A Sunday School class for older adults, the Berean Bible Class, was taught by Dr. A. P. Albaugh, one of the first doctors to practice in Tarpon Springs.  The Sunshine Class for young girls was taught by Mrs. Webster Little, affectionately known as Miss Minnie.”  Mr. Robert Pent taught a class for young married couples until 1927.  Mrs. Leila King Vnson was also a teacher for many years.  During the 1920’s Miss Hildreth Meyer (later Mrs. Esten Albaugh), and Mrs. Walter Topliff played the piano for church services.  Mrs. Audie Albaugh was very active in all departments, as was Mr. Webster Little.  During the 1920’s and 1920’s Mr. A. A. Edwards was the very efficient treasurer of the church and also taught a Sunday School class for many years.  Mrs. John Heaney played both the piano and the organ during the 1930’s and continued her service to her Lord and to the church during the period of uniting the two churches in the year 1939.

            Mrs.Iva Albaugh Lenfesty, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Albaugh, was an excellent musician and made it possible for this church to have one of the first, if not the first electronic organ in any church in Tarpon Springs, It was used for many years for worship services.

            Mr. and Mrs. Granville E. Noblit gave much of their time and talents to the Trinity Church.  Mrs. Eula Mai Noblit taught a Sunday School class for several years, was very active in the women’s organization, and fulfilled other needs in the church.  She sponsored the first Mother-Daughter Banquet, an activity that became a tradition for a number of years.

            Pastors of  TRINITY METHODIST CHURCH were:

            1898                Rev. Skaftie

                                     Rev. Paul Rader

                                     Rev. J. P. Chippen

            1900                Rev. Joseph Antie

            1910                Rev. George Northrop

            1919-1923     Rev. Arthur Price

                                      Rev. George Northrop (filled in for a short period of time)

            1924-1925       Rev. Chester Nelson

            1926-1930       Rev. Raymond Derr

            1931-1932       Rev. Robert Witty

            1932-1933       Rev. Perry B. James

            1934-1937       Rev. R. E. Hiller

            1938-1939       Rev. Martin R. Davis

Original  METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH SOUTH

            The members of the newly formed METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH SOUTH held their services in the Presbyterian Church, a small white church of frame construction on the corner of Court Street and South Pinellas Avenue.

            As soon as possible, a small wooden building, rather square in appearance and originally just one large room, was constructed on Eagle Street (now North Pinellas Avenue) one lot north of the corner of Orange Street and North Pinellas Avenue.  This new building was used for worship and for church related activities.

            The Methodist Episcopal Church South was served in the early years by student ministers from the Florida Seminary, later to become Southern College, located in Sutherland, which is now Palm Harbor, Florida.  Among these student ministers was R. Ira Barnett who later became a distinguished member of the Florida Methodist Conference.

Around 1911 a larger building of concrete block construction was erected on the corner of North Pinellas Avenue and Orange Street replacing the small wooden building as a place of worship.

The small building on Eagle Street was then remodeled and served as a parsonage for the ministers.  In 1921 it was moved next to the church and was used for Sunday School rooms and for other meetings of church related affairs.  A new parsonage was built during the pastorate of the Rev. R. H. Barnett.  This residence was built entirely on Brother Barnett’s total belief in God and in his fellowman as there were no members of the congregation of substantial means.  Many contributions were made by people outside the church, including a load of lumber from the Dowling Lumber Company of Odessa, Florida.  Regarding this particular incident of the lumber, Roy C. Gause, Sr. tells this story:

At the time Brother Barnett was here, Roy was a young man and Brother Barnett approached him and asked if he would like to take a truck and go with him (Barnett) to pick up a load of lumber for the new parsonage.  Roy agreed to get a large International truck in which they might go, and on the way to Odessa he asked Brother Barnett what kind of lumber they were to pick up.  Brother Barnett replied, “I really don’t know, son.  I haven’t talked with them yet.”  TRUE FAITH.  Needless to say, they received a full truckload of top grade lumber.

            In the METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH SOUTH services were held on Sunday morning and evening, with a mid-week service on Wednesday nights.  As in the Trinity Church, Sunday School classes were for all ages from the very young to the elderly.

