The history of Florida Presbyterian Church was researched by Gelene McDonald who used many resources including session records, personal journals, and people. Allyn L Talg edited the information creating, hopefully, a flow to the information that shows the life of the church over the past 100 years. No doubt there are some inaccuracies and we apologize for that. We worked hard to make this document as real as we could.

I gratefully acknowledge and thank the following people whose feedback and resources provided information regarding the history of Florida Presbyterian Church. There are the writings of Mrs. Edna Bryce, and Rev. R.J. Hasstedt. Additional help was received from Dorothy Badgley, Ruth Berry, Emilie Clark, Helen Croonenberghs, Keith Dickinson, B.T. Griffith, Edwin Hurt, Marguerite Rowe, Lavema Sullenberger, Bruce Spinning, Robert Tyner, Elbert Yeater, the Women's Bible Study Group including Florence Cundiff, Lillian Davis, Edith Fitts, Marie Hale, Carol and Trina Jameson, Penny O'Keefe, Lois Rodman, Gretchen Schneider and Elizabeth Self.

I am sure there are those who contributed that I may have forgotten to list. Thank you to all who supported me during this project.

Gelene McDonald

The process of editing would have been difficult without the assistance of many people who were willing to read the text, and offer suggestions and corrections. To everyone who assisted, thank you. I offer special thanks to Trina Jameson for her help in scanning the photographs onto disk for reproduction.

Allyn L. Talg

The Presbytery Executive told me, just before I came to Florida Presbyterian Church, that "this church has the sweetest spirit of any church in the Synod." I have certainly found this to be true. Hidden away in a grove of cottonwood trees, off the beaten path, the church building is not easy to find. Diligent searchers are, however, rewarded. They discover a little country church that maintains a genuine connection to the land and the pioneer culture. Many families here are real ranchers. Daughters and sons are involved in 4H, FFA, homemaking skills and rodeo. Agriculture is spoken here.

A way of life that is vanishing in most areas continues to flourish at Florida. The women's beautiful, handmade quilts are donated to the homeless shelter, a case in point Each week members bring flowers from their gardens, food from their kitchens, music and songs from their hearts, physical work with their hands and join as a large extended family to worship God and teach the way of Jesus Christ.

In recent years a new kind of pioneer has come to Florida: people of all ages and from all walks of life. There are more children than ever, who eagerly share their interests, their poems, their art, music and even dance in worship. People in education from both area schools and Fort Lewis College are a strong presence at Florida. They along with the traditional "old timers" bring a sophistication and progressive thinking to issues not always found in small churches. The congregation is characterized by a strong devotion to Jesus Christ and while old time traditions are strong, open mindedness, compassion, and progressive thinking are the rule.

The church has grown gradually but constantly in recent years. It has sincerely welcomed new people and accepted their talents and leadership. The challenge before us is a golden opportunity to maintain what is so special about the spirit and flavor of the Florida Church and yet to be more effective at reaching a growing community - providing worship, teaching the Word of God, and providing programs to communicate the Good News of Jesus Christ to all people in the larger culture that surrounds us. This is the greatest part of our mission as a church. As we answer God's call to share His love, our future in the next 100 years looks very bright.

Invite everyone you can to this very special church family and place. The hour may be early and the location not easy to find, but the effort is worth it!

G. Daniel Straw, Pastor

Today, 1998, there are 57 active members (families) celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the organization of the Florida Presbyterian Church. In the year 2000, the congregation will celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the building.

The history of the Florida Presbyterian Church is a story of struggle with the church sometimes hanging on by a thread. It was a thread strengthened by sheer determination and faith in God that helped the church survive. Time and time again, direct efforts by the congregation kept the church alive. People gave of their time, money and material items and no doubt prayer to keep the small church flourishing. It is a church with heart where no one is a stranger. The members still rely on one another for friendship, help in hard times, and of course for their spiritual growth.

The aspect of the history that is hard to capture is what motivated the church members to keep the church alive? The church obviously took time and effort by many people and they willingly gave it. It wasn't just desire to keep a building repaired, or to hold fund raisers; there is something much deeper and more important that drives people for 100 years to hold their organization together. That motivation must have stemmed from a sincere belief in God and the need to know and serve God in many ways.

