Sept. 25, 1960... Temple of the Living God Universal Spiritualist Church was founded by Rev. Laurine J.C. Stroud, Rev. Raymond Noegel, and Rev. Lamar Keene. Rev.’s Noegel and Keene had existing churches in Tampa and Bradenton, but sought to expand their ministry to include St. Petersburg and environs.

Sept. 25 1960... First service was held Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. at former Masonic Temple, 2201 1st Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL to a full house – perhaps 125 – 150 people. Clairvoyant messages were given to many attendees. Huge reception followed. (Many years later the building was sold to St. Petersburg International Folk Society).

Classes, dinners, and all social events were held at the private home of Rev. Stroud who lived in Pasadena section of St.Petersburg.

The early Esp Fiesta, renamed Psychic Fairs and now PsychicFair Showcase was establlished in 1960 at Rev. Stroud’s home. These biannual events are community consciousness and educationally oriented events: additionally they help to raise funds for Temple outreach.

April 1, 1961 ...Rev.’s Noegel and Keene resigned as pastors.

April, 1961 ... Rev. LeRoy E. Zemke was invited to be Assistant Minister with charter, co-pastor Rev. Stroud.

1964 ... The Temple’s services were relocated to the Selama Grotto on Arlington Avenue North (another Masonic Building). Reason for move ... the Masons in charge of the original location decided to limit renting to non-Masonic groups. The Selama Grotto was larger and offered storage space for the specific church related materials, hymn books, utensils, sacred artifacts, for the fledgling church. Plants, flowers, etc. were brought to each service from Rev. Stroud’s home and garden.

1966 ... Purchased the current location, 1950 2nd Avenue North in Spring. Once the former home of St. Petersburg Little Theater. At time of purchase (1966) building was an art/photography studio. Moved into facility in spring, 1966. A parking lot existed on west side of building (long before the 20th Street North connectorto 275 was created). Had five huge old oak trees.

1966 “Book Nook” created in lobby area with help of aTemple member who owned her personal bookstore located in Tampa and brought books each week to services, packed and unpacked each week until staff was found to oversee and manage. Small gifts were added.

1966 ... M. Douglas Wilson moved to Florida. He wasordained in 1980. Became active as bulletin editor and coordinator until retirement. Then volunteered until the end of December 2007. Was Assistant Pastor from Oct. 4, 1982 to October 2, 1993. Was a Board member from Oct. 6, 1969 to Oct. 4, 1982. Held many offices; executive coordinator, trustee on Executive Board of Directors. 10 years as VicePresident. He retired in 1993.

1971 ...Rev. Stroud retired at 82 years of age. Rev. Zemke became full pastor (1971).

1975 ....Major renovation, remodeling from front to back, classrooms in back were created along with kitchen, offices, library and sound booth. Platform was redesigned. Sunburst cedar shakes image was created and installed by Stephen Farrelly, son of the late Rev. Frances Farrelly. She was an active member of the Temple for many years! Wooded tresses style ceilings were closed, air-conditioning was installed, carpeting placed throughout!

Rev. Betty W. Pressly, Vice President 10/4/1992 to Sept. 29,1992, Assistant Pastor October 1,1995 to April 1, 2002.

Rev. Annette Mason Co-Pastor (2003 – current)

Philosophy

Temple of the Living God was founded as a Spiritualist Church. Founding ministers were all involved in study andpractice of spiritualist philosophy. Rev. Stroud, however had broad interest in all forms of religions - Christian, Buddhism, Taoist, Hinduism. She had a huge library (several thousand books). Rev. Stroud mentored Rev. Zemke. He was raised Lutheran and has studied Pages of Shustah Inc., Theosophy, Esoteric psychology, Rosicrucianism, Unity, Science of Mind, Metaphysical and Mental Healing, Jungian depth psychology,

What makes the Temple of the Living God unique?

We are Spiritual.... Our purpose is to serve our community by providing opportunities for people of all faiths to join together in a spiritually supportive atmosphere.

Diverse ...While our roots are in Christianity, we honor and explore the basic truth teachings held in common with all world-faith traditions.

Inclusive ... We embrace diversity and welcome people of all ages, races, social backgrounds, sexual orientations and religions.

Practical ...We offer tools for everyday living and study a wide range of spiritual and metaphysical concepts and teachers.

Affirmative ...We strive to see the Divine and, therefore, the highest good in all people and things, and to help people find their path to a more abundant life.

We believe that there is an ineffable Presence, an eternal, infinite and omnipresent power many call God. That this Presence, called God is expressed in, through and as the lifegiving force in the universe.

That life as we know it in human incarnation, embodies aspark of our Divine Nature.

That no person is ever lost, judged or condemned as each isa child of God. This remembering of our divine heritage is unconditional and available to everyone.

Our Mission is to assist people in their spiritual
awakening and to support them through
education, healing, love and service.

Why Is Church Important In One’s Spiritual Life?

1. Churches by definition offer a safe, serene and dedicated sacred space to experience a deeper connection to the Creator, Originator or Source of All Life in an atmosphere offering inner / outer peace, comfort and care for the individual.

2. Individuals of like mind, belief and oft times commonly held traditions can gather to share an intentional community without fear of reprisal. This strengthens our moral character.

3. Persons can discover religious and/or spiritual viewpoints that are offered to inform, clarify (and amplify) singular spiritual teachings, thus aiding in developing a personal faith that can support them through the life journey.

4. A church is a community of people who agree to learn, explore, study spiritual truths and thus associate with each other in a supportive environment to further that learning and deepen their experience of the sacred however it may be defined.

5. Many churches offer support systems such as classes on specific teachings, practices such as counseling, chaplains, prayer, meditation and a variety of healing approaches to the individual that can provide emotional comfort, care and compassion for those seeking such.

6. A church can be a place of respite, a space where we find a measure of release from the ordinary and allow a place for the extraordinary to unfold in our lives. A place of inspiration.

7. Within any truly dedicated sacred space there is a vital link to allow a hallowed consideration of life’s mysteries, opening the door, always to consider the Great Mystery!