The Gospel Messenger March 9, 1912 p 156 Vol. 61 No. 10

Seminole.—We were with the Brethren at the organization of their church, near Phelps, Pasco Co., Fla. and had a very enjoyable time. The meetings following, and the communion which was held on Saturday evening, were a feast of good things. We are continuing to be helpful here too. We have organized a Bible study class that meets at our home once a week, and every one seems much Interested. There are fourteen members in the class, mostly young people, but many others also attend who are not members of the class. We are anxious that our teaching shall be according to the will of God, and that It may result in the salvation of souls. We should like to secure the address of every member who comes to Florida, even if it Is only for a short time, but we hardly know how to accomplish this. We have had a very delightful winter. Our garden has done reasonably well. Old settlers say the prospects for an abundant crop of citrus fruits has not been so good for years. This year there has been an abundance of rain. We ask an interest in the prayers of the Brotherhood for the work of Christ at this place. — J. V. and S. G. Felthouse, Seminole, Fla., Feb. 25.

The Gospel Messenger March 9, 1912 page 157 Vol. 61 No. 10

CHURCH ORGANIZED IN FLORIDA.

According to previous arrangement the brethren and sisters in this part of Florida met Feb. 15 at the home of Brother and Sister McKillips, near Phelps, Pasco County, to organize a church. The name of our postoffice is Herndon. Bro. P. J. Blough was chosen moderator for the day. Elders present were Abram Buck, of Santa Rosa, P. J. Blough, of Hooversville, Pa., and George A, Branscorn, of South Carolina, who were asked to organize the church. There are twelve charter members here, among them an elder, a minister in the second degree, and one ill the first degree of the ministry.

After the discussion of several names we decided on the name " Zion." We wanted a name representing a high ideal. Bro. Abram Buck is our elder for one year. The "church elected Bro. Isaac Cripe to the deacon's office. He and his wife were duly installed. Bro. Blough conducted the installation services. Sister Leona Sherfy was chosen church clerk; Sister Mary Sherfy, church correspondent; Bro. Isaac Cripe, treasurer. A committee of three was appointed to ascertain how far our territory extends, to what State District we belong, and whether there are any other congregations in Florida.

We all rejoice very much that we now have a church home, and hope many more will come to this sunny climate, and assist in building up the cause of Christ here. The climate is delightful, and there is much to do. We feel very much encouraged and think that the outlook for the Zion church is very good. The community in general seems to have a warm feeling for the Brethren here. Bro. P. J. Blough, who is in the South on account of his wife's health, came to the Brethren at this place, Feb. 10, and began a series of meetings next day. Bro. Blough preached ten very interesting sermons. All who attended these services spoke very highly of the benefit they received from them.

On Saturday we had preaching at 10:30 A. M., after which one precious soul was baptized. In the afternoon we had examination services, and in the evening the communion. There were eight sisters and eleven brethren present to enjoy this feast. We were much impressed by the thought that although we gather from different States, far apart, yet we can enjoy the sweet bond of brotherly love that binds us close together, and makes us all rejoice in the God of our salvation. The sisters here accepted the privilege of breaking the bread and passing the cup among themselves.

Sunday was a busy day, with three sermons. In the evening five more precious souls stood up for Jesus and were received into the church on Monday. On Monday evening these meetings closed. Before the brethren separated they h the first Sunday in March. Bro. Howard McKillips very kindly asked the brethren to consider his house their home until such a time when we can build a churchhouse. which we hope to be able to do soon. Through the kindness and care of Bro. McKillips we had a very pleasant place tor all these meetings, recently held at this place. Arrangements have now been made to have preaching services three times each month, Sunday-school every Sunday, and prayer meeting each Sunday evening. We beg to be remembered at the Throne of Grace.

Seminole, Fla., Feb. 21. Sarah G. Felthouse.

The Gospel Messenger 03-16-1935 p 26 Vol. 84 No. 12

A SHORT HISTORY OF THE TAMPA CHURCH

The work in the Tampa congregation dates back to March, 1911. when Bro. J. V. Felthouse and wife located near Clearwater, Fla. On Feb. 15, 1912, all the members near by were called to meet at the home of J. H. McKillip, where an organization was effected with Bro. Branscom as moderator. There were twelve charter members and six others were baptized immediately after the organization. A deacon was elected the same day and two days later the first communion service was held. Eld. Abram Buck was chosen overseer of the newly formed church, called the Zion congregation; in 1930 this name was changed to Tampa.

Bro. J. V. Felthouse was ordained to the eldership Jan. 4. 1913. and some time later was chosen elder, which position he held until his death Oct. 28, 1925. Bro. J. H. Garst succeeded him and continued until about two years ago when our present elder, Bro. A. D. Crist was elected. Monthly meetings were held in the members' homes until 1927, when the first meetinghouse was built. For more than five years the McKillip home was the regular place of meeting; after that they met mostly in the Felthouse home near Seminole. This home had been especially designed to accommodate the meetings; there were also sleeping quarters for those who came long distances and had to stay over night.

The congregation held together in this way for about fifteen years. The need for a house of worship did not seem so urgent until after a series of meetings in East Tampa, held by Brethren S. M. Miller and J. H. Morris, when twelve young people united with the church. The house was built on lots given by Ralph Cottrell.

