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Merged Churches Prepare New Center

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 9, 2007

TAMPA - Two churches that merged in 2003 are nearly ready to open an $8 million worship center under their new name, South Tampa Fellowship.

Members of Davis Islands Baptist Church, 97 Biscayne Ave., and Ballast Point Baptist Church, 5101 Bayshore Blvd., have divided their worship services and ministry programs between the two locations for years. All the activity shifted to Davis Islands when construction on the worship center began in January.

Crews are working outside and inside the 45,000-square-foot complex at the Bayshore site. By early next month, the church will consolidate most of its activities and administrative offices there, although several ministries will remain at Davis Islands. A grand opening is scheduled for Nov. 18.

The church design, by RBK Architects of Ybor City, incorporates three existing buildings along Bayshore, including the original 1948 sanctuary, and adds space at the rear for a fellowship hall, Bible study classrooms and offices.

James Patterson, one of five pastors at South Tampa Fellowship, said the name change better reflects the church's geographic territory and appeals to a membership that includes people from other faiths.

Most of the congregation's 1,000 members are in their early 40s or younger, a mix of singles and families, Patterson said. The church has about 25 full-time and 15 part-time employees.

What the church doesn't have is a senior pastor. A search committee is considering people for the position, but it's unclear when a decision will be reached.

Mark Holan

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