Did you know that Hyde Park United Methodist Church started with just twelve Methodists? They lived west of the Hillsborough River. Let’s step back in time to explore the story of this warm-hearted church.
Hyde Park United Methodist Church began in 1900. Reverend Henry Hice led those first services. Imagine a small group with big dreams. They wanted to create a place of faith and community.
Early members included Peter O. Knight. John Trice was also a member. A. C. Clewis and J. C. McKay were involved too. These pioneers helped shape the church’s early years. Hyde Park United Methodist Church quickly became a vital part of Tampa.
The first building for Hyde Park United Methodist Church was erected in 1907. It stood at 500 West Platt Street. This location is in the historic Hyde Park District. Think about the horse-drawn carriages passing by. The neighborhood was growing. The church grew with it.
For over 116 years, Hyde Park United Methodist Church has shared God’s love. This dedication extends to its congregation. It also includes the Tampa community. Their reach goes around the world. They are diverse believers united by faith.
Today, Hyde Park United Methodist Church has three locations. There is the Hyde Park location. You can find it at 500 W. Platt St. in Tampa. The Portico location is downtown at 1001 N. Florida Ave. They even have an online location. You can watch live on YouTube. Access their archives too.
Hyde Park United Methodist Church is warm-hearted. It is also open-minded. Above all it is Christ-centered. The church welcomes everyone. It provides programs for all ages.
The church is strongly committed to community involvement. They focus on outreach too. Hyde Park United Methodist Church makes God’s love real through service. Serving at Hyde Park is a concrete way to live out this mission.
They offer many ways to serve. There are age-group ministries. Adult ministries exist too. You can participate in missions ministries. Volunteers often find deeper spirituality through service. They make a difference in the church community.
Hyde Park United Methodist Church provides ministry to the unhoused. They offer Open Arms Lunch on Sundays. Bike repairs are done weekly. They organize cold weather shelters. Manna Bags are distributed monthly. Mission Smiles Dental Clinic occurs semi-annually. They partner with Love INC. They also work with Metropolitan Ministries and the Salvation Army.
Hyde Park United Methodist Church supports mission partners. These include Abe Brown Ministries. Cornerstone Family Ministries is another partner. They work with Dunbar Elementary. ECHO in East Hillsborough County benefits from their help. Hillsborough House of Hope receives support. So does the Judeo-Christian Health Clinic. Little Dresses, Meals on Wheels, and End68 are also supported.
Financially, the church supports various causes. These include Cuban Partnership and El Ayudante in Nicaragua. Heifer International receives funds. Methodist Seminaries in Estonia and South Africa are supported. Phakamisa in South Africa benefits too. They support Residing Hope Children’s Home. Wycliffe Bible Translators receives funds from the church.
Hyde Park United Methodist Church addresses justice initiatives. These include affordable housing. They advocate for creation care. They work on fines and fees issues. The church responded to HB1365. They support Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality HOPE. Racial reconciliation is a key focus. They also address transportation access.
Hyde Park United Methodist Church continues its mission today. It makes God’s love real in Tampa and beyond. The church’s phone number is 813.253.5388. Office hours are Monday through Thursday. They are open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.