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History

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Silver Springs Shores Presbyterian Church’s bible study concluded Acts of the Apostles in January 2026. We learned that a handful of Jesus’ disciples were sent out.   "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth". Acts 1:8      These faithful Apostles, gifted by the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:8-12) did just that. We here at SSS Presbyterian are thankful recipients of the Holy Spirit’s work that began on the Day of Pentecost.

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The following record of our church’s history is copied from a booklet entitled:

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“20 Years of Ministry 1974-1994”.

Our History

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In December 1885, a small group in Candler began to discuss the idea of a Presbyterian Church for their area. By March, 1886, the Candler Presbyterian Church was organized by UPCUSA, and a beautiful steepled church building was erected.

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Nearly 90 years later, in January 1973, Bill Ryan, active Elder at Fort King Presbyterian Church US, Ocala, was asked to serve on Presbytery’s Home Mission Committee, oriented to starting church at Silver Springs Shores, a new development southeast of Ocala.

Representatives from Fort King, First Presbyterian US of Ocala and Weirsdale Presbyterian UPCUSA rang door bells in the shores to discover the spiritual needs of the people. It was the dream that the new church would be a joint church of UPCUSA and US.

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June 6, 1973, residents attended a meeting at the Community Center and decided to have the first worship service as a Communion Service in the home of Don and Genevra Guernsey on July 1st, which 21 residents attended. By August 19th, we had outgrown ourselves and moved to the “Teen Room” in the Community Center.

Reverend Ed Albright, Sr., Reverend Tom Knox of First Church and Reverend Frank Preston of Fort King, Reverend  Faris Franz from Weirsdale served as ministers. By September, the first Women’s Circle was formed and meeting.

Dr. Lester Hale, retired Vice-President of the University of Florida was pursuing his life-long dream of becoming an ordained minister. Since coming to Gainesville in 1935 as an Instructor in Speech at the University, he had served First Presbyterian Church in Gainesville for many years as scoutmaster, choir director, Sunday school teacher, elder, presbyter, and lay-supply pastor at Fairfield and Reddick. He was called by the Silver Springs Shores mission to become organizing pastor following his ordination as a Presbyterian minister on October 21, 1973. Thirty members of the Shores mission traveled to Gainesville for his ordination service. Everett Kritzler was then Treasurer.

Dr. Hale led his first worship as pastor of the fledgling congregation the following Sunday, and immediately organized a Steering Committee consisting of: William Ryan, Don Guernsey, Foster Young, Martha Love Ryan, Anne Smith, Sidney Bjorklund, Genevra Guernsey, George Hines, Fran Wiggins, Martha P. Adams, Robert Barrett and Margaret Yarnall. At this time, the population  of Silver Springs Shores was about 1400. 400 of them children.

In his book, THE IOTA CONNECTION, recently completed, Dr. Hale has written of that first Sunday: “The ‘sanctuary’ for worship was one room of  the Community Center which contained a pool table and some chairs. We put a sheet over the table, and placed candelabra at each end. From First Church in Gainesville I brought a box with three lighted symbols from our old church and made it the center piece in front of which was an open, antique Bible about five inches thick.” The three lighted symbols are still in place in the Narthex of our church.

In November 1973, the inactive UPCUSA Church at Candler met and voted to urge their 18 members to worship with the new SSS Presbyterian Church. Great appreciation is due to Dorothy Martsolf, Clerk of Session of the Candler church, for her work with West Florida Presbytery urging union of the Candler (UPCUSA) and Shores (PCUS) congregations.

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1974

In January, permission was granted Dr. Hale to park a small house trailer in the backyard of the Candler church. He called it “Mobile Manse, Presbyterian Churches”, and lived in it part-time when not commuting to his home in Gainesville.

