FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Built in 1923, this church on North Joanna Avenue has served Tavares as a sanctuary for over a century. Early Methodist services in Tavares were held in St. Clair–Abrams Hall, built in 1882 by Major Alexander St. Clair-Abrams, the city founder. When the hall was destroyed by fire in 1888, worshippers met in a schoolhouse until the Union Congregational Church was completed later that year. In 1913, Pastor J. B. Rooney proposed building a new church but, due to shortages caused by the First World War, the 90-member congregation deemed it impractical. By 1920, the membership had grown to 160 members and Pastor A. M. Daiger urged the members to take up the project. William G. Long offered to donate two lots and $500, and the church’s building committee approved plans in January 1923. On October 5, the church was used for the first time to host a dinner for the Tavares Woman’s Club. Two days later, Pastor J. T. Mitchell presided over its first service. By 1968, the Methodist congregation again outgrew their space and sold the building to the Tavares Church of Christ who worshipped here until 2022. Renovated in the following years, the church remains a center of religious life in Tavares.