HISTORY OF PASCO COUNTY

Pasco Baptist Church

Established (1902)1914 - Demised 1947

Section 7, Township 25 South, Range 20 East

Pasco (Station), Pasco County, Florida

Miscellaneous Background

September 5, 1887 - “A new school, known as Pasco School and located on two acres, was planned for the Hancock neighborhood. The patrons agreed to build a good and substantial building.” (www.fivay.com)

August 2, 1889 - The Pasco Post Office was established in the SW 1/4 of the NW 1/4, Section 8, Township 25 South, Range 20 East. (The Historic Places of Pasco County)

1902

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - October 30 - November 1 “Petitionary letter from Pasco church was received and adopted. The moderator extended the hand of fellowship in behalf of the body to Bros. Spivy and Smith.” J.W. (John William Wright) Gideons, Linden, pastor; R.B. McKendree, Pasco, clerk; Bros. J.H. Smith and J.I. Spivy, messengers; 75 cents given to PBA.

1903

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - October 29-31 - In messenger list of churches but “not represented.” R.B. McKendree, Pasco, clerk.

1904

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - November 3-5 - Name of church no longer in Statistical Table. The church apparently demised. (The McKendrees returned to Emmaus church and were cited in various years through 1914, when Pasco reorganized.)

1914

Pasco Station was a stop on the ACL Railroad (formerly Orange Belt Railway; see 1890 map), an east-west line that connected Lacoochee in the northeast part of the county to Anclote on the west coast of the county.

Other - An old wooden church “stood for years just west of present-day I-75 and south of SR 52.” (March 19, 2011, conversation with Mrs. Theda Bryant Tucker, widow of Rev. Kenneth Lamar Tucker, longtime Pasco Baptist Association minutes pastor.)

Works Progress Administration Survey of Church Records - “Constituted 1914. Services, since organization, in present unpainted, rectangular, frame church.” First settled pastor, Rev. J.W. (John William Wright) Gideons. (Note: Rev. Gideons' daughter was Mrs. Fred H. McKendree, whose family organized the church. See 1924/1949 deeds.)

FBW - June 11 - Pasco Union Meeting report - “We have two new brothers with us this year in whom we have a pardonable pride, Brother Lewis of Trilby, and Brother Palmer of Pasco. Each one has buildings in progress.” (Note: No further information was found regarding Brother Palmer.)

Dade City Banner - Two microfiche cards, 9/18/1914-10/30/1914 and 11/6/1914-12/18/1914, were researched at Hugh Embry Library, Dade City on 9/13/2012. Earlier issues of the paper apparently do not exist. Therefore, local information regarding the Pasco church building is not obtainable in this local source.

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - Friday, November 6 - “On motion, the Pasco church was received . . .” J.W. (John William Wright) Gideons, Trilby, pastor; 1st Sunday preaching; Philip McKendree, Pasco, clerk; organized 1914; 31 members; $1.55 to PBA; 1 SS; 40 pupils; 5 teachers; “Pasco church has put up a new up-to-date building with separate class rooms for the Sunday School.”

1915

Dade City Banner - Friday, June 11

THREE NEW SCHOOL BUILDINGS FOR COUNTY

The county school board meets again Monday morning for the purpose of receiving bids and awarding contracts for the erection of three new school buildings. The new school houses will be built at New Port Richey, Pasco and Anclote, three of the county’s most thriving towns.

Dade City Banner - Friday, June 18

CONTRACT LET FOR THREE NEW SCHOOL HOUSES New Buildings To Be Erected At New Port Richey, Pasco and Anclote

The Pasco contract was let to Isaac Cripe, the price being $664.

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - Thursday, November 11 - J.W. (John William Wright) Gideons, Trilby, pastor; F.S. McKendree, Pasco, clerk; M/M R.B. McKendree, messengers; (R.B.McKendree, Pasco Baptist Association minutes executive committee member); +11 baptisms; +1 letter; -1 letter; 42 members; preaching 2nd & 4th Sundays; pastor’s salary $77.34; $96 incidental/improving; $23.54 visiting ministers; $2.50 PBA; $1 state missions; $1 foreign missions; .50 minutes; $199.38 total; church property value $1,000. SS report: R.B. McKindree, Pasco, superintendent; 1 school; 46 pupils; 7 teachers; $14.41 expenses; $1.07 mission & benevolence; $15.45 total.

