Former pastors, including the very first, returned to Wildwood Baptist Church in Bartow for its 61st Homecoming on Sunday, Jan. 22.

Pastor James W. Sibole and his wife Dotty came from Hollywood, Fla., for the celebration. Not only was he the first pastor of the church, it was the first church he pastored, coming there on Jan. 28, 1951. At that time his family lived in what is now the church office. Now 92, he is retired. Besides the first pastor, three other charter members attended: William and Joyce Moore and Paul White.

Homecoming drew 133 people for a Gibbs Family concert, a mini-concert during the service and luncheon. Pastor Stephen Ahrens, the church’s 13th pastor preached at the morning service.

A flower garden at the church between the sanctuary and fellowship hall has a walkway made of red brick. A couple of years ago, Wildwood sold bricks with names engraved on them for $20. This year the church added two more bricks for Pastors Sibole and Ahrens.

At the time the brick was obtained for the first pastor, church members did not know that Sibole would be attending. “It just made the day that much more special,” member Sarah Robinson said.

Bricks are still available by calling the church office at (863) 533-6944.

Also available for purchase at the office is the book, “The History of Wildwood Baptist Church 1951-2012.” Office hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., or contact Odell or Sarah Robinson at (863) 533-9424 for information.

Wildwood offers Sunday School at 9:30 a.m., church service at 10:45 a.m. and Wednesday night service at
7 p.m. Rick Rodriguez is the current pastor.

The church is at 1120 S. Woodlawn Ave., Bartow.