Before this time, in 1926, Brother and Sister J. B. May came to East Tampa and with the Roberts family began Sunday-school in the May home. Brother and Sister H. M. Landis also came to help in the work. Bro. Landis was called to the ministry and in 1933 was ordained to the eldership. In 1930 Sarah Lauver and daughter located in Tampa and assisted in the work in East Tampa. Two years later Philip Lauver and wife came and have been working here since. During 1930 and 1931 Bro. Bail from Arcadia, Fla., preached for us every two weeks. Others too who were here for short periods of time lent their help and encouragement. The latest addition to the workers is Bro. J. K. Miller, wife and son; the last name being a good song leafier supplies a real need.

Early in 1932 Bro. A. D. Crist held a revival meeting in East Tampa and a number united with the church. By that time the house, a partly finished dwelling given by the Mays, was becoming unfit for use, and the members began to plan for a better place. Through the financial help of Bro. Ullery, who made the first move in the purchase of a lot, we are now located on the highway and within easy reach of a number of small settlements.

The community became interested to the extent of helping to erect the little church by free labor. Thus it was possible for this group early in 1933 to build a small house. It was thought wise by the district to dispose of the house in the north of Tampa, and the proceeds from the sale were used to finish this house.

There has been a growth in numbers and, regular attendance ever since as we are more conveniently located. The newly finished church house is free of debt, but already it is not large enough for the best work to be done in the Sunday-school.

On Sunday, Feb. 3, 1935, the house was dedicated to God and the service of this community. Bro. J. H. Morris preached in the morning. After a basket dinner and social hour with our friends who came to rejoice with us, we reassembled for the dedication service. Our elder, Bro. A. D. Crist, preached an excellent sermon. Our pastor, Bro. H. M. Landis, led the congregation in a responsive service and offered solemn prayer to God to accept this house and congregation to serve through the unfinished years of its ministry. In the evening Bro. I. N. H. Beahm opened a two weeks' revival meeting, during which time the church was refreshed and inspired to greater devotion to our task.

Tampa, Fla. Sarah H. Lauver.

The Gospel Messenger 03-06-1937 p 24 Vol. 86 No. 11

TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF TAMPA

CHURCH

The church in Tampa, formerly called Zion church, was organized Feb. 15, 1912. The members met Sunday, Feb. 14, to celebrate that event. The program consisted of Sunday school, history of the church, special music, reminiscences, etc. Sister Sarah G. Felthouse is the only charter member who was present. Some others are yet alive but were not present.

In March of 1911 Brother and Sister Felthouse left Logansport, Ind., and moved to Seminole, Fla., buying the piece of land that appealed to them as being the place for their permanent home. At that time there was no organized work in the state. The work at Keuka and Indian River churches had died down and the members were scattered. Only one or two ministers were in the state, Bro. J. N. Overholz, J. R. Leatherman and possibly Bro. Buck. Bro. Funderburg located near Eustis soon after. Through visiting and through the Messenger some members were found scattered around near Tampa and Dade City. Soon they thought about being organized into a working group and the call was made to Bro. Branscom, who lived in the district to which Florida was to belong. There were twelve members in the organization and six more were baptized the next day.

The group met in homes for worship for a number of years. They were too much scattered to have a church house, for some were living near Dade City, some in Tampa and Brother and Sister Felthouse at Seminole. The work in the city of Tampa began soon after J. B. May and wife came to Tampa from Oklahoma in 1926. Sister May and Sister Roberts lived near together and wanted a place for their children to go on Sundays, so began having Sunday school in the May home. Besides their own children, others were attracted to the Sunday gatherings. In the fall of the same year Mr. and Mrs. May began begging the Mission Board to send some one to hold meetings for them. The meetings were held in December by S. M. Miller and J. H. Morris. Twelve young people were baptized which made a building necessary to hold them together and build up the work.

During the autumn of that year Bro. Harvey Landis and wife and two boys had come and were now interested helpers in the work. Bro. A. O. Haney gave the first donation toward a building when he turned over a check of $100 from his mother for his Christmas present. Since the church already had two lots in North Tampa that Ralph Cottrell had purchased and paid for, the house was located near Goldstein. When the boom was over and building ceased, the church was located too far from the business district and the center of membership, so it was sold and the proceeds used to enlarge the small house in East Tampa where the largest group of members were living. The church in East Tampa has had its ups and downs and the house has been moved by the city on account of some excavation near the house, but now it is well located and looks like something permanent. It is looked upon as being too small and will be enlarged during the summer for the district meeting in October.

The first thirteen or more years found the members worshiping frequently in some home of members as arrangement could be made. Since 1926 an effort has been made to have a house in which to meet at all times, sometimes maintaining two houses. Besides the Mays and the Landises, Sister Sarah Lauver and Hannah Lois came to give their all to propagating the work; also, Philip and Mary Lou Lauver are now a very vital part of the work; Sister Dyer has done much for and with the young people; Brother and Sister Boomer are helping the good work to grow. Eld. J. Kurtz' Miller, wife and son came to Tampa to live and did have the privilege of helping for a year but the Lord had other plans for Bro. Miller and his wife and they were called to their eternal home. This brief history would not be complete without the mention of Brother and Sister Ullery and some other of our northern visitors. May the good work only be begun in this city of more than 100,000 people, with St. Petersburg and Clearwater near by.

Earlton, Fla. J. H. Morris.