Pastor Smith’s Letter for Sunday’s Bulletin, February 2, 2020

This first Sunday of February marks the 58th anniversary of Hillsdale Baptist Church. The world and Tampa Bay have changed dramatically since Hillsdale was spawned by Buffalo Avenue Baptist Church (BABC), one of the first independent Baptist churches in the State of Florida.

Located in East Tampa where Interstate 275 crisscrosses today, BABC enjoyed an influx of young military men who were stationed at MacDill Air Force Base and Drew Airfield (where Tampa International is located today) during World War II.  After the war, many of those war veterans decided to plant their roots in Tampa and BABC was blessed to see many added to its membership.

Witnessing the growth and changes in Tampa, a group of BABC believers began the search for property in 1962 and the eventual relocation of the ministry. The search group settled on 3.5 acres at the corners of Church Avenue and Henry Avenue, just north of Hillsborough Avenue (a two-lane street) and east of a two-lane highway we know today as Dale Mabry; hence the name “Hills-Dale” (later modified to Hillsdale Baptist Church).

You and I are the benefactors of the sacrifices of those who have gone before us. With the exception of Mrs. Evelyn Ryan, Mrs. Penni Jividen, and Mr. Mark Keller, the first generation of members are with the Lord. By God’s grace their legacy endures as Hillsdale continues to be a church dedicated to the Lord, traditional worship, unapologetic Bible preaching\teaching and Christ-honoring music.  Praise the Lord!

“Who You Gonna Please?”

I look forward to continuing our study in the Book of Galatians as we are in the midst of our new series, “Freedom That Lasts”. There will not be a 6:00pm service this Sunday, however, next week we will pick up our study of the Book of Proverbs.

Enrollment for the new school year has begun for Hillsdale Christian Academy and Preschool.  Our traditional classes run from K2-6th grade (we are adding a 6th grade this next year) and our Virtual School is for 7th-12th grades. We have a couple of teacher and assistant openings and invite you to see Pastor Peterman or Mrs. Tanya Henry to inquire.

With the heart of a shepherd,

Pastor Travis D. Smith

Senior Pastor

pastorsmith@hillsdalebaptist.org

www.HeartofAShepherd.com