TARPON SPRINGS — For nearly 130 years, Mt. Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church at 722 S. Disston Ave. has provided a place for Tarpon Springs area residents to practice their faith while hosting hundreds of weddings and baptisms, funerals and other community events over the decades since being founded in 1896.
After moving to the northwest corner of South Disston in 1972, the church quickly solidified its position as a cornerstone of the city while navigating several hardships along the way, including the congregation being displaced by a sinkhole a decade ago, forcing church leaders to relocate their services for 18 long months.
Today, Mt. Moriah AME is faced with another structural hurdle to overcome in order to remain in service, as the 2024 hurricane season wreaked havoc on the building’s aging roof, according to church officials.
“For 129 years, Tarpon Springs’ historic church, Mt. Moriah, has held numerous community events,” Carmen Lake, Mt. Moriah’s longtime spokesperson, said.
“Beyond being a place of worship, the church has been a hub of benevolence and outreach,” distributing food and clothing in collaboration with other churches and hosting nutrition classes and baby showers, weddings, funerals and baptisms, Lake wrote.
“These efforts are made possible through the dedication of several committed volunteers who give their time and energy to ensure that no neighbor goes lacking.”
Lake, who was honored for her many contributions to the church in September 2021, added, “However, today, this historic landmark faces a challenge: the need for a new roof.”
She explained that after assessing the damage, church leaders decided that the bids received for the roof replacement were “out of reach of what the church’s current finances can support.”
“Without immediate action, the building risks further deterioration,” church trustee Charles Driver said.
During a visit in December, it was easy to see the roof damage as well as other storm-related destruction that will require attention once the $50,000 fundraising campaign for the new roof is completed, according to Mt. Moriah AME pastor, Rev. Walter J. Lassiter II.
“I’ve been here a year in November, and after first getting to know the members of the congregation the biggest thing I realized we needed was a roof!” Lassiter said on Dec. 21 while providing a tour of the site.
He said hurricanes Helene and Milton caused significant damage to the property in the fall of 2024, with the now leaky roof sitting at the top of the list.
“It desperately needs to be replaced,” Lassiter said, noting they got three quotes and “the lowest was $40,000.”
He then praised Lake for spearheading the fundraising efforts, stating she was “instrumental” in getting the fundraising campaign off the ground.
“We had a seed offering that helped raise almost $10,000 so far,” he said while pointing to a chart hanging in the church foyer that illustrates the progress made towards their goal. “And I just met with the trustees and they’re coming up with some fundraising ideas.”
During the site tour it was apparent that additional work needs to be done to bring the property back to pre-hurricane condition, as a shed in the back was completely destroyed and other debris and damage is visible.
“Once we fix the roof we can focus on the other issues,” Rev. Lassiter said while noting despite all the damage, the Mt. Moriah AME congregation continues to grow.
“We’re actively growing,” he said, citing 20 new members who have joined in recent months. “And we’re partnering with so many local churches and organizations. So, we hope they can help.”
According to Lake, after supporting the community for 129 years, Mt. Moriah is in need of the community’s support.
“The church needs the support and strength of the community to come alive,” Lake wrote, adding, “Residents, businesses, and organizations are invited to help in preserving this historic landmark for generations to come.”
She said “donations of any size will make a difference. Whether through individual contributions or corporate sponsorships, every effort brings us closer to the roof replacement,” noting donations are tax-deductible.
“Mt. Moriah is a living testimony of resilience, fellowship, faith, and service,” Lake said. “With community engagement, we can ensure that the roof is replaced, according to state code and local ordinances.”