About Us

The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a mainstream Protestant church with approximately 19 million members worldwide, including more than one million members in North America. The Seventh-day Adventist Church seeks to enhance quality of life for people everywhere and to let people know that Jesus is coming again soon.

Adventists believe a Trinity of three persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—make up one God. They made salvation possible when Jesus, the Son, came to earth as a baby in Bethlehem and lived a sinless life in accordance with the Father’s will. When Jesus was crucified for the sins of the people of the world and arose from the dead on the third day, victory was won for everyone.

When He returned to heaven following the resurrection, Jesus left the Holy Spirit to serve as our Comforter and Counselor. He promised to return to earth a second time to complete His plan of salvation and take His people to heaven. Adventists are among the believers who look forward to that day.

Adventists believe that God is concerned with the quality of human life, and that everything—the way we live, eat, speak, think, treat each other, and care for the world around us—is part of His plan. Our families, our children, our jobs, our talents, our money, and our time are all important to Him.

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Maranatha Church began with a faithful few who came together and decided that we needed another place of worship.  We had visited other churches in the community and somehow the flavor we were looking for was not there. We needed a church congregation that was vibrant, and needed no excuse to praise God.

So, the idea was borne. Our first meeting was held at Jodie’s Real Estate office in Lakeland.

Members present: Jodie Baugh, her husband Winston Baugh, his stepdaughter Vanessa, Joseph Somers, his mother Rosetta Somers, and daughter Tanique, Garnet Smith, Reggie (who is now deceased.) and myself, Margaret Patterson.

Later, we learned that Pastor Patterson and his three boys Damiel, Jadel, and Rondell, and were now residing in Florida. Joseph Somers contacted him and he was in agreement with the church formation, since he was not then employed. Later, he was joined by his wife, Delrose, who is now deceased. Sis Barbara Carey, also played a great role in trying to make this a reality.

 Then the search began, looking for a place of worship. We were very ambitious, for we did not have the means, financially or otherwise to accomplish same. The search went on, but eventually, we held our first brand Sabbath on October, 2005 at the home of a friend. There were 10 persons in attendance.

We eventually found temporary accommodations for two years at the Masonic Lodge, on Canton Street, off Combee road. We were given three Sabbaths per month to keep our whole day service. On one Sabbath a month, the Lodge members used the building for their monthly meetings up to 12 noon. On such days, the little company worship on the outside, underneath the trees, until the building became available. They persist in prayer and faith, trusting that the Lord will make a way out of no way.  The congregation included: Pastor James Paterson, Joseph Somers, assistant pastor, Winston Baugh, head Deacon: Jody Baugh , Treasurer: Delrose Patterson, children/youth leader, music director, and hospitality leader. These function above and beyond the call of duty, and the church was exceptionally blessed.

So, with honest prayer, the search went on. The members of the Masonic group, was quite supportive and was able to point us to another Masonic Lodge that was not in use.

The meeting was set up, and other contacts were made until we found the one person who had the authority to make the decision regarding the building. Jim was his name. The group left the meeting that day, praising God. The following day, they were presented with the deed for this property. The documents were recorded, and transferred and there was a fee of ten dollars charge for doing same. Jim, however, removed a ten-dollar bill from his pocket and paid it.

In others words, we received this building free of charge. With grateful hearts, this small group, worshipped God, and thank Him for His special favors.

Now it was time for renovations.  Our first big project was the roof. With no financial backing, we had to depend on God on a daily basis, and also on the generosity of the members.   As you know these buildings come without windows, except the women’s lodge. So, our next big project was to open up these two windows.

By this time, the little church was slowly adding members. One of our members, the Late Br. Williams, saw our distress and agreed to give us a loan of twenty thousand dollars, interest free, which we were able to pay back in two years because of the generosity of another faithful member.

 Every one contributed in some way to the renovation of this building. Whether it was labor or moneywise. Every bit was appreciated. Sister Barbara, when she joined us later, became the Sabbath School Superintendent, Church Clerk, Sabbath school teacher. She was also involved in some stage of the early planning.

We had many new additions to the Maranatha’s family. Our first baptism was held in one of our members pool in Auburndale, where seven souls were entered the watery grave of baptism, by Pastor Patterson.  Our membership then was in the 60’s.

Our first big Crusade was held in 2008, by Evangelist Jeffery Harriot, and seventeen souls were added to the fold.

Our membership has dwindled since then, due to the economic situation. Members had relocated to different areas to find work in order to care for themselves and their families.

Maranatha is still here today as you can see. Striving to do God’s bidding. We hold faith today, that God will do something marvelous, in this little church. It will, by His grace, become a beacon of light in this, Highland City, Lakeland community.