            Early Sunday School teachers were Mrs. May Hope, Mrs. Lilly Pinder Stevens, Mrs. Fleda Hop Vnson, Maggie Dixon, Grace Pritchard Gause and many others.  The woman’s organization met Sunday nights at 6:45 p.m. and Mrs. T. R. Cowsert was President.  Other early leaders of the organization were Ethel M. Hope, Fleda Hope Vinson and Mrs. H. Logan.  Serving as Sunday School Superintendents during the 1920’s and into the early 1930’s were Conquitt Johnson, W. Frank Rouse, W. E. Mann (father of Barbara Mann Vinson), Harry S. Jukes and Uel S. Dixon, not necessarily in that order.

            In the 1920’s there was a youth group known as the Epworth League, later it becamethe Methodist Youth Fellowship.  This group was composed mainly of teenage boys and girls with many activities planned, and the organization also served as a social outlet.  In the 1930’s the first choir for young people was established.  It was well attended and it also drew boys and girls from outside the church.

            In the late 1920’s and 1930’s, for a small town, this church had a good choir, all untrained voices.  Ann Blake (now Ann Blake Greer) was the main soloist and among the men Wallace P. Gause (later to become Music Superintendent of the Public Schools of Pinellas County, now retired) was principal baritone.  Uel S. Dixon, the church instrumentalist, played the trombone.  The pianists during this period were Mary Baggett Boyd, Margaret Kerr Thing, and Ora Lee Rouse Gause.  Mary Adderly Arvanitis Kikilis spent many hours of hard work decorating with flowers for any special occasion, and she never let the church be without a floral arrangement at a service during the 1920’s and for many years thereafter.  She was always ready with a smile and a heart full of love for her Lord and those with whom she came in contact.

            The church had high ceilings and occupied approximately one half the space of the chapel, and the only means of heating was a small stove of very thin metal that burned wood.  Of course it had to be stoked constantly and Mr. Moses Pinker was always up and down trying to keep the fire going.  On the nights when prayer meetings, business meetings, etc., were held the group sat in chairs around the stove, and on Sunday nights after the first portion of the service was finished and before the sermon, if the congregation was small, it, and members of the choir, would move to the side of the church and sit around the stove where it was warmer.  It was rare indeed that anyone had to remove his coat.

            The Pastors of METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH SOUTH were:

1903                            Rev. U. S. Tabor

1904                            Rev. W. H. Parker

1905                            Rev. A. H. Albright

1905—1906              Rev. R. Ira Barnett

                                     Rev. I. C. Jenkins

                                     Rev. B. K. Thrower

1908                            Rev. W. H. Newkirk

1909                            Rev. A. M. Mann

1911—1912                Rev. Homes Logan

1912—1913                Rev. M. T. Bell

1913—1915                Rev. T. H. Tompkies

1915—1916                Rev. S. F. Stephens

1916—1917                Rev. A. M. Daiger

                                      Rev. B. K. Thrower

1918                             Rev. I. W. Longacre

1919 -- 1921               Rev. Jessie Jones

1921—1925                Rev. R. H. Barnett

1925—1927                Rev. Gus Davis

1927—1928                Rev. V. T. Crawford

1928—1930                Rev. Rufus E. Wicker

1930—1933                Rev. H. G. Cowan

1933—1939                Rev. Edward Nash Philpot

It is interesting to note that in the list of the pastors who served the Methodist Episcopal Church South there are two Barnett’s.  The Rev. R. H. Barnett who served this church in the years 1921—1925 (a former Circuit Rider in the State of Florida for the Florida Methodist Conference) was the father of R. Ira Barnett, a student at the Florida Seminary.

TWO BECOME ONE

At first there was one and then there were two,

Two Methodist churches in Tarpon Springs.

One branch was the North and the other the South

And they disagreed slightly on a number of things.

But on one important subject they were in complete accord

That the HEAD of each Church was JESUS, OUR LORD.

Through FAITH and GOOD WORKS both Churches grew

Led by the teachings of GOD’S BLESSED SON.

Then in the summer of nineteen-thirty-nine

They joined together and again became one.

                                                                                          -abg

BOTH CHURCHES

            In the early years it was extremely difficult for the members of both churches to meet the churches’ financial needs, and in order to raise money for the preachers’ salaries, conference claims, etc., the women in the Missionary Societies spent long hours preparing dinners to raise money for the necessary expenses.  The janitorial services such as cleaning the floors, washing windows, etc., were all taken care of by the members of the congregations.  No salaries were paid for any service other than the minister’s salary, and even the ministers at times cut the shrubbery, mowed, and cleaned the yard.  This statement can be confirmed by the Rev. E. Nash Philpot, now retired, Pastor during the 1930’s.  In those long ago years there was no central air conditioning, and in the winter, heat was provided by very inadequate heating systems as someone had to keep the fires burning, and for summer cooling there were cardboard fans on the back of the pews (generally furnished by Vinson Funeral Home).

