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ARTICLE XI (Cont.)
CLERMONT HARBOR UMC (Cont.)
Representatives of these families met at the home of Mrs. Eva Ladner in late winter for a preaching service by Rev. Eual Samples of Main Street Methodist Church.
Soon the Clermont Harbor-Lakeshore charge was formed, and at the next annual conference Dr. T. Restin Heath of Kiln, a retired minister from the Kansas Conference, was named Pastor.
Pioneering services on Sunday (7:30 p.m. "rain or no rain,") began with meetings in different homes.
At the first service $6 was set aside toward a new sanctuary. With great enthusiasm, they broke ground in 1946 on a donated site.
Help came from many neighboring churches, and an organ, a piano, cash pews were given as well as blueprints and wiring without charge.
Plans were made for an early dedication, but the 1947 hurricane, although inflicting only minor damage to the church building, was devas tating to the homes of many members, and their plans were disrupted.
The dedication came on March 20,	1949, with a capacity crowd and a
stirring service.
One account read, "All went home thanking God for a beautiful little church, dedicated to the glory of God and the service of man."
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Main Street Methodist Church Document (040)
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