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From Our Past Into the Future
It was January 1969. A handful of people met to begin Crocker Memorial United Methodist Church. On Easter Sunday, a service was held in the dining room of the Red Fox Inn, and 20 people were received into membership. That same year, the present land where First Church stands was purchased. The founding pastor, Dr. Donald Crocker, died suddenly in April of 1969. Reverend Wayne Bantz was appointed in June.
Between 1969 and 1972, services were moved to the Westinghouse auditorium. A sanctuary was built, and the name was changed to First United Methodist Church of Coral Springs. United Methodist Women and United Methodist Youth Fellowship were organized.
With membership at 135, Reverend Kendall Taylor was appointed until 1979. Under Reverend Taylor's leadership, a new parsonage was purchased. A preschool program was established as well as United Methodist Men and a Vacation Bible School program. Six classrooms were added in 1977. An office complex and eight more classrooms were added in 1979. By June of 1979, membership had grown to 626 people.
During the next two years, Reverend Richard Petry led the church through continued growth. A program for seniors, "Young at Heart," was established. By June of 1981, membership had grown to just over 800.
From 1981 until 1984, Reverend Harold Hendron served the church faithfully. Membership totaled 829.
Reverend Harry Baas was appointed in 1984. Reverend Baas continued the process of growth, both in membership and programs. The sanctuary mortgage was paid off in 1988. In 1991, the present sanctuary was completed. The old sanctuary was officially named Robey Hall in 1993.
An associate pastor, Reverend Larry Bergstrom, was appointed in June of 1995.
Reverend Harry Baas retired from active ministry in June of 1997. We wished him and his wife, Naomi, best wishes as they enjoy their retirement years in their new home. Reverend Roger G. Watts and his wife, Judy, joined us in June of 1997.
At the Annual Conference session in June of 1998, Rev. Larry Bergstrom was ordained an Elder in the United Methodist Church.
June 2005 marked the groundbreaking on the first phase of a long-range plan to improve the First Church campus: a much-needed education building, called the Faith Building, and more paved parking spots. The building was completed in 2007. Future plans call for additional buildings to accommodate the growth of our community and our programs.
Also in 2007, Rev. Watts announced his plans to teach at the university level. We sadly said goodbye but warmly welcomed Rev. Sara McKinley as the senior minister.
First Church celebrated 40 years in the Coral Springs community in April 2009! Former ministers attended the weekend-long celebration. The congregation raised money for the local His Walk homeless ministry as well as for building a fishing village in Haiti as part of the "40 for the 40th" campaign.
From our modest beginnings, our church has shown a refreshing warmth and vitality that comes from the Holy Spirit. The fellowship our founders showed to each new member has spread and made us a congregation known for its welcoming home -- and the Lord will guide us into our future.