What you'll read primarily describes the physical aspects of keeping a church organization together. Reading between the lines you will gain some insights into the motivation of the people. You will see a love of life, of God, of their community and neighbors. This is part of what motivates people to struggle for 100 years and to look forward to the future. There is a legacy of faith and of service that the members can look back upon for inspiration for the future.

The Summer of 1896 was very dry; springs and ditches had dried up. The settlers decided to hold a camp meeting on the Florida River and drove their stock to the river where water was still available. They camped for two weeks; held religious services every day, and prayed for relief from the drought. Mrs. Maude Spinning Self recalled this summer although she was only 11 years old. It was there she was converted and tried to remain a good Christian all her life.

It was this group of Christian settlers who recognized the need for an organized church. They contacted Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians. The Presbyterians offered the most help. Rev. T.C. Kirkwood, of Colorado Springs, held a meeting at the Hood School, August 28,1898 to organize the Florida Presbyterian Church. Some early members were The George Spencer's and their daughter Orra; the William Morrison's family, Mr. & Mrs. George Spinning; Lizzie Spinning and her daughters Bessie and Maude; and Fuller Hood. The congregation grew rapidly during the first few months with the services being held in the Hood School.

The congregation decided that a permanent church building was needed. When the La Plata Coal and Coke Company, located in Wilson Gulch (North of present day Grandview), ended operations the church members took advantage of the closing to purchase the boarding house with a $2000 loan from National Missions. Dr. David W. Griffith, who was the railroad's Doctor and who practiced medicine in Durango, had homesteaded on the Florida Mesa. He donated the site for the church that was adjacent to the main road from Bayfield. The boarding house was moved to the site Dr. Griffith donated. What is not known is whether the boarding was moved intact, or disassembled and reassembled at the site. This occurred in the year 1900.

The church was on its way with members of the church already giving items that were needed for the church. One of the first gifts was the pulpit Bible given as a dedication gift by Mr. and Mrs. George Spencer. The Bible is now located in the Florida Church on a stand built by Ray Self. The Bible with the stand are located in the comer of the sanctuary. The first minister was Rev. Louis Smith, who served both the Florida and Bayfield congregations. A list of ministers is located on the last page. The list, while not necessarily complete, is as accurate as the information available.

Mabel Frizell Jelinek, Lillian Hill's sister, donated her pump organ to the church sometime between 1920 to 1930.. She had purchased the organ when she was 15 years old with money she had worked hard to earn. The pump organ is still on display in the church, although is not in use.

The early ministers lived in Bayfield traveling to the churches on horseback. The roads were covered by deep snow in the winter and even deeper mud in the springtime. These obstacles presented a challenge to the ministers and to the members of the congregation. Besides not having ; surfaced roads or automobiles, neither were movies, televisions, radios or telephones available. Therefore, people went to church not only to worship God, but to meet their neighbors and to socialize. The church was the center of the community.

When Orville Hood took the pastorate, he and his bride, Alice Banks, lived in the lean-to kitchen built on the south end of the main building. The lean-to was about 24X10 in size. Hood, with volunteers, cut logs on Texas Creek, had them sawed, and built a small manse near the church.

Rev. R.J. Hasstedt became minister in 1918 serving both Florida Presbyterian and the Bayfield churches for 3 !4 years. His most vivid memory of this time was of the bad roads and mud. His daughter, Dorothy, remembers falling into the irrigation ditch behind the Florida Church. She was prevented from drowning by a sister who held onto her dress tail.

There was no resident minister for about 15 years when Rev. Hasstedt left. Services were held irregularly at the Grange Hall which was more centrally located. However, the Sunday School continued to do well with numerous children attending.

Rev. Lane Findley arrived in 1935 to serve the area churches including Florida and Bayfield churches. He established the San Juan Larger Parish which included the churches of Allison, Bayfield, Florida and Ignacio (1936). Rev. Findley conducted Vacation Bible School in the country school houses. Because there was a lack of books available to the students and community he initiated an appeal to the churches of Pueblo Presbytery to donate books. Soon a revolving library started providing books to the public schools continuing until the consolidation of the public schools gave children access to a public library.

