SPRING HILL CHURCH CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY

by Shirley Palmer
On a picture-perfect Sabbath, members of Spring Hill Church gathered May 11 with friends, visitors, former pastors and their wives, and community officials to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the church.
In 1988, a small group of Seventh-day Adventists moved to Spring Hill. They decided with God’s intervention, their faith, and fervent prayers, they would build a church. They were true visionaries and confident that what seemed impossible, God could make a reality.
There were many challenges, however, and they initially held Sabbath services in each other’s homes, at the Turner Funeral Home, and in a rented hall at the United Church of Christ. Finally, in 1992, the church, now growing in number, purchased 12 acres of land on Osowaw Boulevard, and construction of the sanctuary began.
Members celebrated a significant milestone at the grand opening of their church facility on June 19-20, 1998. God greatly blessed the new congregation through baptisms and membership transfers. On February 24, 2007, another milestone was achieved when the church celebrated its mortgage burning ceremony.
During the worship hour of the 25th anniversary, Pastor Reynold Maxwell expressed his gratitude to God, the charter members, and each participant who contributed to the growth and success of the church during its 25-year history. He acknowledged and read letters of congratulations from Governor Rick Scott and Congressman Richard Nugent. Board Commissioner Diane Rowden read a Resolution from the Board of County Commissioners.
This unforgettable day ended with vespers featuring a musical anniversary celebration.