For more than a decade, Plant City has been home to a spiritual revival at at St. Mary’s Community Church that draws thousands from across the state.
An average of 500 to 700 worshipers gather each night every single year to experience a spiritual revival led by the legendary Grammy Award-nominated gospel singer Bishop Rance Allen. The two-day event is sure to be a packed house as Allen is joined by other entertainers like the St. Mary’s Praise Team, Evangelist Francine Jones and Charles & Oscar the singing puppet.
“There is so much going on,” Pastor Timothy S. Knighten Sr. said. “We all go through different struggles and I think it’s important we always remember that if we trust Him we can make it through anything. That’s the main focus of this revival, just reminding folks that they are not alone, that there is hope. And not only Plant City, but throughout the nation. I think it’s time for a spiritual awakening throughout the entire nation.”
The church is calling it “two explosive nights of power.” Attendees obviously agree as they continue to flock from Bradenton, Dade City, St. Petersburg and more just to take part in the gathering. It’s laid out much like any typical service. There will be a worship session followed by a sermon — also performed by Allen — before closing out with a final round of worship from Allen.
Allen formed the gospel music group The Rance Allen Group with his brothers. They went on to revolutionize the Christian music industry and are largely credited with starting the movement to incorporate rock and soul into the classic worship songs.
Thanks to Allen’s influence, crossovers ended up helping launch legends like Amy Grant and Andrae Crouch. During the annual revival, Allen always makes sure to revisit some of his beloved hits. Knighten said audience members will often shout out a favorite and Allen will simply turn around and perform it without a second thought.
Augustus “Sunny” Traylor is helping plan the event. He said the revival is a “renewed Christian experience for everyone.” This is St. Mary’s way of “waking the community up,” according to Traylor.
“It’s a spiritual awakening,” Traylor said. “We are trying to open the eyes of the community, to get people more involved and helping each other. It’s our way of giving back to the community too. This event is completely free and it changes lives.”
St. Mary’s motto is, “Come as you are.” Traylor said they take that to heart. Everyone is welcome and there is no specific dress code for the event. He said they are just hoping attendees are able to embrace God, “however they come.”
There will also be an opportunity during the revival for attendees to win a three or four-night vacation.
Though Allen’s prestige is undoubtedly a major draw for the event, the church has several rather successful revivals each year. Knighten said Allen always comes either in the late summer or the early spring to preach in Plant City. People from across the state have learned to expect his arrival at St. Mary’s each year, which leads to such a high attendance.
The doors open at 6 p.m. and the revival starts promptly at 7 p.m. Abundant parking is available and attendees will be outside assisting incomers.
“You can come to one night only and understand what’s going on, but I can guarantee if you come the first night you won’t want to miss the second one,” Knighten said. It’s definitely something you don’t want to miss. We’re just inviting everyone to come out and enjoy the Lord with us.”