            It appears that any history of a house of worship would be incomplete without attention being given to the women.  In some respects they were the “backbone” of the early churches, and so it has been with these churches.  The ladies have set every challenge that has been presented, and have overcome what seemed like insurmountable obstacles in their service to the Lord—obstacles that are unknown to most of the church members today.

            To quote Mr. H. F. Pent in his History of Tarpon Springs, “Many efforts were crowned with both success and failure.”  Mr. Pent, a member of the Trinity Methodist Church at that time, was referring specifically to his church in its early years.  This statement is equally true of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.  However, through the work of dedicated Christians and with God leading the way, these churches did survive through both the struggle of their earliest years and through the Depression.  It can be said with great pride that from these two churches have come two gentlemen who have pursued the Lord’s work professionally, each in his way, telling of the love of God.  They are:

            The Rev. Uel S. Dixon, now retired, The Methodist Episcopal Church South

            The Rev. Vernon A. Loescher (deceased), The Trinity Methodist Church

            During the mid-30’s each church was able to meet the needs of its congregation, and, quoting the Rev. Uel S. Dixon:

The years brought about changes that affected the life of Methodism particularly in our city.  At the General Conference of 1939, the union of three Methodist bodies was consummated:  the Methodist Episcopal Church South, the Trinity Methodist Church North, and the Protestant Methodist Church.  These churches merged to form THE METHODIST CHURCH.

            In June, 1939, this merger was announced at the Florida Methodist Conference in Lakeland, Florida, and the joining of the two churches here in Tarpon Springs was called for immediately with the respective local pastors being transferred to other churches in the State of Florida.  The Rev. W. W. Laite was appointed to serve as the first pastor of the united church, and the church was then known as THE METHODIST CHURCH.

            The merging of the two churches was a time of extreme uncertainty and a feeling of “now what?” existed in both congregations.  Many questions had to be answered in order to keep everything running smoothly, such as which church to use, which parsonage, reorganization of the Board of Stewards (now called the Administrative Board), and numerous other problems.  And again quoting the Rev. Dixon:

In Tarpon Springs we were faced with the agonizing task of uniting two congregations, separated geographically by only one block, but miles apart emotionally . . . . . . .  Some in both congregations were unhappy with the union and a few preferred to seek other church homes rather than remain in the united church.

During this period of time, Uel S. Dixon, as well as many other members, played an active part in the adjustment required by both congregations.  However, Uel, or “Dick” as he was known to many, had the unique position of having belonged to both the Trinity Methodist Church as a young lad, and in the early 1920’s a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, which no doubt helped him to understand the problems and feelings in each.  This merger marked the end of one era and the beginning of another.

            For a few years the two churches, as one body, continued to serve the Lord, but the Board became increasingly aware that a new building was needed, and in 1947 the Rev. John M. Sikes was sent to escalate the plans.  When the members realized that plans for a new building were actually under way, it was everyone with “shoulder to the wheel.”  There would be no more “where?” “your church?” “my church?” or even “which church?”  There was a general air of excitement and anticipation among the members for this new building would be “O U R” CHURCH.  Inadequate finances were indeed a problem, for money was short, but nevertheless pledges were made to the building fund and these pledges were paid in amounts that today would seem unbelievable.  For instance, an overwhelming number of people pledged $1.00 per week and there were even pledges of 50 cents per week toward the building fund of “Our” church.  However, with these pledges, with countless numbers of “chicken and biscuit” dinners being served to the public, with the donation of a much needed lot by Mr. and Mrs. Granville E. Noblit, Jr., with other generous donations, and with the firm determination of the entire congregation supported by God’s love, help and blessing, “Our” church was built and paid for.  It was truly built by faith!

            The building for THE METHODIST CHURCH in Tarpon Springs was erected on the corner of Levis Street and Tarpon Avenue.  It was about half finished when it was discovered that there was not enough seating for the congregation.  So the plans were revised, the walls extended beyond the original structure, and a choir loft added.  A time capsule was buried in the Southwest cornerstone.

            The two rooms on the east were the Pastor’s study and his secretary’s office, which also served as a choir room.  The on the west was a classroom which sometimes held two classes, meeting at the same time.

