Reverend Fred Maxwell co-founded Pathlight HOME in 1990 to serve the homeless in Orlando

Honoring Rev. Maxwell’s Legacy

Rev. Maxwell passed away almost 15 years ago, and we still miss him – but we are proud that his legacy lives on at Pathlight HOME every day and that his impact continues long past his death.

Rev. Fred Maxwell was a pillar of hope in Central Florida.

Widely considered the father of our region’s black preachers, Rev. Maxwell preached throughout the community and served as pastor of St. John Missionary Baptist Church for 37 years. He was a civil rights leader, known for his intellect and eloquence.

 

Rev. Maxwell had great compassion for those who were suffering. Whenever he saw anyone in need, he wanted to find a way to make it better. He was particularly concerned with helping homeless men and women who lived on the streets, exposed to the elements without a place to call home. That concern led him to co-found Pathlight HOME almost thirty years ago.

 

Rev. Maxwell embodied the values of humility and hard work, and his impact on the community was recognized during his life with the Community Father’s Award, Orange County Humanitarian of the Year, Maxwell-Wright Lifetime Achievement Award and Florida Bar Foundation Medal of Honor.

 

Rev. Maxwell passed away almost 15 years ago, and we still miss him – his smile, his voice, his compassion, and his constant reassurance of our faith in the power of God to change the world. But we are proud that his legacy lives on at Pathlight HOME every day – and that his impact continues long past his death.

2005 Black History Celebration Banquet Humanitarian Award for Rev. Dr. Fred L. Maxwell
1998 Florida Bar Foundation Medal of Honor for Rev. Fred L. Maxwell
Nominee Recognition of Rev. Fred L. Maxwell for Religious Hall of Fame October 25 2002
Jacksonville Times-Union Article Plaque Announcing Rev. Fred L. Maxwell Inducted into Florida Religious Hall of Fame in 2002
The 2002 Maxwell-Wright Lifetime Achievement Award awarded to Rev. Fred L. Maxwell by the Florida Religious Hall of Fame, Jacksonville, Florida
1997 Liberty Bell Award from the Orange County Bar Association presented to Rev. Fred L. Maxwell
2001 Orange County Government Humanitarian of the Year Award presented to Rev. Dr. Fred L. Maxwell for Outstanding Contributions to the Citizens of Orange County
2006 Black History Month Honoree Dr. Fred L. Maxwell - Lynx Salutes Local Legends Plaque