Homeland Methodist Church - Homeland, Florida, USA
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BoomersOTR
N 27° 49.135 W 081° 49.743
17R E 418348 N 3077418
The Homeland Methodist Church historical marker located in the Homeland Heritage Park in Homeland, Florida.
Waymark Code: WM1C6DK
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 06/15/2025
Views: 0
Located in the Homeland Heritage Park is the relocated Homeland Methodist Church. In front of the church is a historical marker with facts about the church.
Marker text:
BUILDING A SUITABLE CHURCH
The Homeland Methodist Church was established in 1875 and was originally called the Bethel Methodist Church. The Bethel Methodist Church stood about a half mile west of where the present church currently sits, and was a crude structure without refinements or ornamentation. In 1887, the charter members of the church decided it was time to build a more suitable building. They began construction of the Homeland Methodist Church on property just about 500 feet south of its present location. The congregation contributed their time, effort, and materials to the building of the church. It took two years to build and was completed in 1889.
THE STEEPLE
The first steeple, made of wood, featured a spire that was created by James B. "Grandpa" Crum. According to one of his descendants, "Grandpa" Crum meticulously carved the spire atop the wooden shingled steeple. Unfortunately, this steeple was knocked over during a hurricane in 1946. The toppled steeple was too expensive to be rebuilt to its original height, so it was squared off and had a cross set upon it. An aluminum steeple, replicating the shape and height of the original, replaced the storm-damaged one in October of 1990.
DONATION TO PARK
The church served Homeland until the mid-1970's when it was closed. It was donated to the Polk County Board of County Commissioners by Mr. and Mrs. Casey Fletcher and Mr. and Mrs. Donald Wilson, and subsequently donated to the park on May 1, 1986.
Note: A QR code is located on the bottom of this historical marker that can be scanned to watch a video with more historic facts.
Marker Number: 0
Date: 1985
County: Polk
Marker Type: Other
Sponsored or placed by: Polk County and Florida Department of State/Division of Historical Resources
Website: [Web Link]
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