            The first service was held on the eve of Thanksgiving, November 22, 1950.  Appropriately enough, the first hymn to be sung was “Come Ye Thankful People, Come.”  John M. Sikes was the pastor, and Ann B. Greer was organist.

            All of the furnishings in the Chapel were gifts from members, families, friends and organizations to honor, or in memory of loved ones.

            The Fellowship Hall and Sunday School classrooms were built in 1951 and “homecoming” was held in the fall with dinner on the grounds.  In December, 1951, the Women’s Society of Christian Service held their Christmas party in the Fellowship Hall, although it was not finished inside and there was no heat.  But, the fellowship was warm and the cold was not noticed.  Borrowed folding chairs were used for seating.

            In June, 1953 John Sikes was reappointed for his seventh year, but in the fall he was transferred to Pompano Beach to start a building program there.  John E. Rice was sent to Tarpon Springs and arrived in late November.  During his time here he installed the big picture screen over the Chancel and also the public address system.

            On March 28, 1954, the Chapel was dedicated.  Taking part were John E. Rice, John M. Sikes, the District Superintendent Robert C. Holmes, and Bishop John W. Branscomb.  Organist was Ann B. Greer, and Henry Kelly was choir director, Trustees were I. B. Banta, Charles Elden, Roy C. Gause, Harry L. Sawyer, and William V. Noblit.

Pastors of THE METHODIST CHURCH were:

1939-1941                   Rev. Wm. W. Laite

1941-1943                   Rev. C. T. Howes

1943-1946                   Rev. Edwin E. Snow

1946-1947                   Rev. H. P. Smith

1947-1953                   Rev. John Sikes

1953-1956                   Rev. John E. Rice

At the Charge Conference on October 10, 1956, the name of the church was changed to THE FIRST METHODIST CHURCH at the instigation of the District Superintendent Robert C. Holmes and under the leadership of the Reverend Edward W. Norman.  The pastors for the ensuing years were:

1956-1962                   Rev. Edward W. Norman

1962-1965                   Rev. James E. Ulmer

1965-1971                   Rev. Stacey Selph

1971-1979                   Rev. R. Jack Taylor, Sr.

            God has truly blessed the dedication of these early Christian people.  The membership increased and it became apparent that a new building was a necessity, and under the leadership of the Rev. R. Jack Taylor, a larger sanctuary was erected.

            The small church continued to be utilized but as time went on it seemed to be used less and less due to its deterioration.  (Hereafter, this building is referred to as the “Chapel” to differentiate it from the large sanctuary.)

            In December, 1982, the Mary Circle decided that something should be done to renovate the chapel.  Even in its shabby condition the building was too beautiful to be discarded completely.  It was the place of so many memories, of marriages, baptisms, and funerals, that it needed to be preserved.  So the Circle, though small, gave $30.00 at Christmas, honoring three of their members who were unable to attend services, to start the Chapel Renovation Fund.  Individual members of the Circle gave as they could and the fund began to grow.

            In the following May there was a drive in the church for funds for the Chapel.  An estimate was given by Ralph DeSchaaf for the work to be done.  Soon it became a church-wide project.  Families and friends gave memorials, some circles contributed from their own funds. Or had money-making projects for this purpose.

            In July of 1983, Mr. DeSchaaf, with helpers, began the renovation, and the Chapel speaks for itself of the many hours of labor that went into the work.  It is beautiful and shows the handiwork of dedicated persons interested in restoring a building that seemed destined for destruction.

            With much prayer and patience and Faith, the Chapel has been repaired and is now in excellent condition and used regularly for church services, Sunday School classes, and other meetings.  A request for memorial funds to provide new hymnals and Bibles was overwhelmingly met by the membership.

            The brass candlesticks and cross on the communion table were given in memory of        K. Hartley by his wife Ruth, daughter Gwen, son Olin and three grandchildren, when they learned that the Chapel was to be restored.  The grandchildren had been baptized in the chapel.

            At the Administrative Board meeting, April 24, 1984, it was voted to call this building

THE FAITH CHAPEL.  Today, it stands in all its beauty, a monument to our Saviour, showing

The Faith Chapel is now used for our Traditional and Classic Worship Service on Sunday mornings, small weddings and funerals.  The west room is now used by the Quilters of the United Methodist Women and the east room is the Music Library and banner room.

