Great Pasto Dr. Fred L. Maxwell
Lake Lorna Doone - Pastor Dr. Fred L. Maxwell, a revered figure in The Communities of West Lakes in Orlando, Florida, left an indelible mark through his unwavering dedication to serving the marginalized and his profound impact on Central Florida's social landscape. Born into an era of racial segregation, Maxwell's life journey was a testament to resilience, determination, and a profound love for humanity. Leaving school in the third grade, Maxwell's thirst for knowledge propelled him to later acquire his high school diploma. Conferred with the doctorate of divinity degree and retired as the Pastor of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in May 2001, Dr. Maxwell's legacy demonstrates a remarkable intellect and eloquence that characterized his life's work.
In 1964, Maxwell assumed the role of pastor at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, embarking on a remarkable tenure that earned him widespread admiration and respect. His eloquence, intellect, and unshakable faith endeared him to congregants and positioned him as a Central Florida pastoral community pillar. In his 37 years as an esteemed pastor, Maxwell's influence extended "far beyond the church walls," according to his successor Dr. Rolous Frazier Jr.. "An awesome Man of God," Dr. Maxwell mentored the young Frazier, then 28, before he retired at the age of 93. Like he had done with many pastors throughout the community, he guided the newly appointed reverend to transcend his legacy.
Dr. Maxwell embodied the ethos of service, civil rights advocacy and uplifting the less fortunate. His commitment to social justice led him to co-found the Grand Avenue Economic Development organization, which evolved into Pathlight HOME. This organization, founded in 1990, embraced a "housing first" philosophy, offering shelter and support to over 7,000 individuals and families without homes. Maxwell's vision spurred the establishment of Maxwell Gardens and Maxwell Terrace Apartments, providing a vital housing solution for the unhoused. His instrumental role in securing a $4.8 million federal grant transformed a former motel into a 127-unit rental complex for the unhoused.
Maxwell's impact resonated not only in social initiatives but also in financial stewardship. He served as a respected organizer and board member of the Baptist Health South Florida Federal Credit Union. He instituted tithing as a financial system for financing God's Church at St. John's Missionary Baptist Church. He authored a book entitled "Where Is Thy Brother" and was the visionary for many new ministries during his leadership. With many honors recognizing his contributions, some of the awards he received were the Orange County Humanitarian of the Year, the Maxwell-Wright Lifetime Achievement Award, and, although he was not a lawyer, the Florida Bar Foundation Medal of Honor.
Every Founder's Day at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Maxwell is lauded for his pivotal role in steering the Church toward its present stature. With the 100th anniversary approaching in October 2024, the members of St. John Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate not only the Church but also Maxwell's humility and deep-rooted love for humanity that defined him. Dr. Fred L. Maxwell's legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the institutions he established, and his enduring impact on the community. His story remains a testament to the transformative power of compassion guiding future generations toward a more equitable and compassionate society.
