Church of the Open Door

You are here: History

History

The year 1958 was an historic year in the life and ministry of the Church of the Open Door. This was the year that a determined Marie Faulkner Brown, daughter of Dr. William Faulkner, eminent Congregational minister and the late Elizabeth A. Bell kept a "Devine Appointment" of intent. Marie and other transplanted Congregationalists soon became a Fellowship nucleus. They were encouraged and supported by our local and state denominational leaders.

The late Dr. Kelsey L. Pharr, Sr. hosted the first public worship service of 11 people on May 4, 1958. Three months later with an increase of 30 persons, the group moved to the auditorium of the Bethany Junior Academy for Sunday services. With denominational assistance, Dr. Charles Wick served as interim minister.

In mid-June, 1959, Dr. Henry C. McDowell and his wife, Ruth came out of retirement to accept the call of chartering a course in Miami. His impressive vitae included a 40 year tenure of missionary experience in Angola, Africa pastoral service, and education here in the States.

An immediate membership goal was initiated which resulted in 75 plus charter members. Now duly established and constituted the church selected its name as, Church of the Open Door- based on scripture: Revelations 3:8 " and behold, I have set before you an OPEN DOOR, which no one is able to shut". Its Act of Incorporation was executed and recorded on September 28, 1959. The Southeast Coast Association of Congregational Christian Churches accepted us into membership on November 13th.

As time moved on the dynamic Dr. Henry Curtis McDowell retired for a second time in 1967, and now holds the distinguished position of Minister Emeritus. He shared in the again "Devine Appointment" and selection of the Church's second minister: versatile, dedicated and progressive, Reverend Harold David Long.

Reverend Long accepted the torch of leadership of the Church of the Open Door in November, 1967. His early months were ones of assessment. He stressed the maturity in churchmanship and challenged the congregation to multi-purpose levels of stewardship: TIME, TALENT and FINANCE. Included among his accomplishments are the initiation of interrelated councils and boards, the retiring of the mortgage, The Pink Tea (an annual cultural event), The White Gift Service at Christmas and many other community outreach endeavors.

The first Annual pink Tea was held on the lawn of the Church in May of 1969. The Long Singers (now the Gospel Choir) made their first appearance on June 29, 1973. Dr. Walter Anders was elected to serve as the first Church Moderator in 1975, and the first male chorus was formed by Jerome Miller in 1977.

During the 1980's several programs and groups were initiated: The Haitian Teaching Program, The Pictorial/Membership Directory, the Church newspaper News and Views, a ministry for Singles and the Prayer Cell

After 26 years of honorable service Reverend Long retired, which heralded the search for the next minister to sheperd the Church into it's next era.

In 1995 Reverend James E. Fourther Jr. was called by the Church to lead the congregation.

After Reverend Fourther's resignation in 2001, the Church was lead by Interim minister Gregory Seeber, until in 2002. After a thorough UCC process Reverend R. Joaquin Willis was called to service as pastor to bring the Church together as one body of Christ.

To view the in depth bios of all our Pastors, please click the button below.