Skycrest History

Our church began as a dream in 1956 when the Reverend Henry Blackburn, Pastor of First Methodist Church; the Rev. Harry Anker, a former missionary; and a layman by the name of Mr. J.C. Marceron envisioned its beginning in east Clearwater. Under their combined leadership, a small group of neighbors assembled that year to discuss the possibility of a new church. They met in a small white frame house located on the present property, facing Drew Street, and those attending were asked to bring their own chairs. It was so hot and dusty inside the house that they decided to meet on the front porch and the dreams of the twelve people present that day became reality when plans were made to officially launch Skycrest Methodist Church.

Rev. Anker conducted the first service on Sunday, May 27, 1956 in the small house, which had been rented from a Mr. Daniels for $40 a month. Unfortunately, Rev. Anker later became too ill to continue and was replaced by Rev. E. C. Chastain in September of that same year.

About that time, three lots on Drew Street, between Cirus and Nimbus Avenue, were purchased and plans were begun to raise the funds needed to begin work on the church buildings. Through prayer, generous gifts and support from other area churches, construction began in January 1957 and was completed in May of that year. While this 40’ X 80’ building was under construction, Sunday school classes, worship services, and various groups continued to meet in the little house. Although the new building accommodated almost 300 people, there was no kitchen, so members continued to use the one in the original frame house.

Two years later, because of the increase in membership, there was an urgent need for expansion of existing facilities. Wings were built on either side of the original unit to increase seating capacity and to house classrooms, the pastor’s study, fellowship hall, and a kitchen.

In June 1961, Rev. Chastain elected to return to the mission field and Rev. Pat McBride, Jr. was assigned as Skycrest’s second pastor. In response to the needs of a growing congregation, additional property on Nimbus Avenue was purchased for parking and future expansion in 1962. On December 6, 1964 ground was broken for our new sanctuary and it was consecrated on September 12, 1965.

A new Angell pipe organ was installed and in use by July, 1967. (Our beloved Ed Whittaker began his 34-year career as our organist in January, 1968.)

Early one morning in October, 1973, disaster struck as fire ravaged the fellowship hall and classrooms adjoining the kitchen. Fortunately, no one was injured and plans were made immediately for reconstruction. The new building which houses the office complex, two assembly rooms, recreational area and kitchen was consecrated in June, 1975.

An addition to the sanctuary, which included an expanded narthex, was begun in 1985 and in April of that year, a celebration of dedication and mortgage burning was held.

In 1989 the Skycrest Child Development Center was established by Doug and Teresa Jones and this ministry was assumed by the church in 1999. It is one of the top-ranked preschools in Pinellas County, offering preschool, Voluntary Pre-kindergarten, and an after-school care program.

We give grateful thanks to the charter members for the heritage that was left in our care. We are blessed to still have Pat Lacy – one of the 25 members of the original congregation as part of our church family. May Skycrest continue to serve God, our community and our congregation for many more years!