Rev. Hasstedt returned in 1937 to help Rev. Findley. The Florida Church building had not been used for sometime. It was badly in need of repairs and painting, inside and outside. Windows and doors were broken. Birds had been roosting on the pump organ (donated by Mable Jelinek). Reviving the church organization, restoring the church to a useable condition and building a manse, which had been burned seemed to be an almost hopeless project.

Rev. Hasstedt persuaded a group of interested people to repair the church. The people cut and sawed logs to build a new manse which is still used for storage today. Arrow back chairs were used for seats. The chairs were fastened together by boards underneath the seats to resemble pews. The nail holes are still visible in the bottom of the chairs which are currently in use. Two coal burning stoves, one at the south end of the church and one at the north end, heated the building. There were no chimneys only stove pipe that went up through the ceiling and roof.

After the first service was held in the restored church a senior member who lived 1 !4 miles from the church remarked, "When I heard the church bell ring this morning, I thought it was the sweetest sound I had ever heard." The church, which had seemed hopeless, came alive again within the Parish. Rev. Hasstedt's slogan was "the difficult can be done immediately, the impossible takes a little longer". He helped with all of the building projects within the Parish and made himself available to anyone in need. He did farm chores and milked cows when a member was hospitalized. He had a good voice and was always singing while working. Rev. Hasstedt retired in 1949, but continued to fill the pulpit when needed.

Rev. Harer volunteered to make up a brochure on the church history to use with a campaign drive designed to pay off the old mortgage. During his research he found a forgotten $900 mortgage to National Missions dated March 23, 1900. The loan had been reduced to $350 in 1957. The campaign for paying off the mortgage was run like the yearly pledge canvass. The pledge canvass met with disapproval and was subsequently discontinued. The old mortgage was paid in full

The Winifred Culhane memorial fund was used to purchase the communion table, matching pulpit and chair in 1964. These pieces are still use. Savings were transferred to Durango Savings and Loan at 4 1/2% interest.

The proposed operating budget for 1965 was $2,879.64. Attendance at the Vacation Bible School was 30 children. The average Sunday School attendance was 29. New collection plates, communion trays and bread plate were ordered in memory of Elder Helser. Ronnie Yeater donated a pipe organ to the church. Ronnie and his sister, Anita, were the organists. Today, Ronnie builds and repairs organs throughout central United States and has played at numerous churches in the St Louis area.

The proposed budgets from 1966 to 1970 averaged $3,356. Parish expenses were $1,500 to $1,600. Ray Self was able to obtain fire insurance coverage of $14,350 with a yearly premium of $175.50.

The summer of 1967, the retired Rev. Spear filled the pulpit at Bayfield and Florida for $250 a month plus mileage at 6 cents per mile. Communion and collection plates were ordered in memory of Ida Yeator and Cart .Tackitt.

There was an active youth group of 15 to 18 members under the leadership of Mary Yeater, and later Mrs. Elmo Kinsy. They met Sunday evenings for devotions and fun. Throughout the sixties, this group held successful chicken dinners at the Grange Hall. The profits of several hundred dollars were used to help pay off the old mortgage and increase the building fund. They mowed the lawn, painted the church and floor, and gave to missions. Besides the chicken dinners they had many other money making projects to support worth-while causes. The mothers baked many pies, gave help and support to chicken dinners and other fund raising efforts. One dinner netted $260.

The youth group also developed a constitution with by-laws and kept excellent meeting records. The youth painted the outside of the church with paint furnished by the Walter Hill's. Apparently, they also requested a certain color. Members of the congregation were shocked to see a robin-egg blue or turquoise church on Sunday morning. After this project they painted the inside of the church and hung drapes. For fun activities the group planned a trip to Kayenta and a back packing trip to City Reservoir.

The wooden cross, hanging on the wall behind the pulpit, was donated in the memory of James Rink. James was a popular summer intern who was killed in an accident while working on his car.

Rev. Fred Hauman became minister in April 1969, and left in October of 1971. He was faced with financial problems and low attendance. National Missions refused to help the parish. He wanted the four churches (Bayfield, Ignacio, Allison and Florida) to be incorporated and the individual church corporations dissolved. A congregational meeting was called to discuss and vote on the issue. However, only 8 people were in attendance. Ray Self and Lillian Hill objected to the idea of the four churches being incorporated. The committee overruled Ray and Lillian's objections The motion to incorporate carried. Later Allison voted against incorporating which nullified the vote to incorporate.

