Wesley

2012 · ref. 9320gcs — Pensacola Florida: First Methodist Church Pensacola 2012. First Edition. Quarto black & white photo. illus. slick boards hardcover x 753 pp. Good with edgewear. Illustrations throughout. From lower cover: Established in 1821 Florida’s First Methodist Church has a remarkable story. It survived fires thefts wars hurricanes epidemics debts deaths terminations schisms and scandals. Despite the hardships God never abandoned the congregation but guided the church onward. Over 100 ministers served there. For some the appointment was a burden; for others it was a labor of love. They all improved their congregation’s understanding of the Word and provided comfort. Because of talented ministerial and lay leadership the church moved beyond a small rural pastorate and progressively risked larger facilities that would broaden its outreach. Eventually it mothered other churches launched missions elsewhere and became one of the most significant churches in its Conference. Historian Wesley Odom traces the development of this unique Pensacola institution in a masterful way incorporating social economic and political influences detailed analysis and thorough research. He habitually relied upon primary sources and conducted dozens of interviews. His “buttom-up” approach creates an exciting inspirational and fascinating story that reads easily and contains many surprises. Both the casual reader and professional historian can appreciate this epic manuscript. First Methodist Church, Pensacola, (2012). First Edition. hardcover books