the oldest church building located in what is now Martin County, Florida.
In 1895, the people of the community came together and built the first church in Potsdam that was renamed Stuart in the same year. “This little painted white church and red roof with a tall steeple attracted people from miles around. It was the church for the whole community whatever their denomination, as it was the only church here,” wrote Mrs. John E. Taylor (Sara Josephine Kitching) in her article on the history of the first Methodist Episcopal Church in Stuart.
The building of the first community church still stands in historic Downtown Stuart, only without its steeple, which was removed somewhere between 1915 and 1920. The Florida Master Site File, the State of Florida’s official inventory of historical, cultural resources, lists the following state-assigned site ID number for the historical structure recorded at 311 Southwest 3rd Street, in Stuart, Martin County, Florida: MT00346.
Robert and Olga Hamilton, current owners of the historic building, have a mission to restore the steeple and preserve the building as a part of Stuart’s history. It is the oldest church building located in what is now Martin County, Florida.
The 1895 Church of Stuart is and Art Studio and Gallery offers advertising opportunities for local businesses The proceeds from art sales benefit the historical Pioneer Church maintenance and preservation. Please contact Olga Hamilton: olgahamiltonfineart@gmail.com; (772) 708-2968
Please follow us on Facebook – The 1895 Church of StuArt – for updates on the upcoming events and reports on our restoration progress. www.facebook.com/The1895ChurchOfStuArt
The owners of the historic building contact:
Robert W. Hamilton, Jr. and Olga Hamilton
olgahamiltonfineart@gmail.com
History of The First United Methodist Church In Stuart, Florida
Olga Hamilton donated her special edition artwork titled ‘Gathering at the First Community Church’ to Stuart Main Street. The artwork was auctioned off by KC Daniel of Associate Auctions, a second generation auctioneer, J.D., Florida Real Estate Broker, to raise funds for Stuart Main Street. The original classic pen and ink drawing is available for sale to benefit The 1895 Church of Stuart Restoration.