1916

FBW - February 17 - “PASCO ASSOCIATION. - Minutes of the fifth Sunday meeting of the Pasco Missionary Baptist Association, which met with Pasco church, January 28, 29 and 30, 1916. (Lengthy proceedings of the meeting followed.) “Sunday, 10:00 a.m., Sunday School Mass Meeting was held and at 11:00 o'clock Brother B.N. Brooks filled the stand. It is needless to say that the (unreadable) was greatly entertained by the (unreadable) people. A tide of brotherly love (unreadable) throughout the meeting.” (microfilm quality)

October 19 - “PROGRAM OF THE PASCO BAPTIST UNION.” “Messengers will be met at Pasco Station, Thursday night and Friday morning only.” (Promotion of meeting to be held October 27-29, 1916, at Double Branch Baptist Church. The closest railroad stop was Pasco Station.)

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - November 9-11 - “Held With The Pasco Baptist Church” J.W. (John William Wright) Gideons, Trilby, pastor; F.S. McKindree, Pasco, clerk; organized 1914; +3 baptisms; -1 death; 45 members; 2nd & 4th Sundays preaching; J.A. Fertie, R.B. McKindree, F.H. McKindree, messengers. SS report: R.B. McKindree, Pasco, superintendent; 1 school; 33 pupils; 6 teachers; $13 expenses. pastor’s salary $72.78; $198 incidental/improving; $3.80 associational missions; $1.10 state missions; .90 home missions; $3.19 for the poor; $1.25 minutes/clerk; $327.78 total; church property value $1075. B.Y.P.U. president, Ella Wilson; $16.81 for missions & benevolence. Dead-C.P. McKindree.

1917

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - no minutes on microfilm.

1918

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - no minutes on microfilm.

November 30 - Post Office discontinued. (The Historic Places of Pasco County)

1919

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - no minutes on microfilm.

1920

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - no minutes on microfilm.

1921

Dade City Banner - February 11 - “Pasco. A little station four miles west of San Antonio. The post office was discontinued a year ago, but a rural mail line runs through the burg. There are one hundred people, a general store, school house and two churches. The country around is a great farming section and much stuff is raised. There are some fine fruit groves, and these extend, more or less, on to Odessa, 21 miles west.”

Dade City Banner - May 6 - “There will be Sunday school in the Baptist church at the usual hour Sunday morning, afterwards preaching by pastor. B.Y.P.U. in the evening.”

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - November 11-12 - J.C. (Joseph Commodore) Rodgers, Bushnell, pastor; Fred McKendree, San Antonio, clerk; +15 baptisms; +9 letters; -10 letters; 83 members; 2nd & 4th Sundays preaching; R.B. McKendree, messenger; pastor’s salary $226; 75 Million Campaign $322 or $522; minutes/clerk $1.50; BYPU/SS expenses $9.24; SS superintendent, R.B. McKendree, San Antonio; 1 school; 35 pupils; 6 teachers; $9.24 SS expenses; $1.50 missions/beneficiaries; $10.71 total.

1922

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - no minutes on microfilm.

1923

March 8 - Deed Book 58, Page 254, Pasco County, Florida

This indenture, made and entered into this the 8th day of March, A.D. 1924, between I.O. Barksdale, joined by his wife, Daisy Barksdale, Pinellas Co., State of Florida, each parties of the first part, and R.B. McKendree & Fred McKendree, deacons or their successors of the Pasco Baptist Church, Pasco Co., Florida, parties of the second part:

Witnesseth, that the said parties of the first part, for and in consideration of the sum of one dollar and other valuable considerations, to them in hand paid by the said parties of the second part, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, have granted, bargained, sold and conveyed, and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell and convey unto the said parties of the second part, and their heirs and assigns forever, the following land, lying, being and situate in the said County of Pasco, and State of Florida, to wit:

