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1900's 1907 1913 1922-1951 1956 1966 1968-1969 1970 1972 1976 1979 1983 1989 1996 2000 [Back to Top] Istachatta church of Christ History
1900 A.D. At the turn of the century, Istachatta was a thriving community. The area was dotted with many citrus groves and a number of phosphate mines. Needless to say, these two factors contributed tremendously to the growth of the area. In the town of Istachatta there were four stores, a packing house, a schoolhouse, and later, a railroad depot. There were two freight and two passenger cars on the train that passed daily enroute to Brooksville. Pemberton's Ferry was located on the Withlacoochee River near the railroad depot. Many barges came down the river loaded with phosphate and cedar logs to meet with the railroad. 1900's 1907 1913 1922-1951 1956 1966 1968-1969 1970 1972 1976 1979 1983 1989 1996 2000 [Back to Top] 1907 A.D. According to records, the first meetings of the Istachatta church of Christ were held in August, 1907. Brother Sanders came to the area at this time and began holding these meetings, perhaps in a Brush Arbor as the records don't show the existence of a building at that time. During these early meetings, Brother Sanders baptized the following: Miss Epsie Bauknight, Miss Maude Graham, Mr. T. D. Graham, Tommy Graham, Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Graham, Mr. & Mrs. Joe Townsend, Mrs. Pearce Swearing, Julia Swearing, Ellen Swearing, Mrs. Will Giddens, Mrs. Mae Giddens, A local railroad worker, Mrs. B. B. Letchworth, Mrs. Pine, Melville Carter Later baptisms by Brother Sanders included: Mr. Sam Jerkins, Mr. William Hutto, Mr./Mrs. Reuben Sanchez, Mr. and Mrs. John Swain, Lois Cueno, Connie Cueno, Dr. McKnight, Alda Letchworth, Bessie Letchworth, Essie Mae Hawkins, Maude Bethea and children: Lucile, Emily, and Leathy, Leathy McKnight and daughters: Elma, Elane, and Ernestine During an early period of growth in 1907, plans were made to build a meetinghouse. Land was obtained from the Ludwig family. A chart of these plots was made and a warranty deed obtained. (Copies of this chart and deed are attached.) The first Istachatta church of Christ meetinghouse was built under the direction of Brother Sanders. Many of the members helped in the construction of the building. Very meager contributions were made, but gradually enough was accumulated to buy materials and work was begun. Our records do not show the exact date when the building was completed, but it was possibly in 1908. There were times when no meetings were held, possibly because of the weather, illness, or lack of a preacher. The building was very primitive. Records show the purchasing of lamps, chimneys, wicks, mantles, and kerosene. No doubt, a wood stove heated the building. 1900's 1907 1913 1922-1951 1956 1966 1968-1969 1970 1972 1976 1979 1983 1989 1996 2000 [Back to Top] 1913 A.D. Trustees of the Istachatta church of Christ on record in the Hernando County Courthouse in Brooksville, Florida, on March 5, 1913, were T. C. Townsend and wife, Addie, T. D. Graham, B. B. Letchworth, and T. D. Hutto.
