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About Our Pastor

Pastor Elijah Simmons was born on May 18, 1973, in Miami, Florida, where he attended Caribbean Baptist Church. In 1997 Pastor Simmons relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, and two years later, after receiving his call to the Ministry, the Holy Spirit led him to the First Baptist Church of Mandarin.

Under the leadership of Dr. Gary L. Williams Sr., Rev. Simmons spent four years as an Associate Minister at The First Baptist Church of Mandarin, in Jacksonville, Florida. While at FBCM, Rev. Simmons served faithfully on several ministries and was afforded the opportunity to preach in several churches around the city. Rev. Simmons was both Licensed and Ordained by Dr. Williams.

In January 2003, the Holy Sprit led Rev. Simmons to begin a new work – Mount Horeb Baptist Church, in Orange Park, Florida. After moving to the Norwood Community on the north side of Jacksonville, the church prayerfully changed its name to Norwood Community Church. For more than eighteen years, MHBC/NCC has been ministering to the spiritual and physical needs of residents in both Clay and Duval County.

Over the years Pastor Simmons has had the opportunity to preach the Gospel in multiple churches throughout the city, state, and nation. Pastor Simmons was educated at Luther Rice Bible College & Seminary (B.A., Religion, M.A., Ministry).

Pastor Simmons is married to Tanisha Simmons, and they have seven beautiful children, Lorraine, Cassandra, Rachelle, Grace, Moriah, Josiah, and Elijah Jr. (affectionately called E.J.).