Carl Hanson agreed, in January, 1970, to hold services on the second and fourth Sunday's if the Session would buy him $20 worth of books. Later, around 1976, Carl Hanson's family donated the blue hymnals which are currently in use. David Jongeward, intern minister, came in June of 1970 and stayed a year. The time of church services was changed to 9:30 A.M. allowing Rev. Jongeward to teach an adult Sunday School class prior to the church service. Another intern minister, Roger Weir, served the churches during the summer of 1971. Rev. John and Judy Chendo replaced Rev. Hauman in July.

A report of church activities, given at the congregational meeting in January, 1972, included the following:

• attendance at Sunday School averaged 12 children and 12 adults

• church attendance averaged 20

• nineteen inactive members were removed from the church roll

• Sally McDonald and Cindy Hanson were honored for playing the piano

• there was a discussion about paying off the lot

• the congregation was asked to consider building an education building or wing

• The annual parish-wide picnic was held at the self s Picnic Cove.

During Rev. Chendo's ministry, the church building suffered a serious mishap. The front comer (northwest) of the church slipped off of the rock foundation. It moved about 6 inches. Ray Self, Oliver Hurt and Leland Hill used Leland's cat to pull the church back into place on the rock foundation. Then they pulled the church straight. A cable was fastened to the comer and to a tree to hold the corner of the church in place. You can still see the cable today holding the church straight on the foundation.

The General Assembly approved open communion in 1973. David Bonner served as summer intern. The Session paid off the highway lot. The average attendance for Sunday School, taught by Carl Hanson, was 11 children and 9 adults. Church attendance was averaging 16 people. The 1974 budget was $3,537.71. Elizabeth and Ray Self hosted two girls who helped with Vacation Bible School for twenty-one children. The women of the congregation held a bazaar which netted $306.37.

Rev.'s John and Judy Chendo left in September 1975. Eight people attended the 1976 congregational meeting. Cart Hanson, Marjory Hurt, Carol Jameson and Rev. McCluggage provided supplies for the pulpit. Elizabeth Self spearheaded the effort to make cushions for the pews that were cold in the winter. Rev. Don Kratz came in October of 1976. He served all four parish churches; three on Sunday morning and one in the evening. The evening service rotated among the parishes every six months. This made Sunday School difficult and attendance declined.

Carol Hill Jameson became responsible for music each Sunday. A small choir consisted of Carol and Trina Jameson, Marilyn Englishman, Mrs. Kratz, Coral and Cherie Hanson.

Cleaning and maintenance of the church was done by members of the church on scheduled work days. Fred and Vi Driever mowed the lawn. The pipe organ was sold for $200.00. The highway lot that was up for sale failed to sell because the Colorado Highway Department denied access from the highway. Carl Hanson plowed the snow and made sure the furnace was lit. Coral Hanson compiled a cookbook with recipes from the members. The books were sold as a fund raising project.

Thirty-two members were active in 1979. The church pledged $3,300.00 to the Major Mission Fund. In 1980 the annual budget was $6,162.00. Lillian Davis became treasurer. Rev. Kratz left in July. Jack Rodman, along with others thought is might be possible to cover the floor with carpet The floor was six inch, tongue and groove pine boards which were painted gray. Through the years the boards had warped leaving wide cracks and knot holes visible. Donations were sought Volunteers laid a sub-floor over which the carpet was installed making the church much warmer in the winter. The kitchen was repainted and colorful (apparently a tactful word for an awful green color) used carpet was installed.

Rev. Kearns, a former minister of Durango Presbyterian church, assumed pastoral duties of the parish churches. Bayfield would leave the San Juan Larger Parish in September 1981. This allowed Florida to return to an 8:00 A.M. service. Lillian Hill paid to have the piano tuned after the Session declined to have it tuned. $8,000.00 was invested in a money market which yielded 15.04%. This endowment has allowed the church to function more effectively in the years that have followed.

Jack and Lois Rodman assumed responsibility for mowing the lawn. Breakfasts were held once a month to benefit the Major Mission fund. The fund was paid in full the following year. The arrow-back chairs, used in the kitchen, were broken and seemed beyond repair. However, Richard McDonald volunteered to refinish as many as he could. He was able to strip and refinish nineteen chairs. Each chair was valued at $100 on the antique market. These are the same chairs mentioned previously that were nailed to a board to resemble a pew.