Beginning at a point (467) Four Hundred and Sixty-Seven feet south of the (1/2) Half Mile Post and the East boundary line of Section (7) seven, Township (25) Twenty-Five, Range (20) twenty, thence West (467) ft., four hundred & Sixty-seven feet, thence south (105) one hundred & five feet, thence East (467) ft., Four Hundred and Sixty-seven feet. Thence North (105) ft. One Hundred and Five feet, to the point of beginning, containing (left blank) acres, more or less, together with all and singular the tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise incident or appertaining.

To have and to hold said land and premises, with the appurtenances to the said parties of the second part, their heirs and assigns forever. And the said parties of the first part do hereby bind themselves, their heirs, executors and administrators to fully warrant and forever defend this title to said premises unto the parties of the second part, their heirs and assigns, against the said parties of the first part and their heirs, executors and administrators, and against all persons whomsoever lawfully or equitably claiming or to claim the same.

In witness whereof, the said parties of the first part have hereunto set their hands and seals, the day aforesaid, I.O. Barksdale (Seal) Daisy Barksdale (Seal). Signed, Sealed and Delivered in Our Presence as Witnesses: Leslie Alonzo, C.G. Robinson.

(Researched/copied/transcribed by Judith R. Jolly, September 13-14, 2012) (Note: Although the church was established/built in 1914, this deed is dated ten years later. Perhaps a “gentleman’s agreement” gave access/ownership of the land in 1914, and legal agreement was not documented until 1924.)

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - no minutes on microfilm.

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - November 2-3 - Hosted Pasco Baptist Association minutes annual meeting, per 1927 minutes.

1924

Tampa Tribune - July 13 - “PASCO STATION” column “Mr. and Mrs. R.B. McKendree, Mr. and Mrs. W.B. McKendree and little son Willie attended the Baptist Union meeting at Zephyr Hills last Saturday.”

Dade City Banner - August 8 - “PASCO STATION” column “Pasco Station, August 5.— There will be an all day service at the church here next Sunday. In the morning there will be singing, followed by dinner, at noon, which will be spread on the grounds. Singing will also be the main item of the program until 4 p.m., when the regular preaching service will be held. Everybody is invited to come and bring a basket.”

Dade City Banner - September 19 - “PREACHING AT PASCO SUNDAY” “Pasco Station, September 10. - There will be preaching at the Baptist church here Sunday afternoon by Rev. R. Strickland. Everybody wishing to hear a good sermon come and I'm sure will not be disappointed. Song service beginning at three o'clock.”

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - October 23-24 - No pastor; F.H. McKendree, Rt. 1, Dade City, clerk; F.H. McKendree, Sisters R.B. McKendree, P.J. McKendree, D.D. Helveston, messengers; -11 erasures; -23 letters; 27 members; $61.03 to 75 Million Campaign; WMU representative at 9/30/1924 meeting-Mrs. D.D. Helvenston.

Tampa Tribune - November 16 - “Pasco Station” “Special to The Tribune—PASCO STATION, Nov. 15.—The members of the Ladies Missionary societies of Emmaus and Pasco Baptist churches met at the home of Mrs. R.B. McKendree last Wednesday and spent the day quilting for the Orphanage at Arcadia. At noon a bountiful dinner consisting of chicken pilau, salads, entrees, cakes, pies, and other dainties were served to the great enjoyment of all present. Those participating in this pleasant affair were Mesdames T.R. Alexander, Douglas Abbott, C.H. Helveston, P.J. McKendree, W.R. McNatt, J.F. Bates, Mrs. D.D. Helveston and little Miss Mary Johnston.”

1925

Dade City Banner - August 16 - “PASCO STATION” column “Pasco Station, Aug. 4.— Preaching here next Sunday by the Rev. Bernie Paul of Tampa. Everybody welcome.”

