the new membership to meet in their edifice for a few months.  After that, the new membership rented and met in Bishop Lee’s edifice from early 1980 through the Second Sunday in March 1982.

           

On the Fourth Sunday in March 1982, the New Dayspring Missionary Baptist Church family march into its new edifice at 1321 West Long Street under the very capable human leader in the person of the Reverend George Francis.  Assisting the Reverend Francis with the church family’s needs through the many difficult hurdles was a caring and devoted Deacon Ministry.  

 

The first deacons were:  Deacon Cleve Lovette, Chairman; Deacon Hayward Laws; Deacon Sam Roberson, Deacon Andrew Edward (Ed) Jackson; Deacon Charlie Fluellen, and Deacon Cenus James Thomas, Jr.  With the exception of Deacon Charlie Fluellen the original deacons have been called from this earthly walk.   

 

While these and many of the original founding members are deceased or moved on, their contributions continue to benefit and bless the New Dayspring’s family. Under Pastor Francis’ leadership, the new edifice was built. The property and building were paid off, and the mortgage burned. Pastor Francis lead New Dayspring from 1980 to May 2007. In 2008, a group of devoted and dedicated members volunteered to take on the task of searching for a pastor.  The group prayerfully embarked on this important task.     

​

From late May 2007 to December 2009, the Deacons Ministry (Deacon Charlie Fluellen, Chairman, Deacon Zearah L. Jackson, Jr., Deacon Jonathan Griffin, and Deacon Jake Hill, Jr.) and the remaining members made necessary sacrifices to keep the doors open in the face of what appeared to insurmountable odds and much nay saying from without and within. All outstanding accounts were paid off and a fifteen passenger van was purchased and lettered.  In December 2009, the New Dayspring Search Committee through fasting, prayer, and we believe the guidance of the Holy Spirit called The Reverend Lantz G. Mills, Sr. as pastor. Reverend Mills prayerfully accepted God’s call, appointment, and assignment. 

​

Pastor Mills began Kingdom work at New Dayspring the Second Sunday in January 2009.  Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Mills’ leadership, and the support of his lovely and caring wife, Sister LaKisha Chappell Mills; NDS has experienced tremendous growth in ministries and membership. More than a vision, Nehemiah 4:6 is becoming a reality.

​

During the first year of Pastor Mills’ leadership, 75 souls were added to the household of faith.  Four ministries were added (Trustee Ministry, Public Relations Ministry, Young Adult Choir, Young Adult Ushers) and another Sunday School class “Special Interest” has been added.  NDS has gone from worshiping two Sundays a month to four.  Sunday School attendance, Sunday and other worship service attendance, and Bible Study attendance have all increased.  

​

New Dayspring Missionary Baptist Church was incorporated April 2010.  But this is not the end. God’s plan is ever unfolding and He is still revealing our history.  With God there are “No Limits/No Boundaries”.  We welcome you into the fold.