Palm Grove Conservative Mennonite Church, located at Sarasota, FL, a member of the Conservative Mennonite Conference, was organized 3 May 1953, with 19 charter members. They worshiped in the Pinecraft Mennonite Church until 29 November 1953, at which time they met in the Pinecraft school. A church building searing 400 was dedicated 14 February 1954. During the winter tourists from as far as California and western Canada worship with the congregation, raising the attendance to 250. Menno M. Coblentz was bishop and Joseph F. Baer pastor until 1956, when Bishop Andrew Jantzi succeeded them. In 1957 there were 33 members.

Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Waterloo, Ontario, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 4, p. 113. All rights reserved. For information on ordering the encyclopedia visit the Herald Press website.

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