Here at Ballast Point Baptist Church we stand on ground rich with history. Ballast Point Baptist Church began its journey in 1925. It started as a mission of First Baptist Church of Tampa. Can you imagine services held in a roller coaster building? That’s right the congregation first met in the Ballast Point Amusement Park.
The church has been at its current location since 1957. Think about the changes this area has seen. Ballast Point Baptist Church has remained a constant. The Rev. Dave Montalbano led this church for many years. He was a Baptist minister for 20 years when he joined Ballast Point. Montalbano began preaching in Jonesboro Arkansas. He later attended Bethany Theological Seminary. He received his bachelor’s degree in ministry there.
Imagine the sounds of the services here. Sunday school begins at 9:45 a.m. It is followed by worship at 11 a.m. The youth choir lifts their voices on Sundays at 5 p.m. Evening worship starts at 6 p.m. Children participate in Royal Ambassadors and Girls in Action. These groups meet during the evening service. Ballast Point Baptist Church also features a puppet ministry. They rehearse on Sunday evenings at 7 p.m.
Let us reflect on the church’s mission. Montalbano once spoke of redreaming the dream for Ballast Point. He wanted to be current in ministry. This was without compromising biblical standards.
Consider the special events at Ballast Point Baptist Church. The Christmas cantata is a highlight. The adult choir performs A Christmas Invitation. The children’s choir also perform. Feel the warmth of community during these events.
Ballast Point Baptist Church has a Women’s Missionary Union. It tries to re-establish mission education programs. This shows the church’s commitment. It is committed to service and outreach.
In 2003 Ballast Point Baptist Church sought Davis Islands Baptist Church for a merger. In 2005 leadership decided on an umbrella name. That name became South Tampa Fellowship. The two campuses became Davis Islands and Ballast Point. In November 2007 South Tampa Fellowship moved to a new Ballast Point Campus. They sought to reach a new community. They shared the Good News of Christ.
Ballast Point Baptist Church is more than a building. It is a community. It is a place of worship. It is a beacon of faith. It is a testament to the enduring power of community.