City Central Church will soon open its doors for official worship services in January 2022. Former Church at the Mall pastor Jay Dennis will be its lead pastor.
Former Catholic School
In a report with The Ledger, the property once belonged to St. Joseph's Academy.
Florida Southern College now owns the property located at 310 Frank Lloyd Way.
The church pastor, Dennis, told the news outlet that he never dreamed of being part of a new church. He stressed that the thought never crossed his mind.
The 62-year-old admitted that he felt the call to start a church. He shared that he prayed to God and asked for His guidance. Then, the opportunity came to him when he heard the news of a property that was not in use.
He said that he took it as a sign to establish City Central Church.
Who Owns the Property?
According to the news report with Bay News, the Diocese of Orlando bought the two-acre property in 2008. It was the former site of St. Joseph's Academy, one of the oldest schools in Lakeland
The property included a large classroom.
Last year, the Catholic school had to close in spring because of the decline in enrollment. The report said that Florida Southern College bought the property in June for $4.5 million.
The college reportedly used the property for its Ann Blanton Edwards School of Nursing and Health Sciences graduate program.
Divine Intervention
The pastor told the news outlet that the plans for the new church came to be because of a business deal by his friend, Randy Ferreira.
He shared that last year he was already thinking of establishing a church. The pastor continued praying to God, saying that he needed a sign to pursue this calling. He also feared that his age would inhibit him from missing out on what God wanted.
The pastor decided to seek out Divine Guidance in pursuing his dream of establishing a church.
He shared that he would only pursue his plans if Ferreira suggested it. Ferreira is a developer of apartments.
Pastor Dennis said that last year, his friend brought up the idea of buying the former St. Joseph property to convert them into an apartment complex.
The pastor met up with Ferreira. His friend pointed out that there was a church attached to the property. The developer suggested opening a church, and Dennis knew that God was involved in this plan.
When Ferreira bid on the property, he found out that Florida Southern College was also interested in buying the land.
Dennis said he talked to Anne Kerr, the president of FSC. He considered Kerr as a "dear friend."
Kerr proposed that the academy might lease the church building after buying the property. Ferreira withdrew his bid afterward.
When Will the Church Open?
City Central Church held its prayer gathering on Sunday, Oct. 31, according to The Ledger. Dennis said they planned to hold the church's first official service on Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022.
The pastor said he would handle preaching duties every Sunday morning. His wife Angie will lead the women's ministry.
Pastor Dennis added it would be a "simple church" and nondenominational. He explained that he did not want to put a barrier on the people who wished to join the church.
More from Crossmap: St. Luke's United Methodist Church to celebrate Veteran's Day
