Church Pauses To Recognize One Longtime Member

By BARBARA ROUTEN Tribune correspondent

Published: May 10, 2007

RIVERVIEW - The Riverview United Methodist Church, 8002 U.S. 301 S., which has existed more than 150 years, will celebrate the steadfastness of Elta May Mahoney on Mother's Day.

Mahoney has been a member since April 21, 1957. She was Elta May Bratcher then and was welcomed into the fold by the pastor, the Rev. Raymond C. Hitchcock.

Mahoney is joining the ranks of other long-term members: Juanita Hannaway,61 years; Louise LeGalley Andrews, 57 years; Patricia C. Beall Spangler, 55 years; Lorraine Elizabeth Wood, 55 years; Mary Crichton, 54 years; and Betty Hancock, 53 years.

"These persons resided in the Riverview area for all these years and have become a part of the Riverview history," said Arthur Schmidt, membership secretary and vice chairman of the church's administrative council.

They received membership certificates in previous recognition services.

The Rev. Benjamine F. Moody founded the church in a log cabin more than 150 years ago, when the area was a wilderness. At that time, the town was called Peru.

A circuit-riding Methodist preacher, the Rev. L.G. Lesley, came to the church in 1866. Moody's eldest son, William B. Moody, donated property for a new church, which was named Lesley Chapel.

The church joined the Methodist Episcopal Conference in 1880, and the Rev. C. E. Pelot was assigned to the 20-member congregation. "In a month the membership rose to 36," Schmidt said.

Church records say Pelot often swam creeks and rivers and slept on his saddle while in the performance of his duties.

At the same time, congregants made their way to church services "by ferry, rowboat, ox-team, horseback and foot."

Another church was erected on the north side of the Alafia River after Peru was renamed Riverview in 1894. That church had a membership of 65 and was called the Riverview Methodist Episcopal Church.

Currently, the church has more than 250 members. The Rev. Thomas Bridges, who came to the church July 1, 2004, is the pastor.

"Persons are invited to attend the church with 'Open Hearts, Open Minds and Open Doors,'" Schmidt said.

For information, call (813) 677-5995.

Celebrate Motherhood At Church Services

VALRICO - The gift of motherhood will be celebrated at Horizon Christian Church, 1720 St. Cloud Ave., during services at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

"Mothers don't just have to survive motherhood; they can thrive through it," said Tanya Killebrew, church publicist, in a recent e-mail.

In a spirit of lending a helping hand to moms, childcare is available for both services.

Another way to give mom a break is by encouraging her children to attend Vacation Bible School. Horizon will offer "Avalanche Ranch - a wild ride through God's Word," for children in fifth grade and younger, June 25-28.

It will conclude with Family Night Friday on June 29.

Registration forms and information are available on the church patio between Sunday services, by calling the church office, (813) 689-1457, or at www.horizon christianchurch.com.

Society To Hear About Historic Gravesites

RUSKIN - The South Bay Genealogical Society will meet for lunch at noon Tuesday at the South Shore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Way.

President Don Churchill will share details about his experience examining and recording the information inscribed on grave markers in cemeteries in St. Kitts. He was part of a joint research project with Elderhostel and several churches and historical societies.

The meeting, the last until September, requires reservations by Friday. For membership information or to make a reservation, call Sally Wepfer, membership chairwoman, at (813) 634-7539.

People interested in tracing their family histories are welcome to join the society, which meets monthly, except during June, July and August.

Honorary Mayor Race Has No Losers

RIVERVIEW - The race is over, and there is a clear winner, but there are no losers in this year's race for honorary mayor of Riverview.

"It's the kids who are the winners," said Mike Wick, general manager and president of Serenity Meadows Memorial Park, Funeral Home and Crematory, when he got the news that he won the title at the Riverview Chamber of Commerce's annual barbecue April 21 at Lupton's Boggy Bottom Ranch.

He and his opponent, Paul Northrop, an advertising account executive for The Tampa Tribune, raised of $25,000, collectively. The money was collected for the benefit the Riverview Chamber of Commerce, Wick's charity, Shriners Hospitals for Children and Northrop's charity, the Boys & Girls Club of Riverview.

"I commend Paul for running such a great race, and I'd like to declare him as my Vice Honorary Mayor of Riverview," Wick said. "It's been a long race, but both Paul and I worked hard to benefit the charities we chose, and we are very happy to have been able to do just that."

Waves Rolling Into New Meeting Place

TAMPA - The Tampa Bay Waves Unit 55 will meet at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Internet Cafe near the Spinal Cord Center of the James A. Haley VA Medical Center, 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

The cafe, which was built with donated money and opened in November, gives patients a place to keep in touch with family, friends and former topics of interest online. Patients also have Internet access from their rooms, but the cafe increases their interaction with others. Shakes, smoothies, popcorn and hot dogs are available there for snacking.

"This is a one-time change in meeting location," said spokeswoman Jeannette Green.

"In June the group will meet at the Golden Corral, 815 Providence Road in Brandon, as usual."

The group is open to women who serve or served honorably in the military sea services - Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Maritime Service or any related reserve component. For information about membership or for directions to the Cafe VA, call Barbara J. McGuire, (813) 571-2098, or Green, (813) 657-9164.

Send news of community interest to Barbara Routen at The Tampa Tribune, 505 W. Robertson St., Brandon FL 33511, e-mail neighbors@tampabay.rr.com or call (813) 657-4531.