Ministries and History

Church History

Church History

September 21, 1930 a group of believers were invited to the home of Mr. & Mrs. J.G. Buzbee to organize a Baptist Church in Gibsonton. Soon after, two lots were donated as well as a tent and the first services were held on September 28, 1930 under the tent. The weeks following the first service, a storm came through and completely destroyed the tent. In a few weeks construction was started on the first building which was an “open air” pole building. In April of 1939 the first Worship building was completed. The church continue to grow and prosper and in 1951 a much larger sanctuary was built and is still in use today.

When the new church was originally built, there was a bible placed under the pulpit so the preacher would always be standing on the Word of God. Of course he’s not really standing on the bible, but it is placed under the platform of the pulpit were it remains today.

The Church Fellowship Hall used to be a fire station. On the outside there are two sliding doors which used to house the ambulance on one side and a fire truck on the other. Part of the old well is still located outside of the front door. The original kitchen and bunk rooms are now storage areas. This vintage building is currently used for all our fellowship and special gatherings and dinners.

Almost New Thrift Store

Our Almost New Thrift Store is open to the public, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 9am-3pm. There is something for everyone inside (and outside!). There is furniture, dishes, pots & pans, jewelry, clothes, linens, records, tapes, cd’s, appliances, health aids, antiques, and let’s face it, some just plain junk! The profits received from sales help support our missionaries. But you have to remember, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure! Come by and check us out! See Cindy Dyer for more information or if you’d like to volunteer to help sort, clean, stock or display. Your help is always welcome and appreciated.

Thrift Store Director: Cindy Dyer
Hours: Wednesday through Friday 9 am – 3pm, Saturday 9am – 2pm
Telephone: (813) 671-0036

Sunday School

We offer Sunday School classes for all grades which includes youth, teens, and adults every Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. We also have Children’s Church for ages 5 to 12 years old during Sunday morning church service at 10:30 a.m.

TruthSeekers

We are teaching and training our teenagers to be the next generation of Christian leaders. It is always exciting when we have our teens singing and giving their testimonies before the church. Mr. William Lee leads them on Wednesday nights at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall for supper and 7pm Service in the Youth Room.

Nursery

We have a modern, well-staffed nursery for infants to 4 years of age

Nursing Home Outreach

Each Wednesday at 11 a.m. our Associate Pastor and several church members meet at a local nursing home to sing, preach and minister to the elderly shut-ins. As a result of this outreach, we have had many decisions made for Christ.

Visitation Program

Every Thursday night a group of our men visit new move-ins, first time visitors and shut-ins. We tell them about our church programs and activities, and give them a welcome gift and invite them to return.

Pastoral Services

Our pastors visit those members of our church who are in the hospital, nursing home, rehab centers, or are home bound to encourage and pray for their needs. We also conduct weddings and funerals for our church families and members of our community.

Fellowship Meetings

Monthly we have various gatherings and Bible studies for men and women in our fellowship hall for special events to encourage a deeper fellowship for our community members.

Concert Series

For years we have had a concert series in which we bring in the finest groups in southern gospel music for the enjoyment of our members and the community. We also have some of the finest and well-known evangelists/preachers from around the world to minister to our congregation.