History
Gulf Stream Baptist Association was organized on May 30, 1948 after quite a bit of discussion. Nine churches came together in the first annual meeting on November 9. Those churches, in order of the history of their organization as churches, were: First Baptist, Ft. Lauderdale; First Baptist, Deerfield Beach; First Baptist, Delray Beach; First Baptist, Pompano Beach; First Baptist, Dania; First Baptist, Boynton Beach; First Baptist, Hollywood; Dania Heights; and Immanuel.
Since that time, seven men have served as the leader of our cooperative venture. Besides our current leader they are:
During the early years, the association shared a missionary with other southeastern Florida associations. Since 1953, with the arrival of Al Dawson, the association has had its own ministry leader (though Dawson worked with the then Palm Lake Association for a number of years). Dawson was one of the most significant figures in the history of Gulf Stream Association for two primary reasons. First, he served Gulf Stream for longer than any other associational executive. 26 years. Second? Tanna. Al's wife. She continued to minister in Gulf Stream as a member of First Baptist, Ft. Lauderdale in many positions (State Board of Missions, Board of Trustees, WMU Director) even after Al went home to Christ.
Al Dawson
Peyton Moore
Al Dawson was followed by Peyton Moore. Rev. Moore served from 1980 to 1985. Under his leadership, the association's office was moved to a central location: 20 NW 46th Ave. in Plantation, Florida. This is important because, after a series of moves initiated in the early 2000s, the offices have returned to this same central location. Moore would take a similar position in Texas in 1985.
Dr. Joe Courson
Peyton Moore would be followed in 1986 by Dr. Joe Courson. Courson would serve for the next five years. Dr. Courson passed away in 2007.
Courson , Dr. Joe H., went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 5, 2007 unexpectedly while visiting family in Wellington, FL. He was 75 years old and son of Clyde and Ida Courson. He was predeceased by his parents and an infant sister. Survivors are his wife of 55 years, Ann Jackson Courson of Jacksonville; daughter, JoAnne (Jordan) Beckner, of Wellington; sons, Joe H. Courson II and Clyde W. Courson, both of Jacksonville, FL; granddaughters, Emily Wilson and Jessica Beckner of Wellington; sister, Alexis (Bobby) Thagard of Callahan, FL; half-sister, Faye Swilley (Bobby) of Jacksonville, FL. Joe was born in Macclenny, FL, graduated high school in Jasper, FL, graduated Stetson University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with Master and Doctorate degrees. He began his pastoral ministry in 1954 in Orlando and continued in churches in Sanford, Jacksonville, New Orleans, Ft. Myers, DeLand, and Ft. Walton Beach. He served as Assistant to the President of New Orleans Seminary and Director of Development of the seminary. He was Director of Missions in the Gulf Stream Baptist Association, greater Ft. Lauderdale area. He served as Director of the Annuity Dept. of the FL. Baptist Convention for ten years, retiring in 2001. During his ministry he helped start over 100 churches. Joe was a loving pastor, conscientious leader, and dear friend. His greatest joy was in service to His Lord in preaching the Word, leading others to Christ, and ministering to those in need. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at Corey - Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Blvd. The memorial service will be Friday 1:00 p.m. at Terry Parker Baptist Church, 7024 Merrill Rd., and graveside service following at Jones Cemetery, Callahan, FL. In lieu of floral arrangements, gifts may be made to Terry Parker Baptist Church, 7024 Merrill Road, 32211, or to Guidestone Adopt an Annuitant, 2401 Cedar Springs Rd. Dallas, TX 75201.
Bill Hinds
One of Joe Courson's most significant decisions would be to bring aboard Bill Hinds as his Associate and Director of Volunteerism. Hinds would follow Moore as director in 1992.
John W.Fleming
John W. Fleming came to leadership of Gulf Stream Baptist Association in May 1999. He retired after 8 years as Executive Director. John continues to exert influence in the arena of assocational ministry as Congregation Wellness Director of the Montgomery Baptist Association in Montgomery, Alabama.
H. Michael Petty
H. Michael Petty, Sr., joined Gulf Stream Baptist Association as Executive Director from the pastorate of First Baptist Church, Marianna, Florida. Petty's administration was affected greatly by the impact of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. His love for Haiti is a mark of his missionary spirit. He left Gulf Stream in August 2012 to begin planting CHRIST Fellowship in Panama City Beach, Florida. In 2018, Dr. Petty returned to associational ministry as Director of Missions for Ridge Baptist Association in Winter Haven, Florida.
