FL S1908

Recognizes Bishop Rudolph W. McKissick, Sr., for a lifetime of service and leadership in the faith community and the community at large.

Bishop served as pastor of Bethel Baptist Institutional Church in Jacksonville for 47 years beginning in 1966, making him the longest-serving leader of Florida's oldest African-American church.

Established more than 50 ministries at the church serving a congregation of over 12,000 members, including The Help Center, a marriage ministry, youth retreats, and missionary outreach programs.

Co-founded the B.E.S.T. Academy in 1993 with his wife Estelle to support elementary and secondary students, which became an approved summer school site for Duval County's most academically challenged students.

Held memberships on numerous boards including the University of North Florida Board of Trustees, the Jacksonville Urban League, and the YMCA James Weldon Branch, and was elevated to Bishop of Marriage and Family in the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International in September 2011.