Saint Leo Community Memory Oral History Collection & Archive: Local African American Community History

Black Church Records

Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, Dade City

The Bethel Primitive Baptist Church was constituted in the year of 1888. According to records it was said to have been located 2 miles west of Dade City. It wasn't until 1896 when the church bought what was described as a, "white, rectangular, frame building," which originally was used as a schoolhouse. In the year of 1910 the church began to congregate at their new location. Today, The Bethel Primitive Baptist Church is not active anymore and instead is a historical site located at  37315 Church Avenue which is considered to be a National Historic District. 

Church of God in Christ, Dade City

The Church of God in Christ was constituted in the year of 1924. According to records it was said to have been located in Dade City, Pasco County. The home of the church and congregation was built in 1928. The church building was then suddenly destroyed in a fire that occurred in 1929 and as described, " a white, rectangular, wood building," was built in 1930 to replace the old build. In 1939, the church building went through remodeling. Today the Church of God in Christ is still an active church located at 14626 7th street, Dade City. 

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church

The Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church was constituted in the year of 1934. The is still active and is currently located at 5604 Brown St, Zephryhills.

Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church

The Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church was constituted in the year of 1923. According to records it was said to have been located in Lacoochee, Pasco County. In the years of 1923-1934, the church would hold services in what was described as the "western part of town". Today, Mt. Moriah is still an active church located at 20641 Bower Rd, Dade City. 

Mount Olive A.M.E Church

The Mount Olive A.M.E Church was constituted in the year of 1896. According to records it states how first services were held in a present rectangular, white frame building that was erected the same year. And according to a testimony provided by a former member of the church, Pastor Cassie D. Coleman, the church was shut down by the county. Many of the members that used to attend the church now congregate at the Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church. 

1st Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church

The 1st Mt Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church was constituted in the year of 1905. According to records it was said to have been located in Trilby, Pasco county. It also states that the church services were held at Mt. Olive A.M.E Church when 1st Mt. Pleasant was torn down for a time. Today the church is very active with most of the members from Mount Olive A.M.E Church attending 1st Mt. Pleasant. It is currently located at 20634 Robbins Rd, Dade City. 

Mount Zion A.M.E Church

The Mount Zion A.M.E Church was constituted in the year of 1889. According to records it was said to have been located on Highway #5 and first services of the church were held on the same site. And in 1920, a church building was erected. Today the church is still active located at 14440 7th St, Dade City. 

New Bethel A.M.E Church

The New Bethel A.M.E Church was constituted in the year of 1921. According to records the church was located on Highway #156. First church services were held in a tent from 1921 to 1923 when a building was erected for the church that same year. According to church records that were provided, the church started with around six members who would worship under a "Brush Harbor". It was also stated by one of the members of New Bethel that the church also owns the land of Floyd Academy, which was one of the first black schools in the area.  Today the church is still active and is currently going through a renovation on some of the older parts of the building. The church can be found at 20653 Floyd Rd, Dade City. 

St. John Missionary Baptist Church

The St. John Missionary Baptist Church was constituted in the year of 1929. According to records it was said to have been located on 8th Street and 4th Avenue, Dade City, Pasco County. Today the church is still active and located at 14549 8th St, Dade.