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Allen Chapel Plans For Busy Time

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By DAVE NICHOLSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 4, 2009

PLANT CITY It's a busy time for one of the city's oldest churches.

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church is observing its founding with special services, not to mention its plans to host a big gospel music extravaganza. It adds up to a celebration that continues over two weekends.
The ceremonies to mark its founding include a service at 4 p.m. Feb. 15 featuring J.L. Downing of New Jerusalem M. B. Church of Lakeland.

But that's just a warm-up.

On Feb. 22, there will be Founder's Day services at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. At the morning service, the featured speaker will be Sister Liquindella Clark of the Church of God Bible Way, the granddaughter of E.L. Partner, who was pastor from 1975 through 1985. At the afternoon service, the Rev. Randal Williams Sr. of Mount Olive A.M.E. Church of Clearwater will be guest speaker.

The church was founded more than 100 years ago and has been at its current location since 1919, said Eddie Mae Mitchell, Founder's Day chairwoman. Allen Chapel holds the celebration each year to honor its long history serving the Plant City area, Mitchell said.

The church also pays tribute to its pastor during the celebration. Allen Chapel's pastor is the Rev. H.L. Hollingsworth, who was pastor of a church in Tarpon Springs for 11 years before moving to the Plant City church in October, Mitchell said.

The celebrating isn't limited to Founder's Day. At 6 p.m. Feb. 21, the church will host the first Black Gospel Expo, featuring at least dozen groups from around the area. The guests expected to appear include the Church of God Bible Way Enlightenment Team, St. John Progressive Male Choir, USF Gospel Choir and others.

There's no admission charge.

For information on any of the events, call the church at (813) 752-7389.

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