The History of Beulah Baptist Institutional Church. 

The formation of the Beulah Baptist Institutional Church began the year before the establishment of a formal structure for its founding.  The events leading to the church’s establishment are peculiar to the times and characteristic of the Negro’s quest for freedom of worship and dignity of the individual.  The purpose of this chronology is to offer to members and friends of the Beulah Baptist Institutional Church a comprehensive record of the Church’s achievements from 1865 to this year.

1865
A group of Negroes, recently given their freedom from slavery, withdrew from the First Baptist Church of Tampa to organize a church that was given the name of Beulah Baptist Church.  Land for a sanctuary was donated to the group by Mrs. Fortune Ransome.  The first pastor called to serve was Rev. Elder Hadley.

1869
Rev. Hadley terminated his pastorate of the congregation and was replaced by Rev. Anderson who added several new members to the growing congregation.

1875
Rev. Sinclair came to serve as pastor of Beulah for the next five years.  The church was remodeled under this administration.

1878
Rev. N. A. Johnson was called to serve as pastor of this growing congregation.  His leadership covered a 3 year span during which time the church'’ membership continued to grow.

1881
Under the pastorate of Rev. L. G. Carro, the original frame structure of the church was moved from it’s old street location to Harrison Street.

1887
Rev. H. Holman was called and accepted the pastorate of the church.  The church membership grew rapidly and extensively, necessitating a renovation of the building to accommodate the large number of worshippers.  In the mid part of his pastorate, the church had to undergo a second renovation to serve its growing membership

1889
IT was during this same period that Usher Board #1 was organized.  Of great significance to the community and a tribute to Rev. Holman was the organization of the People’s Investment Company under the auspices of the church and the first Negro Investment in the City of Tampa.  During the same year an office building was purchased to house The People’s Investment Company and other business activities.

1903
The membership voted to purchase a new site for the church.  Rev. Holman’s pastorate climaxed with the great baptismal service in the Hillsborough River.  Rev. J. B. Green became pastor and conducted a 45-day revival.

1908
The church was incorporated as the Beulah Baptist Institutional Church (non-Profit)

1914
Edler S.A. Norris became pastor.  During his administration, the Floral Club was organized.

1916
Rev. G. D. Griffin became pastor and increased the membership to a total of 425.

1917
Property located at the corner of Tyler and Pierce Streets was purchased at a cost of $90,000 on which an 11-room modern pastorate was built.

1922
The congregation contracted with the Tri-State Construction Co. to erect a new sanctuary on the purchased site at a cost of $85,000.

1926
Rev H.E. Jones became pastor.  He organized the White Robe Choir which later became the first Negro church choir to sing on a radio station in Tampa.  Some years later this choir became Choir # 2.

1931
Rev. W. M. Davis was called as pastor of the church.  His first effort was to spearhead a drive to complete the structure started in 1922.

1932
Red Circle Courtesy Clubs were organized.

1937
The congregation moved into the newly completed edifice after many sacrifices had been made by the members through cash donations.

1938
Dedicatory Services of the new church were held from Oct. 10-30.  Participating in the services were representatives of national, state and local governments and ministers and supporters of Beulah from throughout the area.

1940
Usher Board #2 was organized.

1942
The Quarterman’s Glee Club was organized.

1954
Rev. W. M. Davis passed away.  Rev. G. T. Martin was called to serve as interim pastor.  The Youth Choir was organized.

1956
Rev. A. Leon Lowry became the 13th pastor of the church.  The Beulah Baptist Church Federal Credit Union was organized.  A group of ladies formed the A. Leon Lowry Club.  The congregation purchased the Burn’s Memorial Chapel and four and one half and three adjoining lots on Delaware and Cypress Streets in West Tampa, site of the new church and pastorium.

1957
Children’s Choir was organized.

1958
The Mattie Jackson Courtesy Club was organized.

1963
A committee was appointed to conduct a feasibility study to determine whether toe old building should be renovated or a new building erected.  Relocation was recommended and accepted.

