TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Church Finally Finds A Home

ADVERTISEMENT

By GEORGE WILKENS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 20, 2007

Updated: 10/18/2007 11:46 pm

NEW TAMPA - Cypress Point Community Church has held Sunday services in some unique settings since its 1998 founding.

After nearly a decade marked by growth, fundraising, land acquisition and a lengthy wait for construction permits, the church has a home of its own.

The 30,000-square-foot multipurpose building includes a large sanctuary with state-of-the-art audio and video systems, a children's church, four rooms for preschoolers and a unique area outfitted to attract teens.

'We tried to do something unique as far as churches in New Tampa,' said Dean Reule, founding pastor of the nondenominational Christian church. 'We invited people's input, and we traveled' to explore what other churches provide for toddlers through teens.

'It turned out well,' Reule said of the overall project, which cost 'a little more than $3 million.'

In New Tampa and other areas, many churches start slowly and once they reach 100 members, they raise money to erect a metal building, Reule said.

'What we did was skip the metal building phase,' he said. 'We did that by buying 30 acres, paying it off, then building.'

The church bought 30 acres on the west side of Morris Bridge Road, just north of Cross Creek Boulevard, in 2001. The oak-dotted acreage, part of a former cattle ranch, came with a 50-year-old, three-bedroom, concrete-block house the church will continue to use for administrative offices.

'We didn't need to build offices because of the availability of that house,' Reule said.

Despite the downturn in many real estate markets, continued residential construction in the New Tampa area is a given. 'It's still a growing area,' Reule said. 'I think our area defies current real estate logic.'

On the north, the church property is bordered by K-Bar Ranch, former agricultural land being transformed into a residential development. Visible from the back of the property is Heritage Isles, another 1,600-home development.

That in mind, the church building was designed with a moveable wall separating the sanctuary and Adventure, the children's ministry area for grades kindergarten through 5. Removal of the wall, when needed, will double the size of the sanctuary, which now seats 400-plus.

'We can double in size before we move up,' Reule said, referring to 'the faith portion of the building,' a vacant second story of 10,000 square feet. 'We built it thinking we will need it,' Reule said.

'We've got plenty of room for parking, plenty of room to grow, yet maintain the natural beauty' of the acreage, Reule said. 'We already had lots of trees, but 100 more were added just to enhance the beauty.'

Construction took nine months, but obtaining the required building permits was exhausting. 'Permitting took two years; it was during the boom,' Reule said.

The finished product includes such areas as Dwelling Place, designed for teens. The special space has a disc jockey station, four television monitors, special lighting, even a fog machine. 'It's relevant for youth today,' Reule said.

Four rooms, each with a different theme, cater to toddlers and older preschoolers, with age-appropriate toys, decor, electronics and furnishings.

The church has come a long way since its first service in May 1998. 'We started with three families,' Reule said. The first temporary quarters, the former visitor center and model center just inside the Hunter's Green main gate, sufficed for 14 months, until attendance reached 100 people.

When Reule spotted a 'Coming Soon' sign at the Muvico 20 Starlight 20 under construction, he immediately contacted the South Florida theater chain, well before it opened its Highwoods Preserve facility.

Starting in January 2000, Sunday services were held in a leased auditorium at the 20-screen theater. The first service at the new building was Sept. 30, attended by nearly 450.

Reflecting on the church's growth, from its humble beginnings to its new home, Reule likes what he sees. 'I think we're at a good place,' he said. 'Where else could you get 30 acres?'

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Cypress Point Community Church

WHERE: 15820 Morris Bridge Road
WHEN: Services are at 10 a.m. Sundays.

INFORMATION: Call (813) 973-0314 or visit www.cpccon line.com.

Reporter George Wilkens can be reached at (813) 865-4847 or gwilkens@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT