HOW THE CHURCH BEGAN
In May, 1946, when Rev. W. J. Ashworth was pastor of First Methodist Church in Auburndale he recognized the need for a church out in the Lena Vista section of the city. After considerable work among the people of this growing area, Rev. Ashworth called a meeting of those interested. The meeting was held at the home of Mr. & Mrs. W. E. Davis, on May 28, 1946. The district superintendent, Rev. O. A. Murphy, of the Lakeland District presided over the meeting. A record of the meeting states there were eleven charter members, but only the names of eight are given who were at the meeting: Mr. & Mrs. J. B. Privett, Mr. & Mrs. Irby Turner, Mr. James Davis, Miss Dora Davis, Miss Betsy Davis.
Regular services were held supplied by various students from Florida Southern College until October 1, 1946, when Rev. R. C. Joyner was appointed as pastor. A church building was started in block 9 of The Lena Vista Sub-division. The deed was dated April 11, 1946.
In the spring of 1954, it became quite evident that in order to continue to live and grow, it was necessary to have a full-time pastor. The District Superintendent advised that the church do all that it could to provide a parsonage. With the help of the district, and a fine spirit of cooperation from the people of the church and friends, a house was obtained to serve as a parsonage.
In the following years the church relocated to the corner of Berkley Road and Seville Street and built a small, but worshipful sanctuary and later added the fellowship hall and class rooms.
The growth of the church has never been rapid or spectacular, and often has been served by part-time pastors or pastors with other charges. During the winter months, our congregation may number between 60 and 80 members. It is our fervent hope and prayer that the church will continue to stand for the Gospel of Christ and His Kingdom and be an inviting place for those seeking God.
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