Good Samaritan Church
Building the Beloved Community Since 1911
Our Story
1911
Founded
First Presbyterian Church U.S.A. of Pinellas Park
In 1910, a group of 53 Pennsylvania Presbyterians came to Pinellas County, FL to start a sugar mill and founded the first church in Pinellas Park—before the city was even established. Rev. Wilber A. Monks preached the first service in the partially completed Colony house with 20 worshippers seated on planks. In 1911, 18 charter members petitioned the Presbytery to recognize their organization as a church.
1920's - 60's
An Eccumenical Church
Folks from all denominations attend
When the sugar mill failed, many original Presbyterian members returned to Pennsylvania. The next wave of settlers were larglely not Presbyterian, but attended the church as it was the only one in the area. At one point, the church had over 100 children in Sunday School—but only four official members, as many non-Presbyterians chose not to formally join. For it's entire first 40 years, the church had less than 50 members. When Pinellas Park began to develop economically in the 1940's, things shifted and brought growth in official membership to the church.
1970
Good Samaritan Church:
A New Name & Identity
A union church of the PCUSA and UCC
In the 1960s, Presbyterians began plans to redevelop First Presbyterian Church. Embracing the ecumenical spirit of the time, they entered conversations with the United Church of Christ, which also hoped to plant a church in the area. After prayerful discernment, they agreed to form a union church affiliated with both denominations. In 1969, they called two co-ministers—one from each tradition—but soon realized they could only support one. Rev. Dr. Harold Brockus, the Presbyterian pastor, remained and led the congregation in choosing a new name. In 1970, they became Good Samaritan Church, setting the tone for their mission in the years ahead.
1970's - 80's
Loving Our Neighbors
Desegregation, Feeding the Hungry & Resettling Refugees
In 1971, the same year the church adopted the name Good Samaritan, Pinellas County began desegregating its public schools, sparking protests and violence. Pickup trucks circled local schools to intimidate students—and the congregation’s new identity was quickly put to the test. In response, members volunteered at Pinellas High School to help shield students from protestors and ensure their safe entry. Later that year, Head Start—a preschool program serving low-income families, including many families of color—asked to use the church’s space. Every other local faith community had declined, fearing backlash. Good Samaritan said yes. Even though their sanctuary had just been condemned due to termites, they prioritized building and furnishing an education wing for Head Start before rebuilding their own sanctuary. The program remained on campus for over 50 years, until 2023. That same year, the church launched an emergency food pantry and a Meals on Wheels program to support food-insecure neighbors. The pantry remains active today, serving thousands each year—and has never shut down, not even during the COVID-19 pandemic. A legal aid clinic, reading tutoring program, medicine assistence fund, and the sponsorship of a Cambodian refugee family in 1982 also emerged as Good Samaritan continued living into its name, responding to the needs of the times.
1981
A Sanctuary is Built
Construction is completed on the Park Blvd. Campus
Throughout its history, the church worshiped in various buildings, including a relocated military chapel. By the 1960s and ’70s, when that chapel was condemned, it became clear a larger space was needed for the growing congregation. In the interim, worship was held in the hall of the 1969 education wing, as the church began to envision a new sanctuary—one that could also serve as a multipurpose community space. While a few small stained glass windows depicted biblical scenes, including the Good Samaritan, the sanctuary was intentionally free of overt religious symbols to remain welcoming to all. Soaring beams and a cathedral ceiling created a sense of awe, with an abstract rainbow stained glass as the central focal point.
1980's-90's
LGBT Advocacy & Inclusion
Not your average youth group
In the 1980s, Rev. Herold Brockus learned from a mental health counselor friend about a troubling rise in LGBTQ+ teen suicides in the area. He brought the concern to Good Samaritan Church’s leadership, and they agreed to act. They sent over 200 letters to churches across Pinellas County, seeking partners in supporting LGBTQ+ youth. None responded—except one, which condemned the effort. Even the local Metropolitan Community Church declined, fearing accusations of recruiting or pedophilia. So, Good Samaritan responded alone. Rev. Brockus and the counselor started True Expressions, a youth support group. Teens could tell their parents they were going to a church group—which they were—and receive the support they needed to navigate their coming out journey in a safe, affirming space. At the same time, as the AIDS crisis intensified, Good Samaritan partnered with the local AIDS alliance to host monthly meals for those living with HIV/AIDS. Those meals continue today at the church’s former campus in Pinellas Park.
2004
First Female Pastor Called
Rev. Sue Sherwood, a UCC minister takes the helm
After Rev. Herold Brockus’s 33-year tenure, the church called Rev. Sue Sherwood. She was both their first female pastor and their first solo UCC pastor. She brought creative worship and a progressive theology, encouraging the congregation to seek out “So God” moments in everyday life. During Rev. Sherwood’s tenure, the church transformed an overgrown courtyard into a Peace Garden and launched the Center for Spiritual Development, offering space for the church and community to explore progressive faith and theology.
2000's
Interfaith & Global Connections, Trangender Advocacy, Anti-Racism
The church responds to 9/11, Don't Ask Don't Tell, The AIDS Epidemic and More
The 2000s brought new challenges and fresh opportunities for faithful response. After 9/11, as anti-Muslim sentiment surged, Rev. Sue Sherwood prioritized interfaith education and connection, even inviting a Muslim imam to speak in worship. Some steps were controversial—one member even left—but the church remained steadfast in its commitment to love people of all faiths and no faith, which is part of the United Churh of Christ ordination vows. As LGBTQ+ rights gained national attention, Good Samaritan deepened its longstanding support of the queer community. The church hosted the annual AIDS memorial service, displayed sections of the AIDS quilt in worship, and welcomed the Shower of Stoles, highlighting LGBTQ+ clergy denied ordination. Same-sex commitment ceremonies and weddings were held at the church. Perhaps most significantly, Good Sam became a vocal advocate for transgender equality—sparked by their love for a transgender member. Public statements drew backlash, but the church stood firm. During this time, the church faced ecclesiastical charges for affirming LGBTQ+ inclusion—at a time when the PCUSA had not yet taken that step. In defending their beliefs, the congregation deepened its understanding and resolve to uphold the full dignity, equality, and belovedness of all people. The denomination has since repented for its past exclusions. The Afganistan and Iraq wars also surfaced a deep need for peace. Under Sue Sherwood’s leadership, a couple Good Sam members planted a garden in the courtyard of the church, including a beautiful peace pole in many languages, and participated in local protests. A missionary visiting home from South Africa introduced the church to Inanda Seminary, a school