About

About Sugarloaf Church

Sugarloaf Church is a replant of Ferndale Baptist Church, one of the historic Southern Baptist congregations of Lake County, Florida. Founded in 1895, our church has served the Ferndale community for over twelve decades.

Our Story

In 2025, our congregation made a courageous decision. Recognizing the need for renewal and fresh vision, Ferndale Baptist Church voted to enter a fostering partnership with First Baptist Church of Clermont under the guidance of the Lake County Baptist Association and the North American Mission Board (NAMB).

This partnership represents a new chapter — not the end of a story, but a bold step of faith. Under the name Sugarloaf Church, we are committed to reaching new families, strengthening our community, and advancing the gospel in the Minneola, Clermont, and Montverde areas of Lake County.

Our Mission

We exist to Gather people into authentic community, Grow them as disciples of Jesus Christ, and Go into our neighborhoods and the world with the love and message of the gospel.

Our Partnership

Sugarloaf Church is blessed to partner with Dr. Randy Mohundro as we navigate this season of renewal, shared ministries, and livestream worship technology to strengthen our congregation during this transition.

The Lake County Baptist Association, provides strategic guidance and support for our replant journey.

Our Affiliation

Sugarloaf Church is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the Florida Baptist Convention, and the Lake County Baptist Association (LCBA). We affirm the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 as our statement of faith.

Our History at a Glance

  • 1895 — West Apopka Missionary Baptist founded and renamed Ferndale Baptist Church in 1924 located in Lake County, Florida
  • 2008 — Peak membership of 346 members and 90 in worship attendance
  • 2018 — Renewal: 11 baptisms — the highest in recent history
  • July 2025 — Congregation votes to enter a fostering partnership with a to be determined SBC Church
  • 2026 — Reborn as Sugarloaf Church — “The church that love builds!”

“Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.” — Isaiah 43:19 (CSB)