1963-1965
Architectural plans and drawings were presented to the congregation for approval.

1966
The congregation launched a sale of bonds to finance construction of a new church on Delaware & Cypress Streets.

1968
Ground Breaking ceremonies were held and work was begun on the new church building.  Sanctuary Ladies Auxiliary was organized.

1969
A loan was secured from the First Federal Savings and Loan Assn.  of Tampa in April to completed construction of the new church.  Sunday, Dec. 21st, Consecration Services for the new church were held.

1970
Angelic Choir and Junior Usher Board were organized.

1971
Launched the first “Beulah Day” as a joint financial effort for the men and women of the church.

1972
Youth Choir was reorganized and named the “The A. Leon Lowry Tabernacle Choir.”  Became the Host Church for “Chapel 8” a televised Religious Service of the WFLA Broadcasting Station.

1973
The Cornerstone was laid during a very impressive ceremony conducted by the Grand Assembly of the Lily White Association of which Deacon C. Blyth Andrews was Grand President.  The Cornerstone was donated by Deacon Andrews.  The sermon for this memorable occasion was delivered by Rev. Benjamin Lowry, father of our pastor, Rev. A. Leon Lowry.
 
Pastor Lowry instituted the first massive Retirement Services honoring all members of the church who retired from their various types of jobs.

1974
The outdoor Cross was erected.  The Dedicatory Services were held Feb. 24th.  Acquired the property on the southeast corner of Delaware and Cypress for parking and recreational facilities.  Surfaced and marked off the parking area on the south and west of the Sanctuary.

1975
Purchased property at the southwest corner of Gilchrist and Cypress for future use.  Increased our Building Fund contributions with the intent of retiring the Church Mortgage within the next 5 years.  Entered into a lease (with option to buy) with the Tony Grandoff Enterprises on our Old Beulah Site property.

1977
Organized the Young Matrons Auxiliary.

1979
Re-supplied the Sanctuary with Bibles and Hymnals.  A sizable number of each were donated by the Wilson family.

1980
Organized the Pastor’s Aid Club.  Opened the first Church Nursery.  Organized the Voluntary Youth Program (Small Fee Job Service).

1982
Purchased property at the northeast corner of Lemon and Delaware for future use.  Installed the name of the church at the base of the Cross.  Youth Department published the 1st Edition of its Newspaper the “Beulah Bugle”. 

1983
Retired the Mortgage on the Sanctuary and held the “mortgage Burning Services” on January 23rd.  Rev. Gardner C. Taylor delivered the sermon for this memorable occasion.  Updated our Business machines via purchases and donations.  Retired the mortgage held by Central Life Insurance Company and Community Federal Savings and Loan Association.  Installed a new Public Address System.  Installed a Security Control System.

1984
Reorganized the “Sons of Beulah”.  Reorganized the Male Chorus.  Installed four “time controlled” Security Lights.

1985
Purchased additional Business Machines.  Began the Tape Ministry for the Sick and Shut-Ins with the help of the Sanctuary Ladies.  Accepted a monetary gift of $44,625 from our pastor, Rev. A. Leon Lowry Sr. to go toward the construction of our Educational Building.

1986
The members honored Rev. Lowry on his 30th year as pastor of the church with a Banquet.  “Extravaganza was celebrated.  The first church calendar was made available to each family.

1987
Signed contract to build an Educational Center.  Purchased a new piano for the Sanctuary.  New robes purchased for all choirs.  The Pastor’s Aid Club honored the Pastor with a birthday dinner.  Purchased furniture for conference room, narthex and church office.  Installed rails to the main entrance.

1988
Secured a loan to finance construction of Educational Building from First Florida Bank, N.A. Ground Breaking ceremonies were held for the new Educational Building.

1989
Began construction of the Educational Building.  Purchased property (a Duplex) at the southwest corner of Lemon and Gilchrist.  Re-carpeted the entire edifice.  Reorganized the Youth Usher Board.

