We absolutely adore this church and its members! Rev. Eddie Owen and is wife MaryHelen are great…read moreinstruments of God. We were blessed to be members of this church for the short time that we lived in Bartow. Anytime we are in the central Florida area we always "come home", here. For a small church, it has a heart bigger than Alaska. If you're looking for God or just good fellowship - look no further. This is where you want to be.

It is a challenge to miss this magnificent church building in Bartow. It is a sturdy 1925 masonry…read moresanctuary with original stained glass and its century of uninterrupted use gives the building a quiet authority. There is a historical marker in front that gives the complete history of the church. The front of the marker reads, "In 1862, wealthy cattle baron Jacob Summerlin purchased land from pioneer R.R. Blount. By 1866, Summerlin donated land to establish government buildings, a school, and local churches. "On September 21, 1875, a group of Christians met at the Academy of Bartow and constituted Concord Church, later called First Baptist Church. They agreed upon a monthly regular meeting to be led by Elder Jeremiah Madison (J.M.) Hayman. The founding members were Elder J. M. Hayman, Elder Daniel Stanford, Benjamin F. Blount, John C. Blount, Martha Ann C. Blount, Elizabeth A. Griffin, Martha J. Hayman, Elizabeth Tyre, Ellen S. Varn, and William B. Varn First Baptist Church remains planted on Summerlin's gifted land and has roots deep in Bartow's history. The church buildings are used to serve the people of Polk County, provide a gathering place for local, state, and national organizations, and to meet the needs of many. First Baptist Church exists to develop disciples who love God, love the church, and love others." And on the reverse, "To fund the first building, the Baptist church's 20 acres were harvested for lumber, while some of the land was sold. Church buildings were built on this site in 1883, 1900, and 1925. Each one replacing the other. The 1925 building is the four-story brick building standing today. It houses the sanctuary, classrooms, meeting space, and offices. Auxiliary buildings were built in years to follow. "In March 1927, Pastor J.E. Martin wrote to express his heart for the purpose of this church, sentiments which holdfast today. "We have built a great building and now, with deepest love of our Savior, let us build a great people. May God grant to lead us to larger vision of what we can and ought to do and then give us the power to do great things. Our experiences in these trying days will work out for our spiritual good. 'And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.' -Romans 8:28." The City of Bartow has grown and changed greatly since 1883. One constant has been First Baptist Church. Whether traveling down Church Street and Florida Avenue in 1883 or today, First Baptist Church would be standing where it has always been." It is marker number PCHC-042 and it was erected in 2025 by the Polk County Historical Commission. There is plentiful street parking but on a Monday afternoon, the church was only available from the outside. [Review 1611 of 2025 - 2188 in Florida - 25159 overall]

Bartow Pentecostal Church of God is a small church with a great heart! Every Saturday night, from…read more6 to 9, they hold a Gospel Sing in their Fellowship Hall. They invite local bands and groups to perform, and then they have an "open mike" where anyone may sing. Bring your own music -- instruments or CD's -- and sign up at the door. They also offer wonderful food and soft drinks or tea for donations. The people are friendly and full of joy. If you love God and Gospel music, with a little bluegrass thrown in, you'll love this church! A block behind the Dairy Queen on Lyle Parkway. See you there!