On May 26, 1974, our Gathering Church became a fully organized Presbyterian Church of Suwannee Presbytery US, with Candler approved as a “cooperating congregation” thus making the Silver Springs shore Church the youngest, yet oldest, church in the Presbytery. Present for the occasion were representatives from both Suwannee and West Florida Presbyteries. We 108 full members and 24 affiliates. Recognition and appreciation belong to First P.C., Fort King P.C., Weirsdale P.C., AMREP Corp., and the Candler Session.

Twelve Elders were elected: Amber Glisson, Don Guernsey, Earl Hart, Everett Kritzler, Betty Michaelson, Marth Love Ryan Charles Sawyer, Frances Wiggins, Bill Wright, Margaret Yarnall, and Foster Young. At this meeting, the new Session approved a Day Care program for one morning a week at 50c a morning. In the summer of 1974, our first Preschool opened for a 10 week term, with Beth Longenecker as Director.

A building Committee chaired by Sidney Bjorklund, had been formed in early spring to study the need for a sanctuary. AMREP Corp. deeded six acres to us and a prominent church architect in Orlando, Nils Schweizer, was engaged. He determined that the Candler building was decidedly worth preservation and was of sound construction. Moving it to our new site was not only feasible but advisable as it would be a beautiful keystone for constructing a worship complex.

In June the congregation met in Candler to hear and act on his proposal and to see the architectural plans for use of the six acres in future building. It voted to use the Candler Church if the way were made clear by the West Florida Presbytery. Help was sought of Reverend Lacy Harwell of St. Petersburg who chairman of the Properties Committee of West Florida Presbytery and a form Assistant Pastor for Students, First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville. He successfully guided our request for acquisition of the Candler properties to Silver Springs Shores and after much preparation, the ten mile journey from Candler to Silver Springs Shores began on December 12, 1974.

Plans for renovation included space for worship, room for fellowship, a kitchen, and rest rooms. Contract for restoration was to Cecil Michaelson, a member of  the congregation.  Niles Roesser, husband of the choir director, Thelma Roesser volunteered to rebuild the steeple which had been lost in a hurricane in years past. At that time, Joy Bengtson became the Volunteer Church Secretary.

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1975

January to July 1975 saw the restoration and remodeling of Candler Church and the first worship was held in the new sanctuary of July 13, 1975. Dr. U.S. “Preacher”  Gordon of First Presbyterian in Gainesville and Dr. Lester Hale, our first pastor, conducted the first Holy Communion.

A large gift from Daisy Douglas, a member of Weirsdale P.C. enabled us to begin immediately a building with space for a Session Room and Pastor’s Study; it was named Daisy Douglas Hall. Mrs. Douglas’s father had at one time been pastor of Candler church and she took a very active interest in the disposition and renovation of the old building. On July 28, 1975, ground was broken and the building was completed on October 10. Dr. Hale conducted a consecration service in the walkways on Sunday, October 12. Attending in addition to Mrs. Douglas were: Reverend Edwin Albright Jr, and Mr. Ballard Simmins, both from Suwannee Presbytery; Mr. Robert Thompson, from the  UPCUSA; Reverend Frank Preston from Fort King Presbyterian Church and Reverend Willard Reeves of Candler Session, who presented us with a portable communion service with silver cross and candle holder. The consecration sermon at the worship hour was geven by the Reverend Leslie Tucker of First Church, Gainesville. The baptismal font was a gift of Richard and Lessie Warren, the Gulbransen organ donated by Dean and Jerre Winsper.

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1976

During August 1976, while they were on vacation in Fluker, Louisiana, Dr. Hale’s wife, Evelyn Kent Hale, suffered a stroke and died. For a few weeks, in Dr. Hale’s absence, James Foil, a candidate for the ministry, served as supply, and he and his family stayed at the home of Jack and Mary Palmer.   

In November, 1976 the covered walkways connecting the Administration/Education Building with the Fisk Memorial Garden and the Sanctuary were completed and dedicated.

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1977

In May 1977, Dr. Hale, feeling that the Shores Church needed to have an “in residence” pastor to implement the plans for its future, submitted his resignation to the Session. The Reverend Robert Russell accepted our call as Interim Pastor.