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - October 22-23 - A.B. (Alexander Bernie) Paul, Tampa, pastor; F.H. McKendree, Dade City, clerk; +2 letters; 27 members; 2nd & 4th Sundays preaching; no SS report; no financial report; Pasco Baptist Association minutes budget committee $100.

1926

Dade City Banner - June 11

PASCO STATION

Missionary Rally Goes Over Big

Pasco Station, June 8.—The Missionary Rally given at the Baptist church here last Thursday was a great success. The ladies of this church rendered a program in the morning. They gave a very interesting pageant, bringing out the necessities of tithing. In the afternoon the G.A. Girls of the Dade City Baptist church gave a dandy program, which was listened to very attentively and enjoyed by everyone.

The Sunbeam Girls of Aripeka also gave one watch word: 'Go ye into all the world and ye shall be my witnesses.' They also gave their Sunbeam class yell in a very impressive manner. This was, I feel sure, enjoyed by everyone present. We had with us Miss Willie Lee Harrell, our state field worker, whose home is in Palmetto. She gave a very interesting talk on different phases of the work. Other speakers of the day were: Mrs. P.H. Hill, our associational president; Mrs. B.G. Smith, Mrs. Sistrunk, Mrs. Long, and Mrs. Vandiver of Dade City, and Mrs. J.D. Shaw of Zephyrhills. Mrs. Jenkins of Dade City led our devotional in the afternoon and Mrs. B.G. Smith presided for our business meeting.

This was a rally of the Southern District of our association, and was composed of ladies from the five churches, Dade City, Zephyrhills, Aripeka, Emmaus and Pasco. All the churches in our district were represented except one, Double Branch. We also had present with us a number of visitors. The total number present at this rally was 85. At noon dinner was served by the ladies of this church and a social hour spent together.

Dade City Banner - June 25 - “PASCO STATION” column “Pasco Station. The Rev. A.B. (Alexander Bernie) Paul family moved here from Lutz.”

Dade City Banner - July 23 - “PASCO STATION” column “Pasco Station, July 20.— We had with us at the church service Sunday morning Mr. Rich of St. Petersburg. Mr. Rich brought his cornet with him and played during the service, much to the enjoyment of all present. We hope he will visit with us again soon.”

Dade City Banner - September 10 - “PASCO STATION” column “Pasco Station, Sept. 7.— “Chaperoned by W.A. Simpson, 13 of our young people attended the B.Y.P.U. federation in Zephyrhills last Friday night. They report a most enjoyable time. The Ladies' Missionary Society of the Baptist church will meet Wednesday in the home of Mrs. C.H. Johnson in Clay Sink to quilt a quilt for the orphanage in Arcadia.”

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - October 21-22 - No pastor; F.H. McKendree, Rt 1, Dade City, clerk; village church organized 1914; +9 baptisms; 41 members; 2 revivals; 2 Lord’s Supper observances; 3 taking Baptist paper; 1 SS; 52 enrolled; 1 BYPU; 33 enrolled; 1 WMU; $52.33 contributions; .97 gifts for local church work; gifts for all msns, education and benevolence $345.25; church house/grounds value $1,500; value church property $3,000; W.A. Simpson, RFD 1, Dade City, SS superintendent; Mrs. Lolu McKenzie, RFD 1, Dade City, BYPU president/leader; Mrs. D.D. Helveston, Rt 1, Dade City, WMS president; W.A. Simpson, F.H. McKendree, messengers; BYPU enrollment 35; hosted PBA’s BYPU October meeting.

1927

Dade City Banner - September 13 - “PASCO” column “Pasco, Sept. 10.— There were nineteen members and six visitors from our B.Y.P.U. who attended the Federation at Zephyrhills last Friday night. We had a most delightful time and brought back with us both the banners, for efficiency and attendance. “The ladies of the Baptist church held their regular monthly W.M.U. meeting Tuesday afternoon with a good attendance.”

