Trinity United church members celebrate 75 years of community

Parishioners said a sense of family at the church has led to its enduring presence.

By Ian Swaby
| 6:45 p.m. April 23, 2023

Becki Creighton and Ian Bland look over photos from the church's past.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Ray Garriott said he first attended Trinity United Methodist Church in 1955 with his aunt Ruth Payne, after he left the Air Force and was staying in Sarasota.

At the time, the church was hosted on a property along Bee Ridge Road instead of South Shade Avenue, where it is now located.

He said the fact that he met his wife Joanna Garriott, who died in 2022, during his second visit there, is part of its importance to him. He also praised the congregation itself.

“It’s always been very friendly,” he said, stating members were always sure to check up on others to make sure they were okay.

On Sunday, April 23, the long history at Trinity United Methodist Church was highly visible, with a large timeline stretching across its Heritage Hall as part of the church's 75th anniversary celebration.

The occasion included a worship service with music by X-Claim! Praise Band and also hosted Rev. Deborah Allen, southwest district superintendent for the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, followed by lunch from Sonny’s BBQ and a bounce house for kids.

Linda Tice, senior pastor at the church, said what has made the church so enduring is a sense of its members as one large family. However, she said she is more excited about the future rather than looking back.

“We're excited about the next 75 years."

Many members recounted a long history in the church. Among them was 97-year-old Pauline Everett, who became involved in 1969 as a secretary.

“It’s just a great church, great preachers, and it’s a very caring church,” she said.

Rev. Linda Tice, senior pastor at Trinity; Rev. Deborah Allen, southwest district superintendent for the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church; Rev. Beth Bostrom, regional team leader for the conference's Disaster Recovery Ministry; and Lisa and Rev. Jerry Milner, a former Trinity reverend

97-year-old Pauline Everett holds a staff directory from when she first became involved with the church in about 1969 as a secretary, with her photo included in the upper right corner.

Janene Young, who now lives in Ocala but calls Trinity her "church home," joined the church in 1987 and attended with her husband Mitch Young, alongside whom she participated in the church's choir and praise band before his death in 2010.

Ingrid Gristlova and 16-year-old Sebastian Gristl.

Diane Freestone gives out food to Jerry Ralston, 2-year-old Abbey Haddow, Melissa Haddow, and 4-year-old Maya Haddow.

Tammy Elaine Butler and Janene Young sing during the service preceding the celeberation.

Rev. Deborah Allen, southwest district superintendent for the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, speaks at the morning service to commemorate the 75th anniversary, encouraging members to remember the church's foundation while looking to the future.

5-year-old Alex Barnett, and Joe and Tammy Barnett

"One of those people for whom a long time happens slowly," Owen Woodyard has been a loyal member of the church since 1964 and described the church of the past as "very much like it is now."

Steven Schmitt examines the history of the church.

Ray Garriott first attended the church in 1955, and Rev. Jerry Milner, who served at the church from 2004-2014, officially welcomed Garriott in as a member.

Alexandra Wolf and 4-year-old Daniela Sanchez-Wolf

Leon Milner, Joe Barnett, Southwest District Superintendent for the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church Deborah Allen, Tammy Barnett, and Marla Wagler enjoy a conversation over lunch.

11-year-old Maddox Towery slides down the slide on the bounce house.

Trevor Pike, Matthew Stalo, and Bill Smith of X-Claim! Praise Band provide a special 75th anniverary performance for Trinity United Methodist Church.

Marcy Thurlow receives food from Beatty Shipley and Diane Freestone.

Heidi Liller receives a helping of food from Mary Beth Day-Karl.

Jordan Moberg, Disaster Recovery Case manager with the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, and Kyle Upwood.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.