1990
Hosted the Florida General Baptist Convention, Inc.  Purchased property at the corner of Cypress and North Delaware.  Held Dedicatory Services and Open House for our new facility and approved a name for it.  “The A. Leon Lowry, Sr. Family Service Center”.  Organized the Youth Mission.  Organized the Ladies of Emerald Mission II.  Purchased additional furnishings for the new Facility.

1991
Officially opened the Beulah Baptist Institutional Church Day Care Center.  Purchased and installed necessary items for the operation of the Center, such as furniture, playground equipment, fencing, etc.

1992
Church Bond Drive began.  Saturday School opened.  Karate classes began.  Organized Youth Church.  Organized Brotherhood of Beulah.

1993
Installed a Down Stage Podium with the assistance of the A. Leon Lowry Club.  Accepted Rev. Lowry’s retirement plans.  Selected a committee to search for a new Pastor.

1994
Updated the Church’s Pictorial Directory.  Laid the Cornerstone for the A. Leon Lowry Family Service Center during a very impressive ceremony.  The Cornerstone Laying was conducted by the Masons.  The sermon was delivered by our Pastor, Rev. Lowry.

1995
Accepted the search committee’s “New Pastor” report and voted on the same.  None of the candidates obtained the recommended percentage to call the new pastor.  Thus, a second vote was necessary and another election was held at a later date. Rev. W. James Favorite accepted the call to become the 14th Pastor of Beulah Baptist Institutional Church.  Purchased the property at the southeast corner of Lemon and Delaware Ave.  established the Cora Lee Sutton Scholarship Fund and pledged our financial support.

1996
Rev. W. James Favorite began the “Vision toward the Year 2000”.  The Vision adopted the idea of “Ministry” and encourages all boards to do the work of a ministry.  Board of Christian Education established.  Before and After Care Program added to the existing Day Care Center Program.  Introduced a full scale tithing program through pastoral teaching and preaching.  Increased membership through evangelism.  Developed a total evangelical program and developed an emphasis program for the family.

1997
Emphasis on Evangelism and building Sunday school.  Two Revivals scheduled.  Beautification Committee established.  First Annual Valentine Dinner held.  Young Men and Women of Excellence program began.  New Sound System, Ice Maker, Church Van and Copier purchased.  Rev. Favorite licensed two ministers.  Senior Advisory Ministry established.  Health Fair held.  CAN Classes held.  Credit Repair Class held.

1998
Youth Adult Choir was established and made their debut.  First Annual Youth Church reorganized.  Computer School founded.  New Church Directory published.  Expanded Evangelism Ministry and increased membership through Evangelism.  Beulah’s Brotherhood Ministry regrouped and expanded their activities.  Young Adult Choir renamed Young Believers.  Rev. Favorite licensed four Deacons.  1st Church Anniversary Banquet held.  Celebrated the 1st A. Leon Lowry Day.

1999
Ordained one minister, Rev. Delores J. Cain.  Children’s Choir renamed “new Generation”.  Renovation of church and A. Leon Lowry Center.  Purchased new organ for main sanctuary.  Vision Ministry organized.  Married Couple’s Ministry organized.  1st Annual Street Festival.

2000 – Present
Succession Training established for the purpose of preparing the members for leadership roles in the Church.  The first Ordination of Deaconess held December 10, 2000.  Singles Ministry, Armor Bearers Ministry and Health Ministry established.  Ministerial Staff grew.  S.A.T. Training Program introduced resulting from funding from the Florida Education Fund.  Coordinated transportation efforts for Progressive National Baptist Convention in Tampa August 2001.  Youth Church introduced for Teens and experienced tremendous growth in the Children’s Church.  “Total Involvement” Theme introduced January 2002.  Fifth Sunday Mortgage Reduction Program introduced to enable early payoff of mortgage on the Education Center.