HIGHLAND PARK: THROUGH THE YEARS
1953 The history of Highland Park Church began with a family named Dantzler who started this church in their home on Pipkin Road in July of 1953. Thirty-five people started this endeavor together by transforming the Dantzler's dining room into a sanctuary of worship. By August 6th, the congregation moved from the Dantzler home to a room at West Lake Apartments due to overcrowding. District Superindentent Dr. John L. Knight led the group both spiritually and financially helping the congregation purchase property for a church building in November of the same year. For $7,500, construction was begun on a two story church building consisting of a sanctuary, Sunday school classrooms, and apartment for the Pastor and his family on the northwest corner of Florida Avenue and Carey Place.. Although the new church would seat 180, the church growth rate was exceeding its current meeting location, and the group moved yet again to the Florida Holiness Campground until construction was completed on the new building.
1954 The first worship service was held in February at the new property.
1959 Two fires, a couple of months apart, sparked reconstruction on the church building. The new sanctuary was designed using modern architecture. Exposed beams, archways, and glass were used to enhance the spaciousness of the building.
1963 J.B. Rose, the first pastor of South Florida Heights Church of the Nazarene, began his ministry in August coming from Trevecca College in Nashville, Tennessee.
1989 South Florida Heights Church moved from 3003 S. Florida Avenue to its current location at 4777 Lakeland Highlands Road. In addition to the move, the church changed its name to Highland Park Chuch of the Nazarene.
2004 Construction began on the Family Ministries Building. Future expansion of the east campus building will provide additional space for the growing children's, youth, and family ministries.
2008 Today, our membership is 1723 strong with an average weekly attendance of 1521. As growth continues at a rapid pace, our emphasis is on reaching and teaching the people in our community and church home. Our mission and vision is to connect people everywhere to the hope found in Jesus Christ.