In 1982 Trina Jameson began teaching Sunday School in order to earn service hours for her Girt Scout Gold Award. The church has supported the Girl Scouts throughout the years by allowing them use of the church facilities for meetings and training. Trina Jameson is a major contributor to the Girl Scouts. Marsha Flagg held Vacation Bible school the same year.

The steeple was repaired at a cost of $1,464.42 in 1983. The children of John and Edna Bryce gave a new Pulpit Bible and ceiling fans in memory of their parents who had been members for many years. Mrs. Bryce had been a pianist for the church for many years.

The entryway to the church was made handicap accessible in 1984. Marilyn Englishman was assigned to purchase white latex paint for a youth group to use in painting the church. Marsha Flagg worked as an educational assistant within the parish. Attempts to establish a Sunday School failed during the 1980's. The Yeater family gave $750.00 as a memorial in honor of their son, Eugene.

Eugene had been an active member of the church and the youth group.

Once again the lot on the highway was put up for sale. Members Franklin McKelvey, a lawyer, and Bud McGuire, realtor, and Jack Rodman, CDOT employee worked to resolve the issue of access to the lot along with other issues necessary for the lot to sell. The lot sold for $28,000. The money was used to build the current fellowship hall and kitchen.

Rev. Kearns retired in 1987 serving as needed from 1984 to 1987. Rev. Dan Straw of the Bayfield church became the minister in 1984. Approximately one fourth to one third of his salary is paid by and the same amount of time is given to the Florida church.

The new addition, built by a contractor, was completed under the supervision of Jack Rodman. There had been no plumbing in the building and the well had not been used for years. The 18 foot well was cleaned, cased and water tested. Jack Rodman installed the septic system with help from Leland Hill. Members of the congregation donated items to complete the project. Leland Hill donated the pump for the well; Penny O'Keefe the stove; Bob and Lillian Davis the refrigerator, Carol Jameson the microwave; Richard McDonald the cupboard for the microwave; and Lois and Jack Rodman donated two tables. Many other women of the congregation furnished the kitchen. The total cost of the addition was $32,000.00 The fellowship hall, dedicated on July 12,1987, was named in honor of Rev. Kerns. All of the building expenses, including chairs and tables had been paid for by September 9,1987. Jack Rodman, Leland Hill, Jerry Kendrick and Bob Davis were given special thanks and recognition by the Session.

At the congregational meeting, January 17, 1988, Rev. Straw recalled the past year as one of transition and sadness. The sadness was due to the loss of Oliver and Marjory Hurt and Lillian Hill. These individuals made significant contributions to the church over the years via donations of money and time. Mrs. Kearns presented the church with a photograph of Rev. Kearns. The budget for the year was set at $11,255.00.

Edwin Hurt donated books to the church for the library. A donation was given to purchase 30 new pew Bibles. Additional hymnals were also purchased. Emilie Clark donated some photographs to the church which were framed and placed in the fellowship hall.

The 1989 budget was $12,490.00. Edwin Hurt gave a donation of $!500.00 in memory of his parents. The Vemon Culhane Memorial amounted to $285.00.(V) The interest from the memorial fund was given to the mission program of the presbytery. Supplies for the pulpit were provide by Harold Hale and Roy Wells. Mr. and Mrs. Roy Wells also sang in the choir; and Mrs. Wells substituted as pianist. Marie Hale played the piano and organ for services, along with Gelene McDonald.

The 1990 budget was $13,746. During this year signs for the church were placed on the country roads; none were allowed on the main highway. The church held a community spaghetti supper ($4.00) in an attempt to increase the attendance. The congregation painted and repaired the church at a cost of $9,093.61. Dorothetta Ernest played the piano for the church services. Trina Jameson was given a gift certificate for her efforts in teaching Sunday School. Her mother, Carol Jameson, taught Sunday School for the children who were attending the service. Depending upon the ages and number of children, Trina assisted her with the classes. The parents found this arrangement convenient and the Sunday School was revived. Carolyn Kendrick also assisted with the Sunday School classes as necessary.

Other items mentioned at the annual meeting were:

• Denny Schiltuis suggested a re-dedication of the church and that a short history be compiled.