On September 16, 1977, after careful search, the congregation called Reverend Sherman Edwin Armstrong (universally known as “Bud”), to the pastorate. He was installed on November 16, 1977. A graduate of Jacksonville University and Florida Presbyterian College, Bud Armstrong attended Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary for his Master in Divinity degree, with post graduate study at the University of Cincinnati and L.P.T.S. He served pastorates in Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio Prior to accepting the call to Silver Springs Shores.

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1978

In March 1978 the Halt Hunger Fund was started, continuing into the present, based on 2 cent-a-meal per person, for meals served at home.

During 1978 Silver Springs Shores Presbyterian Church received a number of special gifts, including a High Table, paraments, a piano, organ and lamp. hymn board, music books, registration books and numerous other projects of great importance.

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1979

January 15, 1979 the church roster was revised, as decision was made to publish a second pictorial directory at no cost to members.

On June 2nd and 3rd, 1979 we celebrated our Fifth Anniversary, with 377 communicant members and 31 affiliates. A small, dedicated group of men and women work hard to clean up the sanctuary and kitchen. Arrangements were made for visiting clergy’s overnight stay. Reverend Douglas was invited to preach the Sunday sermon. Attendance was 260, with 39 overflowing into the covered walkway.

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1980

Construction on a Christian Education Building started January 1980, completed and dedicated by May.                                                                    On January 1st, Jane Cathcart resigned as Church Secretary and replaced by Marjorie Worthington, recently retired from a child development center in N.Y.

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1981

​February 1981, membership averaged over 400; the contributions of time, talent and treasure made during this period of growth were vital to our success.

March 1981 saw initiation of Phase I of the Memorial Hall building, which quickly became Fellowship Hall. We took great satisfaction that when it was dedicated on December 28, 1981, it was free of debt and we could make a small start on Phase III.

In June 1981, the Skillsbank, an arm of Volunteer Service Bureau, was formed under the direction of Frances Wiggins, in space in the church office.                     

Also in June, Elizabeth Orth, a native of Gainesville, and a member of the American Guild of Organists, was appointed church organist, following Ruth Young and Jane Cathcart who were Volunteer Organists for our first seven years. 

December 1981 saw the Cloister Memorial Garden, with its marble obelisk, dedicated. Also in December, Dr. a William Almgren was invited to join staff as Visiting Associate. His first responsibilities included preparation for Advent and Christmas festivities.

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1982

​By February 1982, membership had increased to 446. The Skillsbank under Fran Wiggins progressed to a service providing accomplished volunteers whose interests and skill were and are channeled to the needs of an ever-wider community.                                                        

The first Choir Thanksgiving Dinner was to become and annual event in the followship of the church, conceived to offer food and fellowship for those who would otherwise be alone on the holiday. It was followed in January 1982 by a Snowball Dance and concert if Fellowship Hall. The Men’s Club became more active, with well-attended prayer breakfasts month, and a Sweetheart Dinner on Valentines Day, destined to become an annual event. Bible Study classes were offered on Sunday evenings;  Holy Week and Easter observation, with a sunrise Cantata, became a tradition.

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1983

​Phase II of Fellowship Hall was completed, debt free, in February under the supervision of Cecil Michaelson with the help of Niles Roesser. The dedication was led by Reverend Bud Armstrong.                                            In June the Shores church shared an historic event in Presbyterian Church history – the reunion of the PCUS and UPCUSA into PC(USA), after many years of negotiations.

In August 1983 Genevra Guernsey donated a full set of handbells in memory of her husband, Don. We immediately formed a handbell choir under the direction of organist Liz Orth.

A very important event occurred in September 1983, we started a regular Preschool program for 4 and 5 year olds. It was designated Shores Early Education Development (S.E.E.D). Church member Nan Wales was Director.

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1984

March 1984 brought the first of our continuing celebration of the Kirkin' of the Tartan.

On May 12th and 13th, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of our church. Visiting participants were Dr. Lester Hale (Organizing Pastor) and Reverend Bob Russell (first interim). At this time, we had 467 communicant members and 35 affiliates for a total of 502.