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - October 20-21 - No pastor; R.B. McKendree, Rt 1, Dade City, messenger; +20 baptisms; 61 members; 2 revivals; 4 Lord’s Supper; 1 SS; 56 enrolled; 1 BYPU; 21 enrolled; 1 W&C org $40 contributions; $102 pastor’s salary; $233.16 all church expenses; $40 special to missions; 5 tithers; church not on budget; church house & grounds value $1,500;Alberta Sapp, Rt A, Dade City, BYPU president; Raymond Bates, Rt 1,Dade City, SS superintendent; Mrs. D.D. Helveston, Dade City, RFD, WMU president; awarded WMU banner w/9 out of 11 members present, largest percentage; 12 members, 7 tithers, 1 Royal Service subscriber, 1 FBW subscriber, $35 missions, $21 local aid, $64 personal service, $6 boxes, $222 aiding new church, GAs, RAs & Sunbeams organized this quarter.

1928

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - no minutes on microfilm.

Dade City Banner - November 16 - “PASCO” column

Pasco, Nov. 13.—The all day service at the Church here Sunday was well attended. We had people with us from several other different places. We want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Basel Woods, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Williams and H.A. Brown of Dade City who came out in the afternoon and sang for us. The W.M.U. Ladies, assisted by the young people, gave a very interesting program in the morning and in the afternoon there was preaching by Rev. N.M. Branch, assisted by Mr. Woods.

The Baptist W.M.U. Ladies held their regular monthly meeting at the church Wednesday afternoon with a good attendance of members and visitors. After the devotional and short business meeting with reports of committees, with president Mrs. C.H. Johnston in charge, an interesting program on the study of Mexico was had. The next meeting at the church will be held on Tuesday after first Sunday.

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - (included in 1929 minutes) No pastor; country church organized 1914; 58 members; 3 families receiving state paper; 1 SS; 43 enrolled; 2 W & C organizations; $64 total church expenses; $35 CP; house/grounds value $800. WMU report: Mrs. D.D. Helvestin, Rt 1, Dade City, president, 30 society members, 7 tithers, 2 Royal Service subscriptions, 2 Florida Baptist Witness subscriptions, $35 for missions, 1 personal service, 0 boxes.

1929

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - October 24-25 - Hosted Pasco Baptist Association minutes annual meeting. “Be it resolved, that this association express its genuine happiness and pleasure regarding the fine fellowship and splendid hospitality of the church at Pasco, and especially to the ladies of the church and community. We extend our thanks and gratitude for the good dinners provided, and for everything they have done to make these sessions profitable and helpful.”

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - October 24-25 - J.C. (Joseph Commodore) Rodgers, Bushnell, pastor; 2nd Sunday preaching; 57 members; 1 revival; 1 taking Baptist paper; 1 SS; 60 enrolled; 5 W & C organizations; women’s contributions $92.45; pastor’s salary $68; all church expenses $44.45; CP gifts $38; specials to missions $10; total gifts $92.45; not on budget; church house/grounds value $700. 11 Sunbeams, Mrs. P.J. McKendree, leader; 6 RAs, Mrs. L.M. Peely, Rt 1, leader; 4 GAs, Mrs. C.H. Johnston, leader; 0 YWAs, Miss Minnie Lou Washington, leader; WMS 10 members, Mrs. Charley Johnston, Dade City, president, 7 tithers, 1 study class, 8 awards, 1 Royal Service, 1 Home & Foreign Fields, 1 World Comrades, 2 FBW, $1.95 to missionaries, $38.70 apportionment, .50 local, $16 other objects.

1930

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - no report on microfilm.

1931

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - no report on microfilm.

1932

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - no report on microfilm.

Tampa Tribune - Sunday, October 30 - “Since his resignation Dr. Head has conducted services at Pasco station, Tarpon Springs, . . .” (Story re: resignation of Dr. W.P. Head as pastor of Spencer Memorial BC, Tampa, to enter evangelism)

1933

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - no report on microfilm.

