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 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 class rooms were added in 1977. An office complex and 8
more classrooms were added in 1979. By June of 1979 membership had grown to 626.
During the next 2 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 wish him and his wife Naomi best wishes as they enjoy their
retirement years at their new home in Jacksonville, Florida.
Reverend Roger G. Watts and his wife Judy
joined us in June, 1997.
At the Annual Conference session in June of
1998 Reverend Larry Bergstrom was ordained an Elder in the United Methodist Church.
Current membership is over 1500. |
