Church History

Brief History of

New Horizon Methodist Church

San Antonio, FL 33576

 

New Horizon made its beginning in 1913 as the first Protestant Church in San Antonio, Florida. The building was built under the direction of Rev. A.M.Mann. The lumber was donated by Greer’s Mill and Lumber Company, and the land was donated by the County Tax Assessor, J.S. Flanagan and his wife, who were members of the Roman Catholic congregation. During this time, the church did not have a parsonage; therefore, the pastor after the initial building was erected stayed in the home of Dr. and Mrs. F. C. Wirt.

 A Church school was organized and presided over by Mrs. Callie E. Thompson, the first Church School Superintendent. The first organ was purchased through many donations under Ms. Jeannette Rushing’s leadership.

This building served the community for 58 years; however, during this history the building began to deteriorate. The corner stemple was then removed and replace with the front entrance. Throughout the many years, the Church struggled to remain open; however, in 1928 the doors were closed. Nevertheless, the Church was reopened by Rev. R.I. Sumner. During this time, the church was part of the Triby Circuit. As the Church struggled to reopen a family, Rev. Robert Holmes was pastoring the Prospect Church and his family, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Osburn along with (Wiley) organized the Church School and the Epworth League during this reopening of the Church. Many contributed to the ongoing of the Church reopening. These people included: Mr. W. M. Helveston, Mr. Vogel (a Roman Catholic), and a group of young Epworth Leaguers by the names of Cecil, Herbert, Ola, and Inez Gaskins; E.J and Ruth Osburn, Howard Helveston, George Osten, Lonnie Mae and Lillie Fennel, Ethel and Lela Durden, Alberta Cornell, Eloise Jones and Clinton Knapp.

In 1971, the members decided to build a new church, and services were held in the Fellowship Hall until its completion. On Easter Sunday in 1972 the church held a groundbreaking ceremony and in May 1979 a dedication ceremony was for the new Church building.

The membership throughout those formative years remained small until 1995. Under the leadership of Rev. Christine King, the membership more than doubled. Rev. King received the Evangelism Leadership Award from the Florida Conference in 1997. The growth continued under Rev. Bill Mueller, who was also recognized as the number one Pastor in 1998 for small church growth. Pastor Rev. Linda T. Fulbright continued to explore outreach possibilities in a growing community. During this growth the members explored the possibilities for a new building expansion and growth membership growth.