OUR CHURCH
CAN BE YOUR HOME
As of the first of February, we have a new Pastor: Tom Hughes. Pastor Tom retired with a distinguished history of service to the Methodist Church. There follows a brief biography.
REV. THOMAS A. HUGHES
BIOGRAPHY (1-27-2008)
Thomas A. Hughes "Pastor Tom" DOB: May 13
Marie Elaine Hughes "Elaine" DOB: Aug. 7
Pastor Tom and Elaine Hughes were married on Jan. 1, 2000, at Trinity UMC,
Lakeland, FL, where he was serving as the pastor.
They live at 1112 W. Beacon Rd., No. 52, Lakeland, FL 33803.
Telephone No. 863/683-2035
Pastor's Education:
1956: Graduated Dobbs Ferry HS, NY.
1963: BA in Journalism from Florida Southern College., Lakeland, FL
1980: M/Div from Southeastern Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, NC.
Ministry Experience:
1978 - 1983: Pastor at McKendree/Asbury UMC Charge in Halifax, VA
1983 - 1986: Pastor at Forest Hills UMC, Quincy, FL
1986 - 1990: Pastor at First UMC, Mulberry, FL
1990 - 1996: Associate Council Director, FL Council on Ministry. My duties included: Director of Communication (edited the "Reporter"; staff contact to Board of Lay Ministry, Commission on Status and Role of Women, Substance Abuse Committee and representative to the West Palm Beach, Sarasota and
Lakeland District Council on Ministries.
1990 – 2003: Served on UMC Board of Ordained Ministry
1996 - 2002: Pastor at Trinity UMC, Lakeland, FL
June, 2002 – Retired from active ministry
2002: Received training at Lake Junaluska, NC as Intentional Interim Ministerial Specialist
2002 - 2003: Interim Pastor at Bowling Green, FL UMC.
2004 - 2005: Interim Pastor at First UMC, Chiefland, FL
2006 - 2007: Interim Pastor at Good Shepherd UMC, Lakeland, FL
Secular background:
1958 - 1961- US Army Infantry, Germany
1963 - 1967 - Reporter/Photographer Lakeland Ledger
1968 - 1973 - Reporter/Photographer, Tampa Tribune.
1973 - 1977 - Worked at Florida Southern College. My duties included:
Editor of the Alumni Newspaper, teaching a basic Photography Class,
Sports Information Director and taught evening Photography and Tennis
classes.
Tom likes to watch all types of sports and plays competitive shuffleboard.