Bradenton in Manatee County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

The 1887 Church

Photographed By David Tibbs, January 20, 2008

1. The 1887 Church Marker

Inscription. Construction of this historic church was started in 1887. Completion was delayed until 1889 due to a yellow fever epidemic which claimed the lives of the pastor and many members of the congregation. Used to house the first Christian congregation south of Tampa on the Florida mainland, it served as a place of worship for 85 years. Donated by the Manatee United Methodist Church, it was moved two blocks to the Manatee Village Historical park in 1975. A United States Bi-Centennial preservation project, the church is restored to its original size and configuration. Dedicated on July 4, 1976, the church is across from the Manatee Burying Ground were many of the original congregation are buried.

The circular stained glass window over the pulpit is original to the church. This design, usually referred to as a Star of David, is also called a Star of Creation. A very popular Christian symbol in the 1880's, it is frequently found in nineteenth century churches.

The church remains a consecrated house of worship and is frequently used for baptisms, weddings, memorial services and other religious events.

Erected 1976 by United States Bi-Centennial Preservation Project.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion

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. In addition, it is included in the The Spirit of ’76, America’s Bicentennial Celebration series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1975.

Location. 27° 29.67′ N, 82° 32.857′ W. Marker is in Bradenton, Florida, in Manatee County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Manatee Avenue East and 14th Street East. This marker is located inside the Manatee Village Historical Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1404 Manatee Avenue East, Bradenton FL 34208, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. William Bassett Chapter (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bunker Hill School (within shouting distance of this marker); Florida's Earliest Courthouse Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Potter Barn (within shouting distance of this marker); The Stephens House (within shouting distance of this marker); Life on the Florida Frontier: The Stephens Family (within shouting distance of this marker); Manatee Burying Ground (within shouting distance of this marker); The Manatee River (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bradenton.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study the First Manatee Courthouse / Manatee Methodist

The 1887 Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By David Tibbs, January 20, 2008

2. The 1887 Church and Marker

Churchmarker shown.

Also see . . . Historic United Methodist Sites - A Waymarking.com Category. On Waymarking.com a category was created to waymark the UMC historic sites. (Submitted on June 4, 2011, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia.)

Church Interior image. Click for full size.

Photographed By David Tibbs, January 20, 2008

3. Church Interior

Church Pulpit image. Click for full size.

Photographed By David Tibbs, January 20, 2008

4. Church Pulpit

Original Stained Glass Window above the pulpit.

Rear of Church and Stained Glass Window image. Click for full size.

Photographed By David Tibbs, January 20, 2008

5. Rear of Church and Stained Glass Window

Church Steeple image. Click for full size.

Photographed By David Tibbs, January 20, 2008

6. Church Steeple

United Methodist Church Historic Site No. 140 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By David Tibbs, January 20, 2008

7. United Methodist Church Historic Site No. 140

This church is designated a historic site by the United Methodist Church. The UMC designates many of its churches, buildings, and grounds as historic sites, each with a plaque and number. (See the links for more information.)

Manatee Village Historical Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brandon D Cross, March 7, 2019

8. Manatee Village Historical Plaque

Manatee Village Historical Park Sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brandon D Cross, March 7, 2019

9. Manatee Village Historical Park Sign

Credits. This page was last revised on October 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2011, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,039 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on June 4, 2011, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia. 8, 9. submitted on March 10, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.