1900's 1907 1913 1922-1951 1956 1966 1968-1969 1970 1972 1976 1979 1983 1989 1996 2000 [Back to Top] 1922 - 1952 A.D. From 1922 to 1937 there were several men who preached. Some of them were: Brothers Cameron, Shanks, Moore, Hometer, Copeland, Rowletti, Johnson, Hill, Paden, Haner, Wright, and Martin. The church met and had regular meetings for some thirty-five years. We have records of meetings from October, 1937, through January, 1949. Apparently, there were Elders. A note made by the Secretary, Maude Bethea, reads as follows: Istachatta, Florida January 8, 1939 This is to certify that the members of the church of Christ has appointed Brother W.C. Douglas as Elder of the church to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Brother G. J. Hutto." Another note of interest: April 6, 1941 By request of Elder T. D. Graham, Leathy McKnight, Maude Bethea, and Lois Waller took charge of the property of the church of Christ at Istachatta, Florida, and I turn over to them the sum of $20.00 as settlement, in full, or amount on hand at this time. Maude Bethea, Secretary, church of Christ, Istachatta, Florida About 1934 or 1935, a hard freeze killed the citrus groves. Then, the depression of 1939 took its toll on the phosphate industry. The mines closed and the river traffic slowed, resulting in an exodus of many people from the area. For about four years, there were no meetings because so many members had moved away or died, including the leaders. There were no male members and only four female members at Istachatta on March 16, 1952: Connie Mae (Cueno) LaFayette, Maude Bethea, Essie Mae (Hawkins) Peters, and Lois (Cueno) Waller, who are still with us to this day. They recall many interesting things about the early church. Miss Lois remembers when wine was used for the Communion. She says Sally Graham made the wine and bread. 1900's 1907 1913 1922-1951 1956 1966 1968-1969 1970 1972 1976 1979 1983 1989 1996 2000 [Back to Top] 1952 A.D. On March 16, 1952, Brother L. M. Black came to Istachatta to help revive the work. He invited Brother George Prosser from Nashville, Tennessee, to come and hold a Gospel Meeting. Several meetings were held and plans were made for a new building. At this first meeting, there were twelve members and one non-member present: Mr. and Mrs. George Prosser and daughter (visiting minister), Mr. and Mrs. Hembrew (Elder, Rador church of Christ in Nashville, TN), Mr. and Mrs. L. M. Black, Leathy McKnight, Ida Swain, Maude Beth, Essay Mae Peters, Connie Am Lafayette Dr. S. L. McKnight, husband of Leathy, obeyed the gospel during this meeting. 1900's 1907 1913 1922-1951 1956 1966 1968-1969 1970 1972 1976 1979 1983 1989 1996 2000 [Back to Top] 1954 A.D. On
March 20th, 1954, J.G. Graham, Marie Hayes, Lillian M. Smith
and May Smith recorded a Quit Claim Deed donating the property for the
Istachatta church of Christ for the sum of Ten Dollars. Here is a copy of a map drawn on S.L. McKnight stationery:
The Istachatta church of Christ continued to meet regularly 1900's 1907 1913 1922-1951 1956 1966 1968-1969 1970 1972 1976 1979 1983 1989 1996 2000 [Back to Top] 1956 A.D.
1900's 1907 1913 1922-1951 1956 1966 1968-1969 1970 1972 1976 1979 1983 1989 1996 2000 [Back to Top] 1966 A.D.
1900's 1907 1913 1922-1951 1956 1966 1968-1969 1970 1972 1976 1979 1983 1989 1996 2000 [Back to Top]
1968 A.D. - 1969
A.D. Sometime
in 1968, Brother Black suffered a heart attack. He was unable to preach for about 6
months. During this time, Allen
Maynard, Marvin Alderman, and Ruffs Maxwell, three men from the Nourished
congregation, took turns preaching until he recovered. The
new building was started September 2, 1969, and finished April 18, 1970. There were three classrooms, two
bathrooms, and the auditorium. A
portion of land in front of the building was also
purchased. The total cost of the building was $8,702.90 with the following record of expenditures:
