The King Street Baptist Church received formal church status on August 29, 1954.
By Zachary C. Parker, Chaplain of the United States Navy
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — As a Space Coast resident, you’ve probably driven past a small church on the corner of 520 and Fiske Boulevard dozens, if not hundreds, of times. Located at a busy intersection next to Wawa, King Street Baptist Church has maintained its loyalty as it celebrated its 70th anniversary this week.
“Many people in our neighborhood have benefited from our church,” said Wilma Hurst, a longtime member.
The Hursts are one of many faithful families with deep roots in the King Street tradition.
In October 2017, the pastor at the time invited me to come over and chat with me. This conversation was to be a turning point in my life.
“King Street is a special place, and this neighborhood is perfect for powerful ministry,” Pastor Matt Mellone said as we cleaned the church hall one Wednesday night to prepare it for the weekly Bible study.
“Many families have been pillars of this church since its founding in the 1950s. They love Jesus and there is just something that God is doing here that excites me.”
Mellone was a star quarterback at Space Coast High School and recognized his calling to be a pastor after graduating from Ferrum College in Roanoke, Virginia.
After he met his wife, they moved to the Space Coast and have been in full-time ministry for over 10 years. I told him if he ever needed anything to contact me. He knew I was preparing for a career as a naval chaplain.
To my surprise, Pastor Matt asked me to preach on New Year’s Eve 2017, just a few months after we met. Little did I know this would be a secret interview. The Mellones were on their way back to Virginia and a subtle but strategic search for a pastor had begun.
A similar search began in August 1953. The First Baptist Church of Cocoa, under the leadership of Pastor James A. Sawyer, had contributed significantly to the establishment of a thriving church and formed a committee to search for a pastor.
King Street appointed its first pastor, the Reverend Jack Shaw. The church had recently purchased 1040 W. King Street for $4,400 and begun construction of a sanctuary.
A year later, they began construction of an educational addition. The Sunday school began to flourish and God was working powerfully in the neighborhood. King Street Baptist Church received formal status as an organized church on August 29, 1954.
Six months after our meeting, when I was serving as interim pastor, I realized that Pastor Matt was right. The neighborhood was ready for a powerful ministry.
I met a woman of tremendous faith named Lisa Dunn. Mrs. Lisa, Kaycee Webber and Kathi Wood approached King Street to find a new location for their Small Blessings Feeding Ministry. The church leadership agreed.
“We are so thankful to have found a home on King Street,” said Kaycee Webber. “This community outreach of hot home-cooked meals on Thursday afternoons benefits approximately 60 people. We also share devotionals, prayers, boutique and live Christian music! To God be the glory,” she announced at the time.
Mrs. Lisa has gone to be with the Lord, but her inspiration and love are anchored in the hearts of the hungry. Her willingness to help has become a trademark in the neighborhood.
Sherrie Lyons-Amos was introduced to King Street in 2018 through community leader and real estate agent Holly Carver. Sherrie and her husband Calvin founded the Learning and Achievement Academy, a K-7 school in Rockledge, and outgrew their building. They were looking for a larger location before the upcoming school year.
Through prayer and negotiation, the church leadership approved the new ministry opportunity and renovated the educational addition to meet the requirements of city ordinances. The Learning and Achievement Academy began the 2019 school year at King Street Baptist Church. Five years later, the LAA continues to thrive, growing each year and attracting many young students from the neighborhood.
King Street’s mission is to love your neighbor as yourself, as the Gospel of Matthew teaches. It’s amazing to see what God can do through love of neighbor.
I am proud to be one of the many people who benefit from the little church on the corner. It was during my time on King Street that my relationship with my now wife began. Her grandparents started going to King Street in the 1960s and even her parents met at the same little church on the corner.
Next time you drive past the busy intersection next to Wawa on 520 and Fiske Boulevard, remember to pray for the church and for another 70 years of great faithfulness. Maybe even stop by on a Sunday morning.
The dedicated church secretary, Mrs. Lola Corbett, wrote these words and delivered them to the congregation on the occasion of its 70th anniversary:
Coming home – a time of reflection
Of returning to such cherished memories
A journey into the past
To a sweet past
King Street Baptist Church
Has stood for seventy years
Through joyful, fruitful times
Through sorrow and through tears
It seems like it was only yesterday
Since this small church began
And all the time
God held them in his hand
People had a vision
God’s plans were even more
When this church was founded
Back in 1954
How wonderful it is
Being together again
Share memories
With dear and valued friends.
To worship our Lord Jesus Christ
In our church at the corner of the road
Connected by his love
As we honor God again today at King Street Baptist.