• Elizabeth Self had a stained glass windows installed in memory of her husband, Ray Self.

• A Yard sale netted $686.45 which was used to equip the kitchen.

On June 14, 1992, Florence Cundiff and Gretchen Schneider arrived for the weekly Bible study and work session (making quilts for the Homeless Shelter and Safehouse) to find that the church had been vandalized. One to two inches of water were standing on the floor of the fellowship hall; the church building was marred and additional damage was done to the furnishings. The carpet, tile and flooring were water damaged. The piano, organ, microphone, amplifier, timer, thermostat, pew cushions, fire extinguisher, toilet were damaged. Paint was sprayed throughout the building. The cost to repair and/or replace the damages came to $10,603.78. The insurance company gave the congregation credit for 250 hours of volunteer labor for restoring the church.

Taking advantage of a bad situation, the church installed insulation around the heating pipes and extended the heat into the fellowship hall which had previously been heated with electrical units. The members of the church were very grateful that the wooden cross, the arrow back chairs, the pictures on the walls, the Christian flag and the Bibles were not destroyed or damaged In the vandalism. Two young boys, ages 11 and 12 finally confessed to the vandalism. At a later annual meeting the church congregation voted to forgive the two young boys their debt.

The 1993 budget was set at $17,850.00. Meg McDonald purchased a TV at Sam's Club and Hart Kendrick donated a VCR for use with the Sunday School.

The 1994 budget was established at $20,431.80. The Women's Bible Group presented Bibles to the Sunday School children. Penny O'Keefe ordered 15 more hymnals. Jack Rodman and Bob Davis had been mowing the lawn with their own equipment. The Session authorized the purchase of a riding lawnmower. Rev. Straw held a Bayfield and Florida church picnic at his home in July. This replaced the Florida church's annual picnic. Becky Maloney used the church for Girl Scout meetings.

Meg McDonald was employed to clean the church. Allyn Talg became the pianist for the choir. Kathy Coutlee filled a much needed hand in the Sunday School. Penny O'Keefe donated a mailbox which was installed by Don Willmett. The church donated $1,000.00 to Ridgeway church and took up a collection for Rico church. Jack Rodman and Bob Davis installed an outside light to make it easier to find your way at night.

The financial report presented at the January 1996 congregational meeting showed that the income for the year was $23,074.63; expenses were $19,992.28. The bank balance was $13,633.18; the Presbyterian Foundation Savings was $26,129.21 all totaling $39,762.39. Meg Me Donald was Florida's representative to the General Assembly which she reported on at the meeting. The women of the church hosted the World Day of Prayer on March 2, and a Mother's Day Tea on the Friday prior to Mother's Day.

The county had been gaining population which naturally generated more members for both churches. The Bayfield church, due to this growth, wanted Rev. Straw full-time. The Florida church also experienced growth. The Bayfield church decided to try two services requiring the Florida church to change the time of it's service. During the summer of 1996, Rev. Straw conducted three services each Sunday morning. Florida's service was changed from 8:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. Various member of the church including Allyn Talg, Carolyn Kendrick and Trina Jameson conducted the service each Sunday until Rev. Straw arrived.

Penny O'Keefe assumed the task of producing the Sunday bulletin each week. A baby changing table was purchased and installed in the bathroom. Allyn Talg offered to give a personality assessment to anyone interested. The Christmas Eve service, organized by Becky Maloney, was extremely well presented and attended.

At the January 1997 congregational meeting the debt incurred by the two boys who vandalized the church was forgiven. A plaque clock was given to Lillian Davis for 17 years of service as treasurer. Gelene McDonald received a plaque clock in recognition for her years as pianist. Gelene had filled in as pianist when necessary for about 20 years. Allyn Talg assumed the position of pianist for the church along with the choir and music director in November, 1997. Sandy Goodell and Merrilee Williams agreed to share the job of treasurer. Sandy Goodell developed a computer program to for the budget.

The Sunday School children with the help of the congregation planted three trees on the Sunday after Arbor Day. The choir coordinated the special music to augment the event The idea originated from Kathy Coutlee who suggested that some new trees on the church grounds would be nice.

