McGregor Baptist Church opened its doors in 1958 as Southside Baptist Chapel "in the boonies" just outside the city limits of Fort Myers on McGregor Boulevard. Originally an independent mission church pastored by evangelist Dan Perkins, 51 individuals attended the first Sunday service on June 23, 1958. This first service was held in an old two-story farmhouse, the sales office for a subdivision known as McGregor Groves. Following approval by the Royal Palm Baptist Association of a petition for recognition as a Southern Baptist Church, Southside officially became McGregor Baptist Church on July 7, 1958 with 55 faithful charter members.

A rich legacy of godly men have lead McGregor Baptist Church through significant growth. Rev. J.R. Walker became pastor in July 1959 and a sanctuary for 325 was built. In 1961, Rev. Robert Liner took over leadership and again, a new 450 seat worship center was built.


Old McGregor Blvd. Worship
Center built in 1961

On Easter Sunday, 1968 Rev. James O. Holbrook began his ministry with McGregor. Under his leadership, the buildings on McGregor were enlarged three times to accommodate more classrooms and increase the capacity of the worship center to 750. After adding morning services and Sunday school sessions, the church property had reached its capacity and a move was necessary. Plans were presented to move the church to its current location, referred to as the "swamp". With skepticism on the part of some, approval was granted and on December 18, 1981, under police escort, the move to Colonial Boulevard was made official and the first Sunday service was held in the new sanctuary that seats 3000.

Following Pastor Jim retirement in April 1998, a search committee set out to find the man that God would have to continue the leadership of this church through continued growth. On September 12, 1999, Dr. Richard Powell began his ministry at McGregor. Growth and expansion continues to be part of the McGregor tradition, measured only by hearts changed by its ministries and the cross of Jesus Christ.