New Jacob's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church was organized in 1902 when a group of Christians felt it necessary to establish a Black Baptist church in Clermont. Jones who accepted the call to be the first Pastor. Services were held in a small building on Chestnut Street that was owned by G.W. This building served as a meeting place for community events, church services, school, and other important
community meetings. The First Missionary Baptist Church began to grow and prosper. Pioneer members were John Trusdell, Elijah Polland, J.W. Cooper, Joe and Amy Odum, John R. Jones, Jennie Byrell, Hays Hilton, and J.R. Brown. The members decided it was time to purchase property so a new edifice could one day be constructed. Property was purchased on the corner of Highway 50 and Fourth Street at a very low cost. Each of these pioneer families had responsibilities to fulfill if this vision of a new church was to become a reality. The ladies carried water from the lake, cooked and served the meals while the men measured, sawed, and hammered until the one-room building was completed. The year was 1904. The name for the church was given to a member in a vision, "Jacob Chapel Missionary Baptist Church". As the congregation increased, a larger edifice was needed. Two additions were made to the single-room building under the administration of Rev. W.H. Bagley. It was suggested by Deacon J.W. Cooper to change the name of the church to New Jacob's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. (The name has remained the same throughout the years.) The congregation at the Missionary Baptist Church continued to increase. On July 5, 1976, the members were faced with the decision of renovating the old building once again or building a new one. It was voted 22-15 to construct a new building. In April of 1977, the members voted to purchase property next to the existing building. Construction on the new edifice began a few years later! On the fifth Sunday in January 1983, under the leadership of Rev. W.N. McKinney, the membership of New Jacob's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church marched into the new building dedicating it to the glory of God. In January 1984, the Oakridge Masonic Lodge #613 laid the cornerstone. The church has continued to prosper and God has added new souls as Clermont became the largest city in Lake County. Under the leadership of Pastor Darryl Church, New Jacob's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church has become a diverse congregation that has continued to take the church beyond the four walls.