The great event of the year was our Tenth Anniversary, celebrated before, on and after May 12th. Our gratitude and thanksgiving were expressed throughout our Lenten observation, culminating in a Gala weekend on May 12 and 13. Jim Edwards proved a splendid chairman for the Carnival on the grounds with helium balloons, a pony ride, cloggers, a country store, craft show and an ice cream social in the evening. Saturday evening Vespers and the Sunday worship services were the high events of the celebration.

Special thanks were expressed to the Choir for their contribution to the church treasury of nearly $35,000 over the past 10 years. A particularly popular memento was a large, round soft plastic key ring, with the church name and a 10th anniversary logo on it. These key rings were widely distributed in the community.

From November 1984 to January 1985 the Festival of Faith moved into the Medieval Spiritual Emphasis under he direction of Dr. Almgren.  Also, in 1984, Margie Warburton was Presbytery delegate to the first PC(USA) General Assembly in Phoenix, Arizona. Paul Warburton was a delegate-at-large for the National Board of Presbyterian Men.

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1985

January 1985 marked the opening of the Church Thrift and Gift Shop, organized by Jane Brady and a team of colu7nteers.                                           Fellowship activities included our third annual Choir Thanksgiving Dinner; two Rummage and Bake Sales; WOC Soup and Salad luncheons; a Hay Ride to the home of Vi and Bob O'Donohgue; a caravan to Medieval Times. This was the year in which Suwannee Presbytery reorganized as the Presbytery of St. Augustine.                    Our mission programs included Mutual Mission, and outgrowth of the Halt Hunger Program; Interfaith Emergency Services, and Spouse Abuse.

In February 1985 we held our first Talent Night Show. The church program took us through a Lenten Prayer Vigil, then Holy Week and Easter observances, with a Sunrise Cantata and congregation breakfast. The Children enjoyed the now traditional Easter Egg Hunt and annual Ice Cream Social. June brought a Parent-Child banquet and the church picnic.

One Sunday was set aside for recognizing High School and SEED graduates. Later than usual, Vacation Bible School was held in August. Construction on a storage room, ever after known as "the annex" started late in 1985.​

In September 1985 changes in the Bylaws called for a Bi-Cameral form of church government. At this the decision was made to elect a Board of Deacons.

October 1985 was the occasion of our third annual Festival of Faith and Pot-Luck dinner.

 

1986

The newly formed Diaconate met for the first time in January 1986. Program activities s[read to a "Goose Hangs High" dinner, the annual Choir Snowball Dance, and three Presbyterian Women's Luncheon and Card Parties. February 1986 began our tradition of annual Flea Market, at which breakfast and lunch were served. We also enjoyed our second annual Talent Night and the Presbyterian Men's Sweetheart Dinner.          As part of the pre-Lenten Prayer Vigil, sacrificial meals were served every Wednesday night during Lent. Tina Wulf, church member, created a beautiful needlepoint banner symbolizing the Lord's Prayer, a gift from the Men of the Church.                                                                                              In May, the congregation, attended a delicious "Bon Voyage Coffee" for Reverend Bud and Nancy Armstrong, as they prepared for their exchange pastorate in Fochabers, Scotland. By June, we were welcoming the exchange pastoral family, Reverend David Ferguson and his family from Fochabers. With their Scottish humor and warmth, they very quickly made a special place in the hearts of the congregation.                                                                   

 In August a loving Gala Scottish Farewell Party was Given by the congregation for the Fergusons. In true Presbyterian tradition, which calls for food to mark every possible occasion, we threw  a Welcome Home Party for the Armstrongs, which included celebration of their ninth anniversary at Shores Presbyterian Church.

A 'Breakfast Club' for singles was started in September, but this was not well attended and did not long survive. Much more successful was our first Carolling party consisting of choir and congregation, which called at the homes of known homebound folk.​

 

1987

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      under construction...........

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