First Methodist Church of Orlando 1916 Souvenir Directory and Year Book

The 1916 Souvenir Directory and Year Book of the First Methodist Church at the corner of Main (Magnolia) and Jackson in downtown Orlando, while it may be often overlooked due to its small size and faded photocopied images, contains a wealth of historical information.

Published during the pastorate of Rev. John B. Ley, the small booklet begins with a forward thanking the patronage of all the advertisers and explaining that “it is not as full and complete, as we had originally planned and hoped to make it… due to the necessity of economy, owing to the ‘war prices’… reminding us that it was published during what would come to be known as World War I.

The writer concludes with the statement: “In spite of its brevity and inaccuracies, however, we feel safe in saying the book will be found useful to our people generally, and if carefully studied will prove a valuable aid to all who care to know what we are doing as a church, along the varied lines of activity for which the organization stands committed.” And this is certainly true!

The Historical section documents the Methodist church in Orange County from the 1850s to the date of the publication in 1916, listing pastors of the First Methodist Church from 1881 forward. The Official Directory section lists all the members of the church and their ranks from Trustees to Stewards, Committee Members, Teachers, and more. The Education Department is presented in great detail with every class, the class motto, plans, instructors and committee members. The Department of Young People’s Work, Department of Women’s Work contains similar detailed information.

The Music Department section lists all orchestra members and all chorus members by voice and claims that “the large chorus church choir enjoys an enviable reputation and is among the most loyal and faithful to be found in Florida.”

Finally, there is an alphabetical roll of the church members with names and address and a large number of advertisements from local businesses.

It is certainly worth the read, as you will recognize many names of Orlando pioneers.