CHURCH HISTORY

Azalea is located near Tyrone Square Mall, across the street from Azalea Middle School. Our worship service is at 10:45 AM on Sundays in the Garden Chapel. We also have an evening prayer time each Thursday, starting at 5:00 PM in the church fellowship hall.

A Brief History of Azalea Baptist Church

In January, 1958, Azalea Baptist Church became officially constituted as a church.  It was not an overnight happening, but a culmination of the hopes, efforts and prayers of a small group that began in June 1955 as a mission of the then Hobson Memorial Baptist Church, whose property is now occupied by Fifth Avenue Baptist.  

In the beginning, the mission's services were held in the cafeteria of Azalea Elementary School, with Rev. Horace Sams officiating.  Within a few months, the group was faced with a disappointing announcement anticipating the closure of the chapel due to lack of funds and available workers.  However, the undaunted determination and prayers of the group were rewarded by a vote of the Pinellas Baptist Association (now Suncoast Baptist Association) to sponsor the chapel. 

In June 1956, Rev. Marshal Flournoy was called as full time pastor of the Azalea Chapel and attendance began to grow.  In March 1957, a loan was secured from Citizens National Bank for construction of a church building.  On July 7, 1957, the first unit of the building was completed, with dedication services on August 18, 1957, leading to the final step from mission to an actual church.

The church continued to grow, but in 1963, Rev. Flournoy resigned to become a missionary to Brazil.  This was met with mixed emotions since everyone, though very proud of his decision, was also sad to see him leave.

Rev. Lane Patrick became the church's pastor for one year, followed by Rev. Ken Hofmeister, who from 1965 to 1970, led the church in the acquisition of additional land for building a new sanctuary and additional parking.  The new sanctuary was dedicated in February 1968,  just 10 years after being officially constituted as a church. 

The ministry of Rev. Earl Wilson began in April 1971, and was marked by significant growth.  His pastorate continued until February 1978, when he was succeeded by Dr. Curtis Tutterrow in February 1979, whose pastorate became the longest in the church's history -- eight years.

Dr. Thom S. Rainer became the pastor in July 1988, serving through August 1990.  The church continued its growth, and had a strong presence in the community.

The next pastor was Dr. David Fannin, who served from December 1991 until October 1993.  He was followed by Rev. Lee Barnard from October 1995 until August 1999.  Dr. David Downey began his ministry in March 2000, continuing until March 2005.  Rev. Ron Holland became our full time pastor in 2007 until his resignation in July 2016.  

Azalea had a very good sister relationship with North East Park Baptist and the calling of Rev. Sam Letson, pastor of North East Park, to also lead Azalea.  This continued until Rev. Letson accepted a call from First Baptist Arcadia. 

In early 2023, Rev. Tim Whipple, former pastor of Bridgepoint Church, put Azalea in contact with The Radiant Church and Pastor Aaron Burke.  After much prayer and many discussions, a partnership rental agreement was signed on June 1, 2023 between Radiant and Azalea for Radiant to rent the main sanctuary and other areas of the church.  Azalea kept the grand piano, and moved to the chapel in the breezeway.  In September, after some quick changes to the sanctuary, West St. Pete Campus of Radiant opened as a new campus with Pastor Jordan and Heather Harger as the campus pastors.  Both Azalea and Radiant are working hard to strengthen their partnership, as West St. Pete Campus is reaching hundreds of families in our area.  Azalea has the chapel with the more traditional music, and appreciates the messages from Pastor Aaron and working with Radiant and Pastor Jordan.