Children’s Homes celebrates centennial

FBCH Graphic

LAKELAND (FBW)—In 1904 the Florida Baptist Orphanage ministered to 23 children. B.M. Bean served as superintendent and his wife, Jennie, as matron of a two-story facility in Arcadia.

One hundred years later, Florida Baptist Children’s Homes cares for more than 770 children on six campuses throughout Florida.

Although a century has passed, the mission of the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes remains the same: “to provide safe, stable, Christian homes for boys and girls who have been neglected, misdirected, abandoned, abused, or caught up in family turmoil,” according to the FBCH Web site.

FBCH, an agency of the Florida Baptist Convention, operates campuses in Miami, Fort Myers, Lakeland, Jacksonville, Tallahassee and Pensacola. Social work offices operate in Gainesville and Hollywood.

 In addition to the residential facilities, the agency provides a statewide network of Christian foster homes for the care of infants, preschoolers, sibling groups and children with unique needs. FBCH also ministers to pregnant teenagers and developmentally delayed adults. In addition, FBCH has committed its support for the Florida Baptist Convention’s emphasis on Sanctity of Human Life, providing a staff specialist to work with pastors, churches and pregnancy care centers to prevent abortions.

John Sullivan, executive director-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention, wrote April 29 of Florida’s obligation to needy children: “A Christian organization has no option but to show Christ-like compassion to children in crisis. It is a biblical mandate. Scriptures often record that Jesus was ‘moved with compassion.’ When He felt such empathy, Jesus always responded.”

Florida Baptist Children’s Homes, in its first 100 years of “responding” to more than 23,000 children, led the way in Florida in providing counseling to children and families. In 1938, FBCH began employing professional social workers.  The agency also led in providing care without regard to race. FBCH’s official policy was re-written in 1969, ensuring care for all races.

FBCH’s eight leaders, under the titles of superintendent, executive director and president, led the agency through not only vast cultural change but also morasses of debt and budget shortfalls, and even hurricane damage. After Bean’s 28-year tenure, J.E. Trice served more than 20 years. T.M. Johns piloted the agency 37 years, from 1932—1969. Since 1970, Roger Dorsett, Walter Delamarter, Richard Phillips and Charles Hodges led FBCH. Jimmy McAdams has served since 2002 as the agency’s eighth president.

In celebration of Florida Baptist Children’s Homes Centennial, Governor Jeb Bush signed a proclamation honoring the agency and the Florida Legislature adopted a resolution in April — commending FBCH “for its outstanding support of and contributions to the lives of Florida’s children on this its 100th anniversary.”

During the yearlong anniversary observance, which began in February, residents and employees of FBCH have surveyed historical highlights. The staff also will enjoy a Camp of Champions, June 20-23, at Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center. Alumni of the Homes will contribute memories and mementos to a historical time safe. 

Throughout its 100-year history, Florida Baptist Children’s Homes has depended on the generosity of individuals, churches, businesses, foundations and organizations. Although the children’s families help to cover the costs according to their ability to pay, most pay little or nothing.

The annual Mothers Day Offering for FBCH provides a boost to agency funding through direct appeals to Florida Baptist churches. In 2003, almost 1500 churches contributed almost $1.1 million.

“This year, as churches plan their offering, we pray that the same enthusiasm and commitment that spawned us in 1904 will resurface,” McAdams wrote. “A new miracle needs to happen in 2004 in order for your Children’s Homes to maintain a posture of serving children from a position of strength rather than a position of struggle.”