Ready to explore a place with a history woven into Tampa’s story? Drew Park Baptist Temple has roots that stretch back to a time of great change and growth.
This story begins with a man named Lloyd Garmon. He was a young minister. Garmon had just returned from World War II. In 1949, he arrived in Tampa to help establish a new Baptist church. He thought he was only filling in temporarily.
But, Garmon remained for over half a century. He pastored there for 55 years. He retired in 2004. Garmon jokingly said he was still just filling in.
The original Drew Park Baptist Church building was quite unique. It was an old Army barracks. A benefactor had donated it.
Garmon dedicated himself to the church. It is now called Gateway Baptist Church. His daughter, Carolyn Hankins, said he brought many people to the Lord. Many young men felt called to become preachers and missionaries because of him.
Even while in the VA for two months, Garmon shared his faith. He brought three men to Christianity there. Before coming to Tampa, he served as an associate pastor. He worked at churches in Alabama and Texas.
During services, Garmon used chalk drawings to enhance his sermons. His wife, Mildred, played the piano. Garmon created large chalk drawings. He used fluorescent chalk and a black light. These effects made the scenes change from day to night. Stars and flowing candles seemed to appear magically.
Other churches invited him to hold revival meetings. They would give the drawing to the person who brought the most people. Despite his humor, Garmon dedicated his life to God and his family. Hankins said he loved the Lord first and his family second.
The area surrounding Drew Park Baptist Temple also has a unique history. Drew Park was once Drew Field. It was named for John H. Drew. He was a cattleman and land developer. Drew Field was Tampa’s first municipal airport. It opened in 1928. It was a 130-acre grass airfield.
During World War II, the federal government took control of the field. They developed a military base. It included airstrips, barracks, field hospitals, and a POW camp. Dale Mabry Highway was built in 1943. It linked Drew Field to MacDill Air Force Base.
Drew Park now includes Hillsborough Community College and Legends Field. Auto dealerships and restaurants populate the area. The core of Drew Park features light industry and housing.
The legacy of Drew Park Baptist Temple is one of faith. It is a story of service and community. It is a reminder of the enduring power of belief.