JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—Fourteen regional rallies across the state will bring dynamic speakers and gifted musicians to inspire Florida Baptists as they kick off the celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Florida Baptist State Convention this year.

During the months of February and March, a slate of "Who’s’ Who" in Southern Baptist life will begin the anniversary celebration by presenting a word from God during regional rallies in area locations.

All Florida Baptists are invited to attend the "Join the Celebration" rallies designed to be within one-hour driving distance for most Florida Baptist church members.

"The year 2004 is a time for Florida Baptists to celebrate and remember our commitment as God’s heirs of promise in this great state," said John Sullivan, executive director-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention. "The rallies will launch the year-long celebration with an inspirational observance.

The purpose of the rallies, Sullivan added, is to "emphasize Florida Baptist missions giving and missions involvement through the Cooperative Program and to celebrate God’s leadership in the past and the bright hope of tomorrow through evangelism."

The theme of the year-long anniversary emphasis is "Celebrating Heritage and Hope."

Acclaimed rally speakers include former Florida pastors Jack Graham, president of the Southern Baptist Convention and pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas; O.S. Hawkins, president, Annuity Board, SBC; and James Merritt, former SBC president and pastor of Cross Pointe Baptist Church in Duluth, Ga.

Four nationally known Florida Baptist pastors are also on slate: Jerry Vines, past SBC president and pastor, First Baptist Church, Jacksonville; Jim Henry, past SBC president and pastor. First Baptist Church, Orlando; Ted Traylor, pastor, Olive Baptist Church, Pensacola; and Ken Whitten, pastor, Idlewild Baptist Church, Tampa.

Other speakers include Florida native sons Al Mohler, president, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Ky.; and Charles Fuller, long-time pastor of First Baptist Church of Norfolk, Va. Kevin Cosby, pastor, St, Stephens Baptist Church, Louisville, Ky., will complete the slate of speakers.

Gospel groups will present an upbeat musical fare and will include The Ed Brothers, First Baptist Quartet from Jacksonville, Legacy Five, The Stones and the Booth Brothers.

Dates, locations and guests of specific rallies are included in the list below. Each rally will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. No admission charge or offering will be taken for the program and no advance registration is required.

To order promotional fliers and posters for churches, e-mail kburton@flbaptist.org or call 800-226-8584, ext. 8103.

For more information, go to www.flbaptist.org.

North Florida Celebration Rallies:

Featuring dynamic inspirational preachers: Jack Graham, Charles Fuller, Jerry Vines

• Feb. 10 — 7 p.m. — Location: Madison, First Baptist Church

Featured Speaker: Jack Graham, president, Southern Baptist Convention; former Florida pastor, currently serving as pastor, Prestonwood Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas.

• Feb. 16- 7 p.m. - Location: Milton, First Baptist Church

Featured Speaker: Charles Fuller, native Floridian; former long-time pastor, First Baptist Church, Norfolk, Va; currently serving as an evangelist.

• Feb. 17- 7 p.m. - Location: Tallahassee, Thomasville Road Baptist Church

Featured Speaker: Charles Fuller, native Floridian; former long-time pastor, First Baptist Church, Norfolk, Va; currently serving as an evangelist.

• Feb. 17 — 7 p.m. — Location: Orange Park, First Baptist Church

Featured Speaker: Florida Baptist pastor Jerry Vines, serving First Baptist Church, Jacksonville.

Central Florida Celebration Rallies:

Featuring dynamic inspirational preachers: Jim Henry, James Merritt, Ted Traylor, Al Mohler

• Feb. 23- 7 p.m. — Location: Ocala, First Baptist Church

Featured Speaker: Florida Baptist pastor Jim Henry, serving First Baptist Church, Orlando.

• Feb. 24 — 7 p.m. — Location: Brandon, First Baptist Church

Featured Speaker: James Merritt, former Florida resident; currently serving as pastor, Cross Pointe Baptist Church, Duluth, Ga.

• Feb. 26 — 7 p.m. — Location: Dade City, First Baptist Church

Featured Speaker: Florida Baptist pastor Ted Traylor, serving Olive Baptist Church, Pensacola.

• March 1 — 7 p.m. — Location: Daytona Beach, First Baptist Church

Featured Speaker: Al Mohler, native Floridian; currently serving as president, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Ky.

South Central Celebration Rallies:

Featuring dynamic inspirational preachers: Ken Whitten, Kevin Cosby

• March 2 — 7 p.m. — Location: Port St. Lucie, First Baptist Church

Featured Speaker: Al Mohler, native Floridian; currently serving as president, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Ky.

• March 4 — 7 p.m. — Location: Port Charlotte, First Baptist Church

Featured Speaker: Florida Baptist pastor Ken Whitten, serving Idlewild Baptist Church, Tampa.

• March 8 — 7 p.m. — Location: Naples, First Baptist Church

Featured Speaker: Kevin Cosby, pastor, St. Stephens Baptist Church, Louisville, Kentucky.

South Florida Celebration Rallies:

Featuring dynamic inspirational preachers: O.S. Hawkins, Ted Traylor

• March 9 — 7 p.m. — Location: Miami, Glendale Baptist Church

Featured Speaker: Kevin Cosby, pastor, St. Stephens Baptist Church, Louisville, Ken.

• March 11 — 7 p.m. — Location: Hollywood, Sheridan Hills Baptist Church

Featured Speaker: O.S. Hawkins, former Florida pastor; currently serving as President, Annuity Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, Dallas, Texas.

• March 15 — 7 p.m. — Location: West Palm Beach, First Baptist Church

Featured Speaker: Florida Baptist pastor Ted Traylor, serving Olive Baptist Church, Pensacola.