How it all started...
Riverside Church began on December 23, 1916, when eleven members from First Baptist Church of Fort Myers gathered to form Edgewood Baptist Church. They met in a one-room wooden building that had once been a courthouse and later a school.
In 1917, Dr. A. J. Holt became the first pastor and began preaching twice a month. By 1919, the congregation built its first sanctuary at Tarpon and Railroad Streets, constructed with volunteer labor and generous donations.
From the very beginning, the church focused on missions. In the 1920s, Riverside helped organize new churches, launched community missions, and in 1928 expanded its facilities with a new building, a bell tower, and the church’s first nursery. A mission Sunday School even started on Pine Island, requiring weekly boat trips.
In 1917, Dr. A. J. Holt became the first pastor and began preaching twice a month. By 1919, the congregation built its first sanctuary at Tarpon and Railroad Streets, constructed with volunteer labor and generous donations.
From the very beginning, the church focused on missions. In the 1920s, Riverside helped organize new churches, launched community missions, and in 1928 expanded its facilities with a new building, a bell tower, and the church’s first nursery. A mission Sunday School even started on Pine Island, requiring weekly boat trips.
Expanding the vision...
The decades that followed were filled with growth. In 1942 the church became Riverside Baptist Church, and by 1951 a new sanctuary was dedicated at 940 Tarpon Street. New churches were planted in North Fort Myers, Russell Park, and Fort Myers Beach, reflecting a growing heart for outreach.
Rev. E. S. “Andy” Anderson, who served from 1956 to 1975, brought significant change. Riverside launched a daily radio program, a counseling television show, live worship broadcasts, and ministries that reached prisoners, those struggling with addiction, and the hearing impaired.
The Riverside Revival of 1961 became a defining moment as prayer gatherings sparked a powerful movement of baptisms and outreach. Soon after, Riverside became the first church in Southwest Florida to broadcast live worship services on television. In 1971 the church launched WSOR FM 90.9, a Christian radio station that continues today.
Riverside’s commitment to the next generation also grew during these years through expanding children’s and student ministries and the beginnings of a Deaf ministry that is still part of our church family.
Rev. E. S. “Andy” Anderson, who served from 1956 to 1975, brought significant change. Riverside launched a daily radio program, a counseling television show, live worship broadcasts, and ministries that reached prisoners, those struggling with addiction, and the hearing impaired.
The Riverside Revival of 1961 became a defining moment as prayer gatherings sparked a powerful movement of baptisms and outreach. Soon after, Riverside became the first church in Southwest Florida to broadcast live worship services on television. In 1971 the church launched WSOR FM 90.9, a Christian radio station that continues today.
Riverside’s commitment to the next generation also grew during these years through expanding children’s and student ministries and the beginnings of a Deaf ministry that is still part of our church family.
Where we are headed...
Today Riverside is stepping into a new chapter with the Beyond the Walls vision. This campaign is all about creating spaces that foster community and discipleship, both on our campus and beyond.
Plans include a new kids area with a larger auditorium and a safe, welcoming check-in for families. A new outdoor auditorium will provide space for students and community gatherings. Our 36-acre campus will become a place for connection with fire pits, walking trails, pickleball courts, a soccer field, and a playground.
Our mission remains the same: to make and send disciples who love and live like Jesus. Beyond the Walls is simply the next step in building environments where those relationships can grow.
Plans include a new kids area with a larger auditorium and a safe, welcoming check-in for families. A new outdoor auditorium will provide space for students and community gatherings. Our 36-acre campus will become a place for connection with fire pits, walking trails, pickleball courts, a soccer field, and a playground.
Our mission remains the same: to make and send disciples who love and live like Jesus. Beyond the Walls is simply the next step in building environments where those relationships can grow.