1934

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - October 2-3 - C.C. (Charles Cecil) Hancock, RFD, Lakeland, pastor; H.C. Douglas, clerk and SS superintendent; Mr. Vanburen Granthan, memorial page; 26 members; 1 SS; pastor’s salary $65.84; total local church expenses $106.34; total missions $9.50; not on budget; church house/grounds value $750. (Pasco church hosted Pasco Baptist Association minutes meeting.)

Dade City Banner - October 12 - “PASCO” column

October 9.—Pasco Baptist association met at the Pasco Baptist church Tuesday and Wednesday with each church represented in the association. Drexel church was granted a membership into the association. Visitors from Alachua association were Rev. Senterfitt and wife and son, Rev. J.C. Rogers and wife. Dr. L.M. Brittain, our state secretary made an address on state of missions; Bro. Johns, superintendent of our Baptist home, spoke of the home and its needs; Dr. Solomon, editor of Baptist Witness made an address that could not fail to help and so much needed at this time. The Doctrinal message by Rev. W.A. Hamlet, pastor of Zephyrhills; the address by Rev. Senterfitt, pastor of First Baptist church of Brooksville and address by Judge O.L. Dayton of Dade City, were a great inspiration to all present. Mrs. C.M. Brittain spoke on women’s work and told of her trip to Berlin and of the women’s work there. This was very much enjoyed by not only the women but by the men also. The association adjourned to meet with Elfers Baptist church next year. Rev. E.L. Andrews was chosen moderator and Rev. J. Ed Bryant, clerk of association.

1935

Dade City Banner - Friday, July 12 - “PASCO. Miss Ethel McKendree, Reporter. July 11.—There will be Sunday school here Sunday at 10:00 o'clock a.m. by Rev. C. (Charles Cecil) Hancock of Socrum and preaching that night at 7:30. Everyone is invited to attend.”

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - no minutes on microfilm.

FBC - C.C. (Charles Cecil) Hancock, pastor; 2nd & 4th Sundays preaching; 25 members; +3 baptisms; 43 SS enrollment; pastor’s salary $66; home church expenses $115.20; missions/benevolence $14.75; church property value $1,000.

1936

Dade City Banner - August 14 - “PASCO” column “August 10.— Rev. J. Ed Bryant of Richland will conduct services at Pasco Baptist church Sunday, August 16. Everyone is urged to attend.”

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - October 2-3 - No pastor; Mrs. C.H. Johnson, Dade City, RFD, clerk and SS superintendent.

1937

Dade City Banner - January 15 - “PASCO” column “January 11.— Rev. J. Ed Bryant of Dade City will conduct preaching services here at the local Baptist church Sunday afternoon at 3:00 o'clock. Everyone is invited to attend.”

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - October 7-8 - H.L. (Hughston L.) McKendree, Dade City, pastor; 2nd & 4th Sundays preaching; +5 baptisms; 28 members; 1 revival; Mrs. C.H. Johnston, Mrs. R.B. McKendree, Mrs. H.L. McKendree, messengers; 1 SS; 35 enrolled; pastor’s salary $30; local church expenses $23.52; education/benevolence $12; church house & grounds value $1,300.

1938

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - October 6-7 - H.L. (Hughston L.) McKendree, San Antonio, pastor; Howard McKendree, Dade City, clerk; Fred Ellis, Zephyrhills, SS superintendent; Mrs. Lizzie Bates, In Memoriam; +1 other accessions; 25 members; 41 SS enrollment; 25 average SS attendance; pastor’s salary $45; CP gifts $12.25; local church expenses $109.61; missions $26.52; church property value $1,000.

1939

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - October 10-11 - D.F. (Doctor “Dock” Franklin) Barry, pastor; Mr. Padgett, Greenfield, clerk; F.H. McKendree, SS superintendent; application for aid from Pasco Baptist Association minutes approved at executive committee meeting; +3 baptisms; +3 other accessions; 30 members; 29 SS enrollment; 15 average attendance; pastor’s salary $60; CP $10.10; local church expenses $76.21; missions $22.10; church property value $800.

Works Progress Administration Survey of Church Records - D.F. (Doctor “Dock” Franklin) Barry, Zephyrhills, pastor.

