Location

128 South Layton Drive
Layton, FL 33001

History of Layton

After hearing and seeing in person the Reverend Billy Graham in one of his crusades in the late sixties, Del Layton rededicated his life to Christ and returned to Long Key intent on seeing that a church was built in the City of Layton.

After five years of holding church services in the City Hall, and sharing space with a fire engine, the residents of Layton witnessed the ground breaking for Layton Community Baptist Chapel on Christmas Day, 1959.

The building program, “Mission Outreach”, was sponsored by the First Baptist Church of South Miami and the Key Largo Baptist Church. The building was started on February 1, 1971 and was completed on February 22nd that same month. The $40,000 facility was dedicated on February 28, 1971 with Dr. Robert McMillian, Pastor residing over the service. Rev. Richard Fales was the first pastor called to the new church.

On January 5, 1977, approximately 100 church members gathered on the lawn outside the church for a mortgage-burning ceremony. The church building and the pastorium were paid for within six years. Rev. James Lanier officiated the service. Layton Mission received church status and became known as Layton Community Baptist Church. Rev. James Lanier and his wife, Nellie, served faithfully at Layton Baptist for 28 years. Pastor Fred and Betty Cowardin served our Lord through Layton Baptist Church for the past five years, retiring the end of May 2002.