Chris Carney made a request to rent the fellowship hall to give tai qwando(/) lessons to his pupils. The Session voted to allow him to do this after carefully assessing the liability and other issues raised. Session voted to purchase a digital piano as the old piano had been damaged in the vandalism and had some broken keys and hammers that, while repaired never worked as easily again. The old cherry, matched veneer piano, which reportedly was used in the mid 1930's, was kept. The organ was eventually given to the Rico Presbyterian church that was just being established. Trina Jameson began singing an offertory solo each Sunday at Allyn Talg's request.

Over the years of making quilts, the women's group has made almost 300 quilts for the Homeless Shelter and Safehouse and for others in need. They began making quilts in 1991 when they learned of a need for quilts in Old Mexico. Then, the group decided to make quilts for the Homeless Shelter that was opening. They made about 25 quilts, one for each bed in the shelter. The ladies also helped sort dishes, washed sheets and made the beds at the shelter. At some point, the group began having a Bible study after making a quilt each week. During the years they studied many of the books and other subjects in the Bible. The group also initiated the collection of other items to be given to those in need. The congregation has donated supplies such as soap, toothpaste, food etc.

The 1998 budget was established at $27,367. The members of the Florida Presbyterian Church have worked hard over the years to arrive 100 years later as a strong, viable church which contributes to the lives of the members and the community. They are looking forward to the next 100 years.

SUMMARY

The dedication of the members of the Florida Presbyterian Church over the past 100 years is a tribute to their faith. As the church looks to their future, they can draw inspiration and strength from the past members. The future holds tremendous opportunities for the church members. More than ever before, people are seeking spiritual guidance and a spiritual home. The Florida church is not only in a prime position geographically to take advantage of the potential, but has the character to accept the new people, who will bring new ways and ideas with them.

Any church that can offer a base of caring and love, a commitment to their members, can offer a place for people to come to worship and to belong to the community. With God all things are possible.

MINISTERS OF FLORIDA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Louis R. Smith                                                 March 1898-April 1900

M.A. Stone                                                       April 1900 - November 1901

Orville Hood                                                     November 1901 - August 1902

Jay Kelso                                                        August 1902-April 1905

A.B. Sanderson                                             January 1906 - April 1906

Jason M. Mccomb                                          June 1906 - December 1906

Archibald Mclntyre                                         April 1907-April 1908

David W. Ferry                                               May 1908 - September 1908

W.C. Cooper                                                  September 1980 - October 1909

WJ. Mills                                                           October 1909-April 1911

C.B. Campbell                                               September 1911 -April 1916

Brook Hitchings                                             July 1916-May 1918

R.J. Hasstedt                                                 November 1918 - March 1920

H.V. Wilhelm (Methodist)                              August 1920-1922

O.G. Konkel (Methodist)                               January 1923

James Russel                                                1923

W.C. Wilson                                                   1924

M.A. Wimberty                                              1925

H.B. Markley                                                  March 1926

P.N. Fredline                                                 June 1926 - November 1926

Jason Hummel                                              1928

James Hunter                                                1928-March 1933

Paul M. Bourns                                              July 1933 - December 1934

Lance C. Findley                                           September 1935 — August 1937

Comwell                                                         1938

Olmstead                                                       1939

Lyda C. Wood                                               January 1940-1943

R.J. Hasstedt                                                1944-August 1947

Cyrus L. Lattin                                               April 1946 - July 1947 (Assistant to Hasstedt)

Manfred L. Geisler                                       August 1947-1948

Sylvan Poet                                                   1949-1951

Paul Jay                                                        September 1951 - December 1951

Glen Bixler                                                    July 1951 -March 1955

Randolph McCluggage                                1955-1956

A. Wayne Benson                                         July 1956 - September 1960

Ted Harer                                                      January 1961 - January 1967

                 Homer Root (Intern)

                 Robert Thomas (Intern)

                 Jimmy Patton (intern)

                 Eugene Lyday (Intern)

                James Rink (Intern)

David Jongewaard (Intern)                            1967-1968

Gerald Kuyk                                                    1968

G. Fred Hauman                                             March 1969 - December 1971

John Charles Chendo                                    July 1971 -October 1975

Daniel Bonner                                                 1975-1976

Donald R. Kratz                                               October 1976 - June 1980

Robert H. Kearns                                            June 1980 - August 1987

G. Daniel Straw                                               August 1987 - Current