“Oh taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is he who trusts in Him” Psalm 34:8
The First University Church in Tampa, Florida has tasted God´s goodness and she has continuous praises on her lips. With a heartfelt appreciation for its growth over the years, the Church celebrated its 10th Anniversary on November 5th, 2005. Over the years she has come to savor with humility and thanks for every good and miraculous thing that was sent her way. The church believes that God´s grace is sufficient. Her testimony began in 1996, when this little church grew through divine providence. Suitcase City (a place of habitat for low-income families) is where it all began. The message to start a church was given to six (6) souls who marched with a vision; Elder Niles, Sis. Spence, Bro & Sis McCraw and Br. & Sis. Nelson. The Lord instructed them to go and preach the gospel in this community. Their vision for evangelism would illuminate the church´s very existence in the community of suitcase city where fourteen (14) souls accepted Christ through baptism, which led them to be recognized as the 114th congregation of the Southeastern Conference. The members were blessed with several locations to worship; 1515 East Fletcher Avenue was the church´s first location. They later moved to the University of South Florida Episcopal Center where the members transitioned encouraging youth to youth evangelism. This new location was on the college campus and that is how it inherited the name First University becoming the first Adventist church on a secular campus in Tampa, Florida. The church grew and grew and properties 1910, 1912, 1914 East 139th Avenue was purchased and became the final place of congregation. There were several Pastors that helped paved the way, Pastor Johnson, Pastor Mathews, Pastor Robinson, Pastor Powell and Pastor Jacques, who gave his final sermon on the church 10th Anniversary. Each Pastor took the church to new heights spiritually. When Pastor Jacques came aboard, the church was blessed financially as testimony to God´s goodness manifested through the newly purchased property since February 2003. At this location, First University Spanish and French congregations were born. Here the children of God meet together as one. The church continues to be a powerful force in the community. Both congregations together baptized more than 30 souls since the final transition. There were thirteen (13) souls baptized at the conclusion of the crusade in October 2005 led by former church pastor Lesley Jacques along with the elders and church members. God has truly blessed First University members with a special church and a gift of true fellowship and love for one another.
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