| Missionaries sent by the South Carolina
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church first held services for the
Centerville community settlers at this site in the early 1820s. John Slade,
known as the "Father of Methodism in Florida," organized the
"Society" at Pisgah on May 3, 1830, with thirty-four members.
During the Antebellum period, Pisgah became one of the leading churches
in Middle Florida. Charter members Jacob Felkel and his wife, RosaAnne,
deeded seven acres to the church's trustees on December 12, 1858, for
$125. Under the leadership of presiding elder, Simon Peter Richardson,
and the pastor, Robert Hudson Howren, the present building was erected
at a cost of $5,200. Pisgah is one of the oldest surviving church structures
in Florida. Architecturally significant, it is representative of early
church design. Special features include hand-hewn box pews and galleries
lighted by clerestory windows. The sanctuary was dedicated on May 1, 1859,
by the Reverend Richardson, who returned in 1863 to serve as pastor. While
at Pisgah, he was elected Captain of the "Old Guard," the local
home defense unit. Over the years, Pisgah has served as a cultural center
for the community, hosting political rallies, temperance meetings, musical
programs and lectures, as well as religious services. Since 1924, an annual
homecoming has been observed on the first Sunday in May with statewide
educational, political, or religious leaders conducting the service. On
June 1, 1996, Pisgah was designated a full-station church. |
