“A pillar of the Seminole Heights community” That’s how Seminole Heights United Methodist Church is described. This active church has stood here since 1928. It is located at 6111 Central Avenue.
Seminole Heights United Methodist Church was founded in 1921. The first congregation had 110 members. By 1925, they had outgrown their first wooden building. So, they needed more space.
In 1927, construction began on the current yellow brick church. It was completed in 1928. The church has been a vital part of Seminole Heights ever since. In 1960, an education building was added. Today, it houses the Seminole Heights United Methodist Preschool. It is an award-winning preschool.
The church’s location has an interesting history. It was once the site of Seminole Heights Elementary School. The school was moved across Hanna Avenue. This made way for the church. Both the church and the school share a common feature. They are both built with yellow brick.
Frank A. Winn Jr. designed Seminole Heights United Methodist Church. He was a well-known Tampa architect. Winn also designed the Old Lutz Schoolhouse. In 1927, he designed a Sunday school building for Tampa Heights Methodist Church.
Winn chose the Gothic Revival style for Seminole Heights Methodist Church. This architectural style is a key feature of the Seminole Heights Residential District.
From the front, stairs lead to the main floor. A portico with three arched openings marks the main entry. Inside, the sanctuary feels open and expansive. Twelve towering stained glass windows line each side. Buttress-like pilasters support the building between each window. The elevated main floor includes a lookout-style basement called Allen Hall. This is a rare feature for local buildings. White cast concrete details accent the yellow brick. A steeply pitched gable roof tops the structure.
Seminole Heights United Methodist Church is an active congregation. It is part of the United Methodist Church. Members gather every Sunday for worship. They also meet during the week for Bible study. There are youth and children’s programs. Music rehearsals and congregational dinners take place here.
Seminole Heights UMC hosts many special events. These include movie nights and flea markets. They also have craft bazaars and church conferences. Seasonal events like Easter Egg hunts are popular. A pumpkin patch appears in the fall. Several community events happen around Christmas.
The church serves as a community space. Seminole Heights Elementary School uses the sanctuary for concerts. Twelve-step groups meet here regularly. Community organizations use the building too. The Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association holds meetings here.
The church has touched many lives over the years. It continues to serve Tampa Bay with faith and dedication. It is reaching out to young families. The church offers new programs designed for them.
The doors you see were gifted in 1999. They honor the memory of Frank V. Giunta. Grace G. Giunta’s generosity made them possible.
Hanna Avenue is named for Josiah C. Hanna Sr. He settled along the Hillsborough River around 1870. The river had a popular swimming spot called Hanna’s Whirl. Josiah Sr. built the first bridge across the river in 1874. His son, Joe Hanna Jr., was an early settler in Lutz.
Seminole Heights United Methodist Church stands as a testament to faith, community, and architectural beauty. It is a place where history and hope intertwine.