Church History
About the Founders
The year was 1865 and the Civil War had just ended. People were on the move and getting back to a more peaceful atmosphere in undeveloped areas.
Shortly after the end of the Civil War, Sarah Elizabeth Brown of Columbia, South Carolina, then 16 years of age, had graduated from the Conservatory School of Music in Columbia. Sarah came to Sand Point, now called Titusville, in February 1868 one month after her marriage to Joseph E. Gruber. She brought along her mother, Caroline Brown.
Sarah was an only child and vowed she would have many children. She and her husband, Joseph—who incidentally was the first Postmaster here—had nine children over the next several years. There were six girls and three boys: Albion “Allie”, Carrie, Annie (Griggs), Edward, Mattie (Louisiana), Marguarite “Maggie” (Linder), Frances “Frankie” (Ovits), Joseph “Joe”, and Marion (Barnhart). Seven of the children were delivered by American Indians who lived in the area. When Sarah and Joseph arrived, there was just one other white family, the Colemans, living in Sand Point. All other residents were American Indians.
The year was 1865 and the Civil War had just ended. People were on the move and getting back to a more peaceful atmosphere in undeveloped areas.
Shortly after the end of the Civil War, Sarah Elizabeth Brown of Columbia, South Carolina, then 16 years of age, had graduated from the Conservatory School of Music in Columbia. Sarah came to Sand Point, now called Titusville, in February 1868 one month after her marriage to Joseph E. Gruber. She brought along her mother, Caroline Brown.
Sarah was an only child and vowed she would have many children. She and her husband, Joseph—who incidentally was the first Postmaster here—had nine children over the next several years. There were six girls and three boys: Albion “Allie”, Carrie, Annie (Griggs), Edward, Mattie (Louisiana), Marguarite “Maggie” (Linder), Frances “Frankie” (Ovits), Joseph “Joe”, and Marion (Barnhart). Seven of the children were delivered by American Indians who lived in the area. When Sarah and Joseph arrived, there was just one other white family, the Colemans, living in Sand Point. All other residents were American Indians.
|
Early Beginnings (1875-1900s)
In 1875 a group of devoted Christians formed this the Methodist Episcopal Church in the home of Sarah and Joseph Gruber on Mendel Lane. Sarah was the organist. The Church was founded as a Mission Circuit by the Rev. R. H. Barnett at the request of Bishop Wightman. Our first pastor was the Rev. A. A. Barnett, nephew of the Rev. R. H. Barnett. (Pastor photos can be seen hanging in our office lobby.) The Methodist Episcopal Sunday School was formed in May of 1888 at the courthouse with S. H. Ray as superintendent. $600 and fund raisers (approx. $21,000 today) made it possible in 1889 for the first church to be built on the block currently bounded by Garden Street, Palm Avenue, Orange Avenue, and Lemon Avenue. On December 29, 1889, the first services were held in the new church. (Photos of the church can be seen in the Archives.) Joseph contracted scarlet fever at the same time as his daughter, Carrie. Joseph succumbed to the disease in September of 1892 with Carrie following less than a month later. Marion Gruber married William Barnhart and had four children: William, Douglas, Eugenia, and Doris (Trahue). Douglas Barnhart married Ruth Nelson and had two children, Diana and Kurt. Diana continues as an active member of The First United Methodist Church of Titusville today. In 1936, the Methodist Episcopal Church, The Methodist Episcopal Church South, and The Methodist Protestant Church united to form The Methodist Church. In 1953 the cornerstone for the present Sanctuary was placed and in 1956 the church was completed. To the right as you enter from the Narthex were grand arches with screened doors to allow for summer breezes and light to enter the Sanctuary. Many services were heard with the doors open and chairs filling the courtyard from the overflow of parishioners. In 1962, The Methodist Church commissioned 50 parishioners to start the Indian River City Methodist Church (now Indian River Church) and, in 1967, more were sent to start St. Andrew Methodist Church. April 1968 brought about change when The Methodist Church and The Evangelical United Brethren Church united to become The United Methodist Church. That June, our church was incorporated as The First United Methodist Church of Titusville, Florida, Inc. Our congregation gave from the heart, in contributions, to furnish all that you see before you: the organ and pianos, the choir chairs, baptismal font, communion table, communion rail sections, pulpit, lectern, and much, much more. 
