The Vision

In 1998, a group of believers had a vision to establish a non-denominational church in Holiday, Florida, in Pasco County. They intended to create a loving church that would meet the needs of people throughout their community. On February 22, 1998, a group of approximately 50 individuals gathered at the home of Ed and Nell Darlington to discuss the establishment of a new church. Once the decision was made, they recognized the need for a shepherd to guide them. After contemplation and searching, they felt led to Reverend James K. Bischoff, a pastor from Florida, to lead their congregation in love and compassion for one another.

The Provision

The clubhouse of Orangewood Village, located on Ann Drive, was available for rent, and the new congregation held its second meeting there. They discussed potential names for their church and voted to call themselves the Holiday Community Fellowship Church. Ann Strang played the old upright piano, which was out of tune, while Elyse Briggs accompanied her on a white Wurlitzer organ that had been donated to the church. Dick Briggs built a platform on wheels for the organ, as all church service items had to be moved aside for the association’s activities. This building became available for purchase on November 17, 2000, and was offered to the church for the purchase price of $10.

God’s Timing

As they gathered weekly to worship God, they prayed for guidance and direction regarding a place to build their own church. Over time, in 2000, an opportunity arose for them to purchase over an acre of land in the exact area they had been praying for. After several meetings with the property owners, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Darlington, they successfully purchased six acres of land for $140,000 on February 9, 2002, located at the corner of Sunray Drive and Darlington Road. This purchase was seen as a clear answer to their prayers, bringing them closer to realizing their vision.

Pastor Bischoff

The next step was to plan the construction of their new building. Under the wise leadership of Pastor Bischoff, they decided it was best to pay off the land before proceeding with the construction. An Easter service was held in the field where the present building now stands. When God has His hand in something, He sees it through and blesses every step taken in His Holy Name. Through faith and perseverance, the financial needs were met, and on January 6, 2004, the property was completely paid off and debt-free.

As they prepared for the next phase of their vision, the first elected church council included Clark Milholin (Chair), Ralph Watt (Vice Chair), Rosina Gowen (Secretary), Stella Wooster, George Stoll, and Dick Briggs. These members began negotiations with Pasco County for the necessary permits to build. Architect Ralph Capreillo drew up the plans for the new building, and the groundbreaking occurred on a cold day in January 2005. However, they soon realized that funds were needed. Once again, God intervened, allowing them to secure financing at a very low interest rate. With this in place, they began researching estimates from local builders. As prices were high, they turned to God for guidance.

Built by the Congregation

Through much prayer, the congregation felt led by the Holy Spirit to construct the church themselves, utilizing the talents of their members. Carpenters, electricians, plumbers, handy folks, and painters all came forward, and even the ladies of the church joined in to help. As the project progressed, the local newspaper caught wind of their story and published an article about the dedicated group of believers. This drew volunteers from all over who offered their time and services to help complete the project. Volunteers, referred to as “mappers,” came in their RVs, parked at the site, and spent one to two months installing drywall, electrical work, painting, and plumbing. Many church members worked alongside them, including Elwyn White, Ed and Nell Darlington, Frank and Mable Hill, Marcia and Ralph Watt, Howard and Shirley Roddenberg, Richard and Betty Bischoff, Jeanette and Bill Archambault, Dick and Elyse Briggs, Richard Dierker, Willard and Stella Wooster, Clark and JoAn Milholin, Lloyd and Bonnie Clink, Jack and Joyce Brlecic, and Orrin Converse. They all worked under the supervision of Bob Bingham and Bill Nutt from Living Word Church. Others who were unable to volunteer their time donated much-needed building materials, paint, and supplies to help bring this vision to life.

Pews, Pulpits, and Candlesticks

Numerous donations were made to the church. The pews, pulpit, and candlesticks came from the Free Methodist Church in Syracuse, NY. Jane and Earl Scheel, members of the Palm Grove Reformed Church, facilitated donations from their closing church, which included an organ, grand piano, communion table, baptismal font, chairs, hymnals, kitchen cabinets, countertops, pictures, and the cross in front of the sanctuary, built by Howard Roddenberg. The church steeple was purchased using memorial funds in memory of James Sterner. When we trust God for all our needs, He answers in His time. We must avoid forcing His hand or running ahead of Him, as this leads to stumbling. By trusting and waiting for His timing, the members of Holiday Community Fellowship Church were able to complete their building within two years and dedicate it to God’s service in 2006.

God Blessed Us

On September 1, 2005, the property on Ann Drive was sold to the “Light of the World Church.” In such a short time, God continued to bless the efforts of this congregation. The church gradually grew from 78 members to nearly 200 members. Plans for further growth included the implementation of children’s and youth programs, adult education, and support for single parents. God never gives us more than we can handle, and He is certainly providing Holiday Community Fellowship Church with the opportunity to fulfill the vision they began in 1998.

WHAT AN AWESOME GOD WE SERVE!

Ephesians 2:19-22 states: “Now therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone; in whom all the building fitly framed together grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.”