The History of South Seminole

According to past records and histories, the South Seminole Church of Christ (also now legally called the Winter Park Church of Christ) was established in 1968 as an outgrowth of the church in Sanford, many of whose members lived in this area. Nine families began meeting at the local American Legion Hall in Fern Park. L.B. Chastain of Mount Dora, and Herbert J. Bass (who came out of retirement to help the congregation) alternated as the regular preachers. Bass had been an associate preacher with the Jefferson Street/East Concord Church and had preached at Par Avenue for 13 years. His many years of experience proved to be a great asset to the church.

Cletus Stutzman, who later became President of the Christian Home and Bible School in Mount Dora, built on the efforts of these first two men and became the first full-time preacher. While laboring here, he became instrumental in encouraging the brethren to establish a building fund. In 1971, the lot (valued at $30,000) on which we currently meet was donated by Concord Street, along with a private contributor. A bond program was initiated in the amount of $105,000. The building was completed in early 1972, and Cletus Stutzman preached the first sermon in it on July 2, 1972. The attendance numbered 134.

Carl Sneeringer was selected to work with the church in 1973. Following him have been Emerson Estes (who published The Better Version of the Bible), and Johnny Mackey (1975-78). In 1977, it became evident that more classroom space was needed. The leadership began a plan for an annex which would have a modern library teaching-room, two rooms for offices, eight classrooms, a fellowship room, and storage space. It was completed in the fall of 1978, practically debt free. T. Pierce Brown (who was largely instrumental in exposing the Crossroads cult) came late in 1978 but left in 1981. South Seminole began to operate a school for small children in 1978, which continued throughout the 80s.

From 1981 to 1987 Wade Johnson worked with South Seminole Church. Mark Guy was associate preacher in 1982 to March, 1984. Thom Scott was here from June of 1988 until 1990. Ron Craft and Brad Poe preached two years each from 1991 to 1995, followed by Dan Wheeler (1995-1999). Tony Williams worked as youth leader during this time, followed by Joey Treat. Tim Kidwell (who is currently the preacher and an elder in Branson, Missouri) was here during the year 2000, and Joey Treat followed him (2000 to 2003).

After making preparations for a year, the Treat family has labored in the Pacific as missionaries since 2004 (in Saipan and Palau). Gary Summers has worked with the congregation from 2003 to the present, and is also one of the current elders, along with David Carter. Igor Smorshok worked as associate minister from 2006-2008. Milen Womack served as a summer intern in 2012-2013, and Vincent DiGiorgio fulfilled the same tasks in 2014-2015. The congregation started its Annual One Day Lectureship in 2005, and this year’s program is on the theme of Restoration. At the current time South Seminole helps support twelve missionary efforts.