|
|
Hennessy Hall
The cornerstone was laid in 1949 and completed before June. The building was named Hennessey Hall. An old barracks was purchased from the Island, possibly a Coast Guard Barracks, and placed in the present court yard. It was fondly referred to as the “Chicken Coop.” This housed the Sunday School Classes and was later demolished. In the early 70’s the hall was remodeled. In 1999 our Youth Building was re-carpeted after having undergone many years of wear and children. Originally this building was used for church offices, a library, nursery, adult class rooms, and meeting hall. It was previously used for Youth Sunday School classes, youth meetings, Bible study group, and houses our very own Congregational Nurse. Currently Hennessy Hall is used for one of our large Sunday School classes, Mountaintop, and for special events.
Prayer Garden
This beautiful garden originally maintained and landscaped by Brigette McKnight and now by a landscape committee, originated as a dream of Polly White but never came to fruition. In 2000-2001, contributions from various committees, under the direction and tireless efforts of Brigette McKnight, bricks were sold, statues purchased, and plants and benches donated to finally brought Polly’s dream to reality. A gazebo was donated by Jan Lichtenwalter in 2008 in memory of her husband, Rev. Tony Boyles. In 2011 the Trustees approved using the back section of this memorial garden to inter cremains according to approved guidelines. Donations accompanying the cremains are used for upkeep of that area.
Main Street Annex (across from the Education Building)
In 1969 for $50,000 and a two-story house on Lemon Street (same block) was purchased for $18,500. In 1981 the purchase of the Main Street Annex Block was completed by obtaining 201 Palm Avenue (Bell House) for $45,000, enabling us to equip a playground and have room for parking.
Education Building
The Methodist Episcopal Sunday School was established in May 1888 and has continued its educational mission through the years. The Education Building, constructed in 1963 at an approximate cost of $75,000, has served as a home for Sunday School classes and a preschool program, including VPK (Voluntary Prekindergarten).
The preschool was established around 1970, offering both preschool and kindergarten programs as they developed over time.
The FUMC preschool program closed in June 2017.
In December 2021, the church welcomed Connection Kids to its campus, once again filling the Education Building with children, learning, and vibrant life.
The preschool was established around 1970, offering both preschool and kindergarten programs as they developed over time.
The FUMC preschool program closed in June 2017.
In December 2021, the church welcomed Connection Kids to its campus, once again filling the Education Building with children, learning, and vibrant life.
Fellowship Hall
This building was originally a Winn-Dixie store and was purchased for approximately $98,000. It was renovated in 1967 and 1968 to accommodate church staff offices, classrooms, a kitchen, a music room, and a large meeting hall. The church library and historical archives were also relocated to this facility.
Today, the building serves as a central hub for many ministries and events, including Bible studies, the community breakfast, the clothing closet, Sunday Children’s Church, the Theater Ministry, children’s programs, and numerous other gatherings that support the life and mission of the church.
Today, the building serves as a central hub for many ministries and events, including Bible studies, the community breakfast, the clothing closet, Sunday Children’s Church, the Theater Ministry, children’s programs, and numerous other gatherings that support the life and mission of the church.
Grace Lee Memorial Chapel
This chapel was placed in memory of Grace Lee, who was the wife of Harry Lee, Associate Pastor in 1972.
Over time, as new ministries were established and existing ones continued to grow, the space was transitioned to support the evolving needs of the church’s ministry and mission.
Over time, as new ministries were established and existing ones continued to grow, the space was transitioned to support the evolving needs of the church’s ministry and mission.
Library/Archives
Little documentation exists regarding the history of the library. It is known that the library was relocated from Hennessey Hall in 1968 and has remained in the same location since that time. The church archives were developed through the efforts of Ken and Jan Howe and, in 1999, the Trustees granted permission for the archives to be incorporated into the library. In 2009, roof leaks caused damage to some archival materials, which unfortunately had to be discarded.
For the history of our Pastors, click here.