Church History
Honoring our foundational pioneers and celebrating decades of spiritual growth, ministry outreach, and community blessing in Brevard County.
Five Core Disciplines
In order to grow spiritually and fulfill our mission, our congregation daily practices:
- 1. Study Diligently
- 2. Worship Regularly
- 3. Pray Daily
- 4. Give Systematically
- 5. Serve Faithfully
The History of Parker Memorial MBC
Established on Faith, Built on the Power of God's Word
Parker Memorial Missionary Baptist Church (PMMBC) began as a mission out of the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church. The late Reverend Hugh Brockington started this mission in the new subdivision in West Cocoa. Two members of Metropolitan lived in the community: Deacon Tilton Smith and Sister Frances Hamilton. They started a Bible Study class in Deacon Smith's front yard. Adults and children began to join the mission and Reverend Brockington, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, was led to help establish a church.
With 26 members, led by the Holy Spirit, Parker Memorial Missionary Baptist Church was established in 1962. The first church was originally a house converted into a church. It was further renovated with wood salvaged from the old Cocoa Ice House. Parker Memorial was named in honor of the late Rev. Dr. A.D. Parker, former Pastor of Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church.
Our First Service — March 4, 1962
The first service was held on Sunday, March 4, 1962. The late Reverend J.C. Wise served as the first Pastor. The late Brother Robert Hamilton was the first Deacon, Sister Frances Hamilton was the first Deaconess. The late Sister Mamie Smith served as the first Secretary.
On March 15, 1987, Liberty Baptist Church merged with Parker Memorial under the leadership of the late Reverend Leonard Daggett, Sr. In the years that followed, a water line was installed, the church was remodeled, rest rooms and a Pastor's office was added, central air and heat was installed, and the adjoining property was purchased.
In January 1993, the late Melvin Chatman became the Pastor of Parker Memorial. As the membership continued to grow, a larger building was needed. In June of 1994, the church began to break ground for a new sanctuary. Through faith in God, prayer, and a great spirit of fellowship among the members and Christian friends, the labor and financial support for a new sanctuary became a reality. The construction of the new sanctuary was completed, and on Sunday, December 3, 1995, we marched into our new church singing, “We’ve Come This Far by Faith! Leaning on the Lord!”
In December 1996, a new Fellowship Hall was completed. The first church building was named in honor of the late Reverend Leonard Daggett, Sr.; “Leonard Daggett Fellowship Hall.” In addition to the new sanctuary and fellowship hall, offices for the Pastor and the Secretary were added. Many other blessings followed in the years to come:
Blessings & Milestones Through the Years
- ✦A new paved parking lot
- ✦A baptismal pool was installed
- ✦The mortgage on the Sanctuary was paid off
- ✦A new van was purchased
- ✦New sound equipment purchased
- ✦An audio tape ministry was established
- ✦A neighborhood witness ministry was started
- ✦The land adjacent to the church was purchased
- ✦The house at 501 Lincoln Road was purchased and renovated in 2008
- ✦A new organ was purchased in 2009
- ✦A second van was purchased in 2011
- ✦A Memorial Garden was built
- ✦A new LED sign was purchased
- ✦The kitchen was upgraded with new countertops and cabinets
- ✦A marriage ministry was started in 2009
- ✦Kingdom Care Child Ministry started in 2011
- ✦Parker Memorial Community Love Outreach 501c3 established in 2014
- ✦Scholarship Ministry
- ✦Publicity Ministry
- ✦Church website established
A Legacy of Servant Leadership
At a church business meeting on March 8, 2016, the late Deacon Anthony McFadden appointed Minister Addison K. Mitchell as the Interim Pastor. Our church had nine previous Pastors. On Sunday, August 20, 2017, he was installed as the Pastor of Parker Memorial Missionary Baptist Church. Under his leadership, Parker Memorial is still growing in membership, ministry works, and is a beacon of Christian light for the West Cocoa and the Greater Cocoa Community at large.