Begun in 1838 by four white men and two slaves, Bethel Baptist Institutional Church built the first church building in Jacksonville. Following the Civil War, the congregation split into black and white congregations, with black members maintaining the Bethel Baptist name and white members establishing First Baptist Church. After the loss of the church in the 1901 fire, this building was erected and immediately became a landmark because its beauty and eclectic style. The ornate octagonal-shaped bell tower dominates the church and the surrounding area. Photo credit: Florida Times-Union, Bruce Lipsky