Emmanuel Community Church was originally founded in 1979 by retired American Baptists living in the northern part of Pinellas County on Florida’s central Gulf coast. The charter members of the congregation wished to maintain their American Baptist identity and provide a meaningful Christian presence in the community. To that end, undeveloped property was purchased on the corner of Curlew Road and County Road 1.
The church called its first full time pastor the Rev. Paul Norcross in January 1987. Rev. Norcross served as pastor of the church with exceptional leadership, pastoral care and administrative abilities supervising the construction of two buildings. Rev. Norcross retired from duties as pastor of Emmanuel Community Church, American Baptist in August 2010.
The primary facilities are now situated on a five acre wooded lot at 1150 County Road 1 Palm Harbor, Florida. The property consists of two structures built over the past 25 years, the Ministry Center in 1989 and the Sanctuary in 2002, which are joined by an open area patio and memorial garden.
The present congregation continues in its tradition of being an American Baptist presence in the community. The congregation is made up of primarily mature adults and includes year round and part-time winter residents. All members are integrated into the leadership and activities of the church as much as they wish or are able. Preaching, worship and pastoral care are significantly important to the congregation as well as local mission and outreach to the community.
The church has been a long-time partner with the Religious Community Services (RCS), which provides suport to the homeless, at risk-families, and victims of domestic violence. Over the years, the church has provided financial, in-kind and volunteer support. In the last three years, the church has sponsored community concerts to benefit several charitable organizations.
The church features a Mission of the Month program that includes American Baptist Churches/USA mission emphasis and local missions such as “Clothes to Kids”. Members are kept informed of local emerging social issues. The church actively participates in ecumenical and inter-faith programs and activities in the Palm Harbor community.