Tampa, FL (7/25/2023) – The congregation at Beulah Baptist Institutional Church (BBIC), under the leadership of Reverend Alan Harris and First Lady Joy Harris, are
eagerly planning to celebrate the church’s 158th anniversary of service to individuals and families throughout the Tampa Bay area and faithful worship of Christ.
The celebration starts at BBIC on Saturday, August 12th at 4:00 p.m. with a free, gospel concert featuring The Gospel Choir at USF. The program will end at 5:30 p.m.
On Sunday, August 13th at 10:00 a.m., the anniversary celebration culminates during BBIC’s Sunday Worship Service. The theme of the celebration is “God’s Steadfast Love”.
Dr. Lance D. Watson, Senior Pastor of St. Paul’s Baptist Church in Richmond, VA will be
the guest speaker. Dr. Watson is a three-time Summa Cum Laude graduate of Wayne
State University in Detroit, Michigan from which he holds a Bachelor of Science in
Psychology, a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a Master of Arts in Guidance and
Counseling. For over 35 years, he has served as Senior Pastor of the Saint Paul's Baptist
Church. In addition, Dr. Watson serves on the board of the American Heart Association,
the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, and the Board of Trustees at Virginia Union
University. He is also a brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
Beulah Baptist Institutional Church was founded in May of 1865, following a declaration
of emancipation from Union soldiers in the aftermath of America’s Civil War. Since it’s
inception, the church as been a beacon of hope for people of all races and ethnicities.
Today, Reverend Alan Harris and First Lady Joy Harris leads from the church’s core
values of worship, education, fellowship, ministry evangelism, and generosity. The
church’s motto is “We are a movement, not a monument. We build here.”
To find out more about BBIC’s 158th Anniversary or to learn more about the church’s
history, visit bbictampa.com. All other inquiries should call the church office at
813-251-3382.