History

In the late 1940s, brethren came to St. Petersburg, on the west coast of Florida; many came for health reasons. All missed their home church and fellowship, which means so much. Of the first services held, one was held out in God's own creation, the assembly place being in a large wooded area, tall trees covered with Spanish moss, birds singing and the sun shining brightly: car cushions were taken out and placed on the ground for seats. Here in this beautiful setting, with about forty people present, Bros. Phil Beyer and John Bahler proclaimed God's Word in all truth. 

For several years after that, services were held in homes. Bro. Godfrey Schlatter (Toledo), who wintered here, became our first regular minister.

As more began spending time here each season, it was decided a gathering place should be found. The Women's Club Building in Sarasota was our temporary place of worship. Bros. John Bahler, Ben Maibach, Jr., and Godfrey Schlatter, were present for the first service held in March 1956. 

Our group has grown from several dozen to over three hundred on some Sundays during the winter months. In 1970, the Sarasota church was incorporated as a nonprofit Ecclesiastical Society. In the spring of 1971, land was purchased on Honore. Even though services were still held in the Women's Club building, it could scarcely contain the large crowds. Then we were informed that after May 1, 1973, this building would no longer be available.

Many offered their services to build our current church. On March 25, 1973, under threatening skies, many dear brothers, sisters, and friends gathered for groundbreaking services. Bro. Ben Maibach Jr. read Psalm 122 and led in prayer beseeching God's blessings on this tremendous undertaking and privilege. Bro. Leon Virkler, the oldest brother present, solemnly turned the first shovel of soil. Actual construction began the first week of June 1973. On December 23, 1973, with grateful and humble hearts, the first services were held in the uncompleted building, with Bro. Phil Wingeier ministering.

On January 27, 1974, the first regular full day of worship and fellowship, complete with lunch, was held. Bros. Roy Sauder and Ben Maibach Jr. conducted the services. On Feb. 24, 1974, our Sanctuary was Dedicated to the honor & glory of God. He alone is able to generate brethren and friends to spend, and be spent, so they might be obedient unto God's inspired word, as directed by the Apostle Paul to the Ephesians 2:19-21.

In the years since the church was built, the Lord has blessed its progress with converts and by bringing more members and friends from various parts of the country. To accommodate the increased number of winter visitors, it was considered advisable to have an additional place of worship. After prayerful consideration, a building in Port Charlotte was selected where worship services could be held from December through March. The first service was held on December 1, 1979.

The continued crowds of winter visitors at Sarasota, along with the growth of permanent residents here, created the necessity to expand. Plans were made and remodeling began in April 1983, which included seating capacity from 225 to 350 in the sanctuary, from 61 to 135 in the dining room, and 2 to 5 Sunday School rooms, increasing the Fellowship area by fifty percent, additional baby room, rest room and lounge facilities.

With the Lord's blessing & working together, the remodeled facility was ready for use by November 1983, in time for the winter crowds.

In 2000, a committee began research on a Fellowship Hall. Groundbreaking services were held under sunny skies on December 22, 2002. On January 11, 2004, the new Fellowship Hall (attached to the Church) was dedicated.

On September 12, 2010, our current Elder Bro. Jeff Streitmatter III was ordained. On September 3, 2023, with the Lord’s blessing, Bro. Matt Koehl was installed as our current Ordained Deacon.