CEREMONY BEGINS ADDITION TO BE COMPLETED IN OCTOBER.
On Sunday, December 1, First Baptist Church Plant City held a ground breaking ceremony for the next phase of its expansion at the church’s main campus on 3309 James L. Redman Parkway. The addition represents a forward-looking commitment to the church’s “mission of sharing God’s love and meeting the spiritual and community needs of Plant City and beyond.” Currently, 1,300 attend its Sunday services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The church also livestreams these services.
Construction companies completed the current facility in 2017. It is the church’s Phase One with 60,000 square feet, including an 1,800-seat worship center, a commons area, and a wing of classrooms. This new addition—which is Phase Two—will add a two-story, 36,000-square-foot building to help the church serve its congregation—which has grown by 15 percent since 2023. The anticipated completion date is October 2025.
The expansion will enhance the current offerings of the church. Key features are:
The addition will allow for room for the church’s Spanish congregation. This group currently meets off-campus, but upon completion will join the main campus under one roof.
The existing church commons will be reconfigured to provide more seating and space for meeting others.
New practice rooms for the choir and orchestra will be built.
Additional rooms will be constructed for small group meetings and classes to accommodate the church’s growth.
The second floor will primarily cater to the church’s thriving student ministry—which works with 400 kids from babies to high school seniors. It will feature a large central area for services and events, classrooms, and a gathering area with a snack bar, game tables, and an outdoor patio overlooking a drive-up portico.
The plan for the future Phase 3 is to add a large multi-use space that will serve as an event room and a gym, and to add additional smaller rooms for groups to meet.
“We have been privileged and blessed to see the work of God before our very eyes in our church,” commented Senior Pastor Dr. Brian Stowe. “We have seen hundreds saved and baptized over the past five years in our present location. The Lord has added others to our church. We have taken part in numerous mission outreaches across our city, state, nation, and world.”
Founded in 1866, First Baptist Church Plant City is dedicated to sharing God’s love and fostering community. With over 158 years of ministry, the church remains a vibrant center of worship, fellowship, and outreach for Plant City and beyond. The church provides specific ministries for seniors, single people, and grief support. The singles group has 300 people connected to it, while the seniors group has over 1,000 involved. The church also offers pre-school classes during weekdays.
One of First Baptist Church’s notable upcoming events is the February, “Night to Shine” in partnership with the Tim Tebow Foundation. This foundation aids children through orphan care, addressing profound medical needs, supporting special needs, and anti-human trafficking and child exploitation. The Plant City event is designed to celebrate people who have special needs.
Currently, the church is offering to the community, “The Light of Christmas.” This is a free, synchronized show outside the church that displays 80,000 lights. Car radios can be tuned to a station to listen to music to accompany the production. The program runs every 35 minutes between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. from December 1 to January 5.
