- October 12, 2024
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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.