The Main Chapters...Many Characters
THE OAKS, 1918 - EARLY 20s
We begin our story in late 1918 when a small group of people felt God impress upon their heart to meet together and pray for a church to be born. They responded and met near the Robinson pool for a few months and then moved to the Arbor at the “The Oaks” – a serene setting where they could call upon God and pray for Him to expand the work and trust God
for a needed place to call home. The next event brought a gift of property for $1.
FOREST PARK CHURCH OF GOD - 1926
A church is officially born with its first name called
Forest Park Church of God. The church grew and
God kept drawing families that sensed His Call
on their lives. They joined together to form a
unified church.
LEMON STREET PROPERTY - 1940s
The Lemon Street property (Strawberry Festival Grounds) had a
building and the church added their first wood frame sanctuary.
Everyone enjoyed having a church home they could call their own.
The years continued to add people as God granted them favor
to reach people with the need of salvation.
SECOND NEW SANCTUARY - 1960s
The sixties brought the need of an ever-growing church
body. Sunday School became a critical part of the growth
path. This step gave them a doubling of square footage. This
new opportunity with expanded space now gave the church
a way to reach more families. People sacrificed as they
came together in unity to hear God’s voice and respond.
MUD LAKE PROPERTY - 1990s
As the church continued to grow, the need for more
property for expansion became evident. Twentyseven
acres on Mud Lake Road seemed perfect for
its strategic location near Walden Lakes, the largest
residential development in the city. The church body
felt more unified each month as each family chose to
sacrifice to pay for the land. The Strawberry Festival
approached Pastor Robert Herrin purchased the
Lemon Street building and property. The church
body agreed to relocate.
THIRD NEW SANCTUARY - 1970s
The seventies created another great chapter
in the life of the church. Church growth kept
doubling and the congregation expanded its
reach those who need Christ. Attendance at
one special BBQ outreach event topped the
1000 mark as people came to celebrate good
food and faith in Christ. Sunday
School space was increased
and many great memories
marked a decade of a
changing culture.
FOURTH NEW SANCTUARY GRAND OPENING - 2003
Thus began a whole new chapter. The church has experienced accelerated
growth. With new and larger facilities, we discovered new
opportunities to reach neighboring families and meet their needs.
Our student ministry expanded with a whole new vision in its new
student center under. Children’s ministry continues to flourish.
Worship has continued to identify us as a church that loves and
worships God uninhibited. New
ministries are regularly added as
laborers respond to the harvest.
FREEDOM CAMPAIGN 2010
Today, Plant City COG averages close to 800 in
attendance. Our church is poised to double in the
next few years. We realize that we need to enter
this next decade Mortgage Free. This historical
step will enable us up to freely respond to the
next level of harvest.