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Methodist Church Celebrates 50 Years

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By SUZANNE M. SCHMIDT

IN THE LOOP

Published: March 11, 2009

The First United Methodist Church of Land O' Lakes has been around for 50 years, but what many people don't realize is that it all started with a few dedicated people and some fliers.

Ann Rivers, 86, one of the founding members of the church, said with its 435 current members it has grown into more then she could have imagined. The church opened its first services with 23 congregants in 1959.

"This church was built with typewriters and mimeographs machines," Rivers said. "When we first started to have church services, we would print up the bulletin and the first people to arrive would be asked to fold them and hand them out. The church is now what I always believed it could be."

She said even though many members and pastors have come and gone, she thinks she stuck with the church for so long because she is stubborn.

"I have seen people go from church to church because they were not fed," Rivers said. "I don't think that is what it should be about. I don't like to give up what I have made an investment in. I have been joined at the hip with this church for the last 50 years. It is like a family to me."

Even though some might be sentimental for that type of small church, Rivers said she is happy to see how much the church has grown.

"I think all that matters is that the church is able to come close to meeting all the needs of its members," Rivers said. "We now have a well-balanced program with a traditional service and a contemporary service. The thing that matters is that we have a wonderful spirit of fellowship with people who are loving and caring."

The church will have a celebration March 29 with historic displays and a luncheon on the grounds. Services will take place at 9:15 and 11 a.m., with lunch to follow. Former pastor, the Rev. Doug Clewis, will also be a guest pastor for the day. Former members are invited to attend.

The church was originally named the Lutz Methodist Church when it began meeting at the Home Demonstration Building in Lutz on March 29, 1959.

In 1973, the church moved from Lutz to Land O' Lakes when it broke ground on the property it still occupies at 6209 Land O' Lakes Blvd. While building the new sanctuary, the church met in a trailer for about a year.

The Rev. Peter Cottrell, the church's current pastor, said thinking about how much the church has grown in the last 50 years makes him wonder what the next 50 will be like.

"We are now focusing on what our long-term plans will be," Cottrell said. "We are working on our children's and youth ministries so we can continue to be a vibrant healthy church in 50 years from now."

For information, visit lolumc.org or call (813) 996-3533.

Reporter Suzanne M. Schmidt can be reached at (813) 948-4288 or sschmidt@mediageneral.com.

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