1900's 1907 1913 1922-1951 1956 1966 1968-1969 1970 1972 1976 1979 1983 1989 1996 2000 [Back to Top] 1970 A.D. The first meeting in the new building was Sunday, April 19, 1970, with twenty-nine members and seven visitors present. The collection was $50.00. Brother L. M. Black preached on the subject, "Looking Beyond." "Friends, Brothers, and Sisters in Christ Jesus, I do not have words to express my sincere appreciation for this privilege and opportunity to stand before you this morning to bring the message of the hour. I feel grateful to be honored to preach the first sermon in our new building. But, before we go into the lesson, I want to express my appreciation to each of you for the fine cooperation that you have rendered to see this building a reality. You remember when it was in the talking state. I told you if you wanted a new building we could get it, and if you didn't we would not get it. So, we wanted it, and we got it by the help of the Lord to give us faith and strength. We had a vision not to perish. Now, we do not want to sit down on the stool of do nothing. We should set another goal to dedicate this building to the service of the Lord, and get people out here to teach the truth, and when we do that, we will grow in leaps and bounds in number, and spiritually. Now, if we should have a subject this morning, call it "Looking Beyond." The old building, I know we do not like to leave it, but it has served its purpose. So, let us look beyond it, and not look back, but look beyond. Luke 17:32 'Remember Lot's wife' Gen. 19:26 'Lot's wife looked back and turned to a pillow of salt' Luke 9:62 'Jesus said, "No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."' Acts 18:1 'Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth' Read it, friends: WHAT FOR to PREACH to those Jews and Gentiles.' Heb. 11:10 'For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.' Heb. 12:2 'Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.' Read I Thess. 4:1-12. In conclusion, the GOSPEL CALLS H-B-R-C-B. Brother Black continued with the congregation for twenty-four years beginning on March 16, 1952, to the last Sunday in February, 1976. During those twenty-four years, there were: 20 Gospel Meetings 34 Baptized 28 Placed Membership 10 Restored 14 Funerals 17 Marriages On March 16, 1954, trustees on record in the Hernando County Courthouse were J. W. Swain and S. L. McKnight. 1900's 1907 1913 1922-1951 1956 1966 1968-1969 1970 1972 1976 1979 1983 1989 1996 2000 [Back to Top] 1972 A.D.
1900's 1907 1913 1922-1951 1956 1966 1968-1969 1970 1972 1976 1979 1983 1989 1996 2000 [Back to Top] 1976 A.D. After Brother Black left, several members were influential in the growth of the church. Ray Jones and Benny Hunton came to help with a Vacation Bible School. Kenneth Scruggs, Benny Hunton, Richard Cook, Jerry Stumpf, Mike Lane, and Brother Peck gave much of their time as ministers for the church. Bill Carter came to preach and served several years. When he left, Don Miller and Leo Patton preached until David Bateman came as a regular minister. He served several years, also. Much credit for the survival of the church goes to Bill and Betty Pitts, Conie LaFayette, Lois Waller, and Essie Peters. Their dedication and work helped to keep the church alive during this period. Connie and Lois continue here until this day. Essie Peters has moved to Bushnell and both Betty and Bill Pitts have gone home to be with their Lord. 1900's 1907 1913 1922-1951 1956 1966 1968-1969 1970 1972 1976 1979 1983 1989 1996 2000 [Back to Top] 1979 A.D. July 27th, 1979, Edith L. Cervais donated the following parcel to the Istachatta church of Christ:
1900's 1907 1913 1922-1951 1956 1966 1968-1969 1970 1972 1976 1979 1983 1989 1996 2000 [Back to Top] 1983 A.D.
1900's 1907 1913 1922-1951 1956 1966 1968-1969 1970 1972 1976 1979 1983 1989 1996 2000 [Back to Top] 1989 A.D. In 1989, we were greatly blessed with the coming of Richard and Jan DeCiuces. Richard served faithfully for seven years until September, 1996, when he was called to serve the Lord in Abbeville, Alabama. The congregation was greatly enriched by the Bible truths which he taught. 1900's 1907 1913 1922-1951 1956 1966 1968-1969 1970 1972 1976 1979 1983 1989 1996 2000 [Back to Top] 1996 A.D. In September, 1996, Philip Maynard began his ministry here. When Philip is out of town or ill, Allen Maynard preaches. There are forty-two members and children as of May, 1997. 1900's 1907 1913 1922-1951 1956 1966 1968-1969 1970 1972 1976 1979 1983 1989 1996 2000 [Back to Top] November, 2000 A.D. Istachatta gets their first webpage. It is currently under construction:
1900's 1907 1913 1922-1951 1956 1966 1968-1969 1970 1972 1976 1979 1983 1989 1996 2000 [Back to Top] |
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