THE VISION
In 1998, a group of committed believers envisioned creating a non-denominational church in Holiday, Florida, to serve families and individuals across Pasco County. Their goal was to build a loving, Christ-centered community focused on worship, fellowship, and service. On February 22, 1998, around 50 people gathered at the home of Ed and Nell Darlington to discuss forming a new church. Seeking spiritual guidance, they called on Reverend James K. Bischoff, a dedicated Florida pastor, to shepherd the congregation with love, faith, and compassion.
THE PROVISION
The new congregation held its second meeting at the Orangewood Village clubhouse on Ann Drive. During these early gatherings, they voted to name the church Holiday Community Fellowship Church, establishing their presence in the community. Music was led by Ann Strang on an upright piano and Elyse Briggs on a donated Wurlitzer organ, with Dick Briggs creating a mobile platform for the church organ to accommodate church services, and making it easy to move all church service items and equipment aside for association activities. On November 17, 2000, the clubhouse became available for purchase, giving the church a permanent home for just $10—marking the beginning of a growing Christian fellowship in Holiday, Florida.
GOD’S TIMING
Weekly worship and prayer guided the church’s vision for a permanent home. In 2000, the opportunity arose to purchase over an acre of land in the exact location the congregation had been praying for. After discussions with Ed and Nell Darlington, the church purchased six acres at Sunray Drive and Darlington Road in Holiday Florida for $140,000 on February 9, 2002. This acquisition represented a clear answer to prayer and brought the church closer to realizing its mission of building a vibrant Pasco County faith community.
PASTOR BISCHOFF
With the land secured, planning for the new church building began under the wise leadership of Pastor Bischoff. The congregation prioritized paying off the property before construction. A memorable Easter service was held in the field where the current church stands. By January 6, 2004, the property was fully paid off, debt-free. The first elected church council—Clark Milholin (Chair), Ralph Watt (Vice Chair), Rosina Gowen (Secretary), Stella Wooster, George Stoll, and Dick Briggs—began obtaining building permits from Pasco County. Architect Ralph Capreillo designed the church, and groundbreaking took place in January 2005. Once again, the faithful believer called on our Heavenly Father and our good God intervened. Funding challenges were met with faith, prayer, and low-interest financing secured through God’s provision.
BUILT BY THE CONGREGATION
Led by the Holy Spirit, church members decided to construct the building themselves, using the skills and talents of their congregation. Carpenters, electricians, plumbers, painters, and volunteers—all known as “mappers”—worked together to complete the project. Local media coverage inspired additional volunteers who contributed weeks of service, while members donated materials and supplies. Key contributors included Elwyn White, Ed and Nell Darlington, Frank and Mable Hill, Marcia and Ralph Watt, Howard and Shirley Roddenberg, and many others. The project reflected a true community-driven church construction in Holiday, Florida.
PEWS, PULPITS AND CANDLESTICKS
Generous donations helped furnish the church. The pews, pulpit, and candlesticks came from the Free Methodist Church in Syracuse, NY. Additional gifts—including an organ, grand piano, communion table, baptismal font, chairs, hymnals, kitchen cabinets, countertops, artwork, and a sanctuary cross—were contributed by local congregations and members. The church steeple was funded in memory of James Sterner. By trusting God’s timing, Holiday Community Fellowship Church completed its building within two years, dedicating it to God’s service in 2006.
GOD BLESSED US
On September 1, 2005, the Ann Drive property was sold to the Light of the World Church, marking a new chapter of growth. Membership expanded from 78 to nearly 200 people, and programs for children, youth, adults, and single parents were developed. Through prayer, faith, and perseverance, Holiday Community Fellowship Church continues to serve as a thriving spiritual community in Pasco County, Florida, fulfilling the vision started in 1998.
WHAT AN AWESOME GOD WE SERVE!
Ephesians 2:19-22 reminds us:
“Now therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone; in Him the whole building is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for God’s dwelling through the Spirit.”