1940

Works Progress Administration Survey of Church Records - D.F. (Doctor “Dock” Franklin) Barry, Zephyrhills, pastor.

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - October 15-16 - D.F. (Doctor “Dock” Franklin) Barry, pastor; (“Motion made that a letter of comfort, appreciation and regrets be sent by the clerk to Brother D.F. Barry along with an offering from the Association messengers. Suggestion made that the churches make a grocery shower for Brother Barry at the Association. Resolved second: That we express our sincere regrets to Brother D.F. Barry for his inability to attend our Association because of illness and appreciation for his loyal co-operation and support in the past, and our best wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery.”) H. McKendree, other ordained minister; No SS superintendent reported; no clerk reported; no EC board member; 30 members; $9.75 gifts to missions; church property value $800.

1941

Dade City Banner - Friday, February 21 - “Ordination Service At Pasco Baptist Church” Following is the tentative program for the ordaining of Brother V.C.(Vernon Clarence) McDonald to the Gospel Ministry at the Pasco Baptist church February 21,at 7:30 p.m.: Song and praise service led by A.E. Young. Examination of candidate led by D.O. Alderman. Ordination: Prayer and laying on of hands by L.O. Calhoun; Charge to candidate by James Barber; Charge to church by A.A. Stulck; Presentation of Bible by Charles Moll; Sermon by C.D. Cole; Benediction by T.E. Maynard.”

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - November 6-7 - V.C. (Vernon Clarence) McDonald, Plant City, pastor; H.C. McKendree, other ordained minister; Leon Rabb, SS superintendent and EC member; F.H. McKendree, clerk; application for aid from Pasco . . . approved; nominating committee recommended quarterly meeting at Pasco on June 26, 1942; +2 baptisms; +9 other accessions; 46 members; 64 SS enrollment; 40 average attendance; pastor’s salary $96.44; CP gifts $12.71; local church expenses $169.27; all missions gifts $34.51; church property value $800.

1942

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - November 5 - No pastor; Leon Rabb, Dade City, EC member; no messengers; Howard McKendree, Dade City, clerk; +3 other accessions; 46 members; 53 SS enrollment; 25 average attendance; pastor’s salary $202.40; CP $12.72; total local expenses $281.32; missions gifts $26.24; church property value $800.

1943

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - November 4 - No pastor; no stats.

1944

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - November 2 - No pastor; (penciled in SS enrollment 53; church property value $800).

1945

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - October 10-11 - No report. (penciled in SS enrollment 53; church property value $800).

1946

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - October 29-30 - No report.

1947

Deed Book 146, Page 343, Pasco County, Florida “Whereas, the lands hereinafter described were thereafter used for church purposes until the year 1947 . . .”

Pasco Baptist Association minutes - October 28-29 - Item 8 - “Inasmuch as the Pasco and Clay Sink Churches have been inactive for a number of years, the Association voted to place them on the inactive list until such time as their work is revived.”

1949

Deed Book 146, Pages 343-344, Pasco County, Florida

This Indenture, made this 18th day of February, A.D. 1949 between Fred McKendree, as the sole Deacon of the Pasco Baptist Church, surviving and by virtue of said office as Trustee for the said Pasco Baptist Church, a religious society hereinafter called the party of the first part; and Bernie McKendree and Mamie McKendree, his wife, whose mailing address is RFD Dade City, Fla., of the County of Pasco and State of Florida, parties of the second part.

