GENERAL INFORMATION

PURPOSE: The purpose of the Florida School of Preaching is to train preachers and Bible class teachers for the churches of Christ. There are men who desire to preach but have been deprived of a college education. Some have said this is the only way they can receive the needed training. This school encourages individuals to pursue education to the highest extent possible.

SCHOOL HISTORY: The Florida School of Preaching began in September 1969 as a work of the South Florida Avenue church of Christ in Lakeland with support from other churches and individuals. The school continues to use spacious facilities provided by this church. In June 1972 the school was issued a charter from the State.

LOCATION: The school is located in Central Florida within driving distance to the East and West coasts on Interstate 4, thereby making it easily accessible. Lakeland is one of the fastest growing communities in Florida, due primarily to its central location. Present statistics list a population of 85,517 in the city limits and approximately 500,000 in Polk county, with a considerable increase during the winter months due to visitors from other states. These figures were obtained from the Lakeland Ledger; Special Section, Page 8, Sunday March 23, 2003.

FACILITIES: The Florida School of Preaching is a major part of the work of the South Florida Avenue church of Christ in Lakeland. The eldership has graciously allowed the school to use its facilities. The building is of masonry and concrete construction. It is located on one acre of land and consists of 29 classrooms with a main auditorium seating capacity of about 400 people. There are two offices, a library, supply room, two main restrooms, two nurseries, and three water fountains located on the ground floor of the building. Proper heating and cooling are maintained by six units. Parking facilities are located adjacent to the main building.

In July 1981 a new facility was added for the use of the school, which expedites our work greatly. This new addition, with a floor plan 200 feet by 40 feet, is joined to the west side of the building described above. It provides for two large classrooms, an office, two supply rooms, one modern, well-furnished kitchen, a large fellowship, or assembly, room, and two large restrooms. It is equipped with its own heating and cooling system.

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