What Love, Prayer and Faith in our Lord can accomplish, and proclaiming the Glory of God, His Blessings and His Gospel.  It is now know as

THE FAITH CHAPEL

of

The First United Methodist Church

Tarpon Springs, Florida

And now for the rest of the story . . .

The Sanctuary

            As mentioned preciously, our congregation grew and by the early 1970’s we were in need of a larger sanctuary.  Under the leadership of Rev. R. Jack Taylor, the land was purchased to the east of the Faith Chapel and construction soon began.  Our current Sanctuary was completed in 1974 and seats about 600 people. Offices, a fellowship hall and a small kitchen were also included.

The Outreach Center

            In 1991 a two-story office building located on the northwest corner of Disston Street and Tarpon Avenue became available.  It was purchased and paid off in a few short years.  It contained a fellowship hall, named Lester Hall (In honor of Al Hillegass’ father) which was used for church suppers, wedding receptions and small church meetings.  It provided First United Methodist Church with a place to serve the community through many outreach programs including the Cold Night Shelter, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and served as the meeting place for the United Methodist Women.  Many relationships were begun during services and events held in this building.  Fond memories for all.

            In the latter years the name was changed to The Youth Outreach Center and was a special place for the Youth and Young Adult Ministries of the church.  Unfortunately, the deterioration of the building and the prohibited cost of upkeep forced the decision by the Trustees to have the building demolished.

That vacant lot on the corner of Disston Street and Tarpon Avenue, where the Youth Outreach stood, caused many of the faithful to prayerfully considered how to use this space to the Glory of God.  In October, 2010, our first “Pumpkin Patch” was created as an outreach ministry for the families of the Tarpon Springs community . . . a wonderful opportunity for our church to interact with the community and evangelize while selling pumpkins.  It was a two-week long activity culminating in the Pumpkin Patch Festival which happened to fall on Sunday, October 31.   Many volunteers felt called to serve … they unloaded pumpkins from tractor trailers, baked cakes, cookies and brownies.  The vacant lot was vacant no more and Love, Faith and Prayer in our Lord continues to guide the people of The First United Methodist Church of Tarpon Springs, Florida.

The Prayer Space

            The Prayer Place was constructed in 1995 and offers an outdoor place to pray and meditate and to have small outdoor weddings.

The Wesley Christian Center

          As our congregation continued to grow it was soon discovered we needed a place to all meet, fellowship, and have special events.  The remaining land east of the Sanctuary and west of the Outreach Center was used to build our current Wesley Christian Center which was added in 1998.  It contains a gym/fellowship hall, large commercial kitchen, upstairs classrooms for adult studies, children’s worship room and the administration offices.  At the same time, a new wing, called the “Link” building, was added.  This ‘Link’ building brought the current Sanctuary and the Wesley Hall together under one roof.  The ‘Link” containing Children’s classrooms.  At the same time we remodeled the music area and added more administrative offices.  We went “Forward in Faith”, “Fulfilled Our Vision” and in December, 2003, we became “debt free.”

            Our history is filled with faithful Christians who have served God and prayerfully allowed the Lord to lead them in the missions and ministries of First United Methodist Church of Tarpon Springs, Florida.

The Pastors of First United Methodist Church—1977—2010

                        1979-1981                   Rev. Fred Stinson

                        1981-1988                   Rev. Gordon Ralls

                        1988-2002                  Rev. Herb Lange

                        2002-2007                  Rev. Ken Zimmerman

                        2007-9/2008              Rev. Henry Cribb

                        9/2008-2/2009          Interim Pastors: Riley Short & Jack Taylor

                        2009-                            Rev. Doug Zipperer

Welcome

• Devotional
• Bible Reading
• Becoming a Christian
• Baptisms
• Becoming a member
• Our Church

Visitor

• Church Map & Parking
• Directions
• First Time Visitors

Sunday Worship

• Chapel - 8:15 and 11:00 am
• Sanctuary - 9:15 am
• Life Classes (Sunday School)
• Special Services

Bible Studies

• Sunday Morning
• Wednesday Studies
• Women's Bible Studies
• Men's Bible Studies
• Small Groups

Ministries

• Adult
• Youth
• Children
• Women's
• Men's
• Music

Missions

Gospel Train Pre-School

Right Track Before and After School Care

Boy Scout Troop 48

Resources

• Sermons
• Calendar
• Bulletin
• Library
• Classifieds
• Places to Serve

Contact Information

Additional Links