NORTH TAMPA - As people of all ages and cultures gathered to celebrate University Church of God's 80th anniversary, evangelical harmonies echoed through the worship hall.

Members passionately sang along with the choir and lifted their hands in praise.

As the songs faded, the Rev. Tony Stewart stepped to the pulpit.

"How many of you are glad to have Jesus in the house this morning?" he began.

The congregation applauded.

Stewart, 35, and his wife, Kaci, 30, arrived at University Church of God seven months ago with a vision for the future. Coming from a young church, the co-pastors were eager to embrace a congregation with history. So they decided to host an anniversary service Nov. 4 to celebrate the past and shed light on the future.

"I want to thank you all for coming out," Stewart said, introducing a video depicting the church's humble beginnings.

In 1927, the Rev. Lula L. Jones started the ministry in a tent in Sulphur Springs. The singing was so loud that Jones was cited for disturbing the peace. When the church outgrew the tent, members moved to a building in the area. As years passed, the congregation grew even larger, and in 1973 the church opened its current location at 10948 N. Central Ave.

University Church of God has 700 active members.

At the anniversary service, Stewart honored two members from the original Sulphur Springs ministry. Roberta Johnson, 79, and Hazel Spivey, 88, remember the church from the 1930s, when female Church of God members weren't permitted to wear makeup or jewelry. Since then, they have seen countless changes.

Johnson taught Sunday school for more than 50 years and continues to volunteer with the church's Friendship Bridge program for senior citizens. Spivey also taught Sunday school. In addition, she served as choir director for several decades.

After introducing the women to the congregation, Stewart presented them with pink roses. They smiled and waved. Tears welled in Spivey's eyes.

"I'm thankful the Lord has been good to me all these years and I am still able to drive and come to church," she said.

A cheerful Johnson reflected on her fondest memories.

"The church is where I met my husband," she said. "We raised three daughters in this church."

Both women treasure their memories. Still, they look forward to seeing the church grow and go in a new direction. They welcomed the new pastor with open arms.

"Pastor Stewart is such a kind-hearted man, and I love his messages," Johnson said. "I really think the church is going to grow under his ministry."

The Stewarts already have made a difference. Since arriving, they have re-energized the children's ministry with a $40,000 renovation. The project included remodeling the nursery and children's room and implementing new technologies. Parents now can sign their children in and out using a Web-based service.

"We have a fresh vision," Kaci Stewart said. "We want to strengthen all of our youth ministries from infants to college age."

Kenny Williams, 16, has noticed an increase in teen activities and participation.

"The younger pastors are different, in a good way," he said. "This church is a great place for fellowship."

Older church members also have embraced the changes. Molly Cox, 73, has served as the church's secretary for 34 years. She described the new pastors and their ideas as "wonderful."

"I'm thrilled with the youth that they bring to the church," she said. "They're an inspiration to us older folks who have been around a while."

The Stewarts work hard to ensure that Sunday services leave congregants feeling uplifted and connected to God. Since becoming head of the praise and worship ministry, Kaci has livened up the church's music with more contemporary songs. In addition, Tony writes his sermons to reflect modern American life.

"I try to deliver a relevant message," he said.

At the anniversary celebration, he reflected on biblical passages about walking toward a bright future, filled with possibilities. He invited the congregation to trust God and walk faithfully toward tomorrow. In the pews, Johnson and Spivey nodded their heads in agreement.

The choir closed the service singing "The best is yet to come."

Kaci Stewart's voice could be heard down the halls and out on the front walk, singing and speaking to emphasize the lyrics. "The best is yet come," she emphasized.