Now, Therefore, This Indenture Witnesseth: That I.O. Barksdale and Daisy Barksdale, his wife, by warranty deed dated March 8, 1924, filed June 2, 1924 and recorded in Deed Book 58 at page 254, Public Records of Pasco County, Florida, conveyed the lands hereinafter described to R.B. McKendree and F.D. McKendree (the latter being the Grantor herein), Deacons or their successors of the Pasco Baptist Church, Pasco County, Florida; and

Whereas, the lands Hereinafter described were thereafter used for church purposes until the year 1947, and,

Whereas, the other grantee in said deed, R.B. McKendree, is now deceased, and the grantor, Fred McKendree, is the sole surviving Deacon of said Pasco Baptist Church, and,

Whereas the lands herein described are no longer used by said church and said church has been voluntarily abandoned, and

Whereas said church and the members thereof desire that the above described lands be sold to the grantee herein and the proceeds deposited in trust with the Baptist State Mission Board for a period of ten years, subject to withdrawal should the members of the said Pasco Baptist Church, or other citizens of the community of Pasco desire within such time to reestablish a Missionary Baptist Church affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention in the community of Pasco, Pasco County, Florida; and if said funds are not (Begin Page 344) used for such purpose, after ten years to become the property of the Baptist State Mission Board of the State of Florida to repay such Board for advances and assistance given to such Church during its organization.

Now, Therefore, the party of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of $500 to him in hand paid, receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, has granted, bargained, sold and conveyed and by these presents does grant, bargain, sell, convey and confirm unto the said parties of the second part and their heirs and assigns forever all of that certain parcel or tract of land lying and being in the County of Pasco and State of Florida, more particularly described as follows:

Beginning at a point 467 feet South of the (1/2) half mile post on the East boundary line of Section 7, Township 25 South, Range 20 East, thence West 467 feet, South 105 feet, East 467 feet, North 105 feet to point of beginning,

together with all the tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances with every privilege, right, title, interest and estate, dower and right of dower, reversion, remainder and easement thereto belonging or in anywise appertaining. To Have And To Hold the same in fee simple forever. In Witness Whereof the said party of the first part has hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first above written.

Fred McKendree (SEAL)
Fred McKendree, as the Sole Deacon of the Pasco Baptist Church, surviving and by virtue of such office as Trustee for the said Pasco
Signed, Sealed Baptist Church, a religious society. and Delivered in our presence:
O.L. Dayton, Jr. Hope Greathouse

Pasco Baptist Association minutes October 4-5 - Item 11 - “Announcement was made by the clerk that the Pasco Baptist Church had been sold for $500; this amount to be held in trust by the 'Baptist Foundation of Florida' for ten years. If at the end of this period a new work has not been started, it automatically becomes the property of the Foundation.”

2012

“There was another Baptist Church out there - Pasco Baptist Church on Pasco Road, south of 52. It was sold. Bernie McKendree bought it and stored his hay in it.” (Mr. Ted Williams, former Pasco County Property Appraiser, in a phone conversation/interview with Judith R. Jolly, FBHS, on April 14, 2012)

“About 1972, I was clearing land about where the Juvenile Detention Center is today. (west of I-75, south side of 52) There was an old barn on the far (east?) side. It was so old you could see through it. I think it might've been the old McKendree property.” (Mr. Russell Guynn, Richland Baptist Church minister of music, during a conversation with Judith R. Jolly, FBHS, at RBC on September 12, 2012)

2013

Per Mr. John McKendree, grandson of Bernie McKendree, a founder of Pasco Baptist Church, the building was located on Pasco Road, just past Smith Road. It faced east toward Pasco Road and was an unpainted wooden church of heart pine. The church sat up off the ground about three feet with piers of lighter wood. It had many windows and high ceilings. It did not have a traditional steeple but did have a short steeple-like structure on the roof. It also had about three steps up into the entrance. The Sunday School rooms were on the immediate right and left just inside the entrance to the building with the church and pulpit area beyond.

After the church demised and the building was bought by Bernie McKendree, he (John McKendree) worked with his grandfather and dragged bales of hay across the floor and stored them. He said the floor, also of heart pine, was shiny/slick as could be from the 'polishing' it continually got from the hay bales. Eventually, the floor also dipped some from the weight of the bales.

He confirmed that the property was later sold and the church torn down.

(Mr. John McKendree in conversation with Judith R. Jolly, FBHS, on February 5, 2013 and March 5, 2013.)

Judith R. Jolly, Dade City, Florida
Member, Board of Directors
Florida Baptist Historical Society
March 5, 2013 (research ongoing)