A Firm Foundation
Our Foundation in Faith (1953)
The story of Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Church began with a vision. Bill Howard, an electrician by trade but an evangelist by calling, partnered with E.L. Gandy and two Christian widows to reach a growing community in Florence, South Carolina. As the city expanded westward, many under-resourced families had no place to worship, and few churches were actively trying to reach them.
In response, this small group started a mission known as Community Chapel. The mission welcomed people from various backgrounds, though most attendees were Baptist. Over time, this gathering developed into a formal church body.
On October 10, 1953, Five Points Baptist Church was officially organized in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Guy Keith. The congregation initially met in a local union hall until they were able to construct a permanent building. The church joined the Florence Baptist Association in 1955 and built its first facility in 1957 at the site of what is now known as the old Florence Mall.
The story of Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Church began with a vision. Bill Howard, an electrician by trade but an evangelist by calling, partnered with E.L. Gandy and two Christian widows to reach a growing community in Florence, South Carolina. As the city expanded westward, many under-resourced families had no place to worship, and few churches were actively trying to reach them.
In response, this small group started a mission known as Community Chapel. The mission welcomed people from various backgrounds, though most attendees were Baptist. Over time, this gathering developed into a formal church body.
On October 10, 1953, Five Points Baptist Church was officially organized in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Guy Keith. The congregation initially met in a local union hall until they were able to construct a permanent building. The church joined the Florence Baptist Association in 1955 and built its first facility in 1957 at the site of what is now known as the old Florence Mall.
Relocation
Campus Relocation
In the 1960s, the city of Florence began transforming into the regional economic powerhouse for the Pee Dee that it is today. With Interstate 95 and Interstate 20. Florence’s midpoint location between New York and Miami made the city a popular stop for motorists. As a result, hotels, chain stores, malls, and more began dominating the Florence area.
The Florence Mall began construction and opened in 1965 right in Five Points Baptist Church's backyard. The mall continued to expand and bring in more anchor stores. In 1967, an expansion brought in JCPenny, who was not thrilled about having a church in their front parking lot. Eventually, a deal was made and in 1972, Five Points Baptist Church acquired eight acres of land on Hoffmeyer Road. Ground was broken in 1973, and the new facility was completed and occupied in 1974.
In the 1960s, the city of Florence began transforming into the regional economic powerhouse for the Pee Dee that it is today. With Interstate 95 and Interstate 20. Florence’s midpoint location between New York and Miami made the city a popular stop for motorists. As a result, hotels, chain stores, malls, and more began dominating the Florence area.
The Florence Mall began construction and opened in 1965 right in Five Points Baptist Church's backyard. The mall continued to expand and bring in more anchor stores. In 1967, an expansion brought in JCPenny, who was not thrilled about having a church in their front parking lot. Eventually, a deal was made and in 1972, Five Points Baptist Church acquired eight acres of land on Hoffmeyer Road. Ground was broken in 1973, and the new facility was completed and occupied in 1974.
From Five Points to Hoffmeyer Road
As the church grew in both faith and number in the new location, as well as the continuing development of Florence, it was decided that Five Points Baptist Church would become Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Church.
Reverend Larry Miller became the fifth pastor in 1984 and served until 1998. His leadership laid a strong foundation for the church’s continued growth and effectiveness. During his tenure, he earned his Doctor of Ministry degree.
Under Dr. Miller’s leadership, the church expanded its facilities significantly. A major educational building project began in 1987 and was paid off within three years. In 1990, the original worship center—now used for children’s ministry—was remodeled. Later, a two-story educational building was constructed to accommodate continued growth.
In August 1990, the church received the Eagle Award from the Southern Baptist Sunday School Board, representing the highest level of achievement in Sunday School ministry. During this time, the church grew to the point of holding multiple worship services. Dr. Miller led the congregation in changing its name from Five Points Baptist Church to Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Church and transitioning to an elder-led form of governance.
Reverend Larry Miller became the fifth pastor in 1984 and served until 1998. His leadership laid a strong foundation for the church’s continued growth and effectiveness. During his tenure, he earned his Doctor of Ministry degree.
Under Dr. Miller’s leadership, the church expanded its facilities significantly. A major educational building project began in 1987 and was paid off within three years. In 1990, the original worship center—now used for children’s ministry—was remodeled. Later, a two-story educational building was constructed to accommodate continued growth.
In August 1990, the church received the Eagle Award from the Southern Baptist Sunday School Board, representing the highest level of achievement in Sunday School ministry. During this time, the church grew to the point of holding multiple worship services. Dr. Miller led the congregation in changing its name from Five Points Baptist Church to Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Church and transitioning to an elder-led form of governance.
New Worship Center
Expansion Of Our Campus
By the 2000s, Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Church was reaching max capacity each week. The original sanctuary could no longer hold the congregation, choir, and band in the same room. After years of prayer and planning, construction began on April 8, 2007, with less than $100,000. The new sanctuary was completed in December 2008. On the morning of December 7th, 2008, the congregation marched from the old sanctuary to the new worship center. You can watch the archived footage here:
By the 2000s, Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Church was reaching max capacity each week. The original sanctuary could no longer hold the congregation, choir, and band in the same room. After years of prayer and planning, construction began on April 8, 2007, with less than $100,000. The new sanctuary was completed in December 2008. On the morning of December 7th, 2008, the congregation marched from the old sanctuary to the new worship center. You can watch the archived footage here:
Reverend Lanier Singleton became the seventh pastor in April 2002 and served until January 2015. Pastor Singleton was known for his deep love for God and his desire to lead the church according to Christ’s mission. His vision emphasized reaching, teaching, winning, and discipling people for Jesus Christ.
One of his greatest contributions was the vision for a new sanctuary where the entire church could gather for unified worship.
One of his greatest contributions was the vision for a new sanctuary where the entire church could gather for unified worship.
Shut Down
Surviving the Pandemic
In 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted church gatherings. In response, HRBC adapted by holding outdoor services in the church parking lot. Attendance remained strong, even requiring two outdoor services, and seven individuals were baptized during this season. Despite the challenges, God continued to work in powerful ways.
In May 2020, the church celebrated a major milestone by paying off the sanctuary building.
In 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted church gatherings. In response, HRBC adapted by holding outdoor services in the church parking lot. Attendance remained strong, even requiring two outdoor services, and seven individuals were baptized during this season. Despite the challenges, God continued to work in powerful ways.
In May 2020, the church celebrated a major milestone by paying off the sanctuary building.
Present Day
Expansion of the Hoffmeyer Campus and a third campus
God has continued to bless Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Church with growth and impact. In 2024, the church celebrated 23 baptisms, a 13% increase in Sunday School attendance (averaging 273 people), and welcomed 72 new members.
In 2025, the church experienced an additional 10% growth in worship attendance, averaging 439 people. That year, 53 individuals were baptized, and 92 new members joined the church family.
As a result of the surge of growth, HRBC was struggling to find space to do ministry. The Oakdale campus began renovations to add more classrooms and a new entrance. In 2026, the Hoffmeyer campus began planning for a building expansion for a bigger fellowship hall.
God has continued to bless Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Church with growth and impact. In 2024, the church celebrated 23 baptisms, a 13% increase in Sunday School attendance (averaging 273 people), and welcomed 72 new members.
In 2025, the church experienced an additional 10% growth in worship attendance, averaging 439 people. That year, 53 individuals were baptized, and 92 new members joined the church family.
As a result of the surge of growth, HRBC was struggling to find space to do ministry. The Oakdale campus began renovations to add more classrooms and a new entrance. In 2026, the Hoffmeyer campus began planning for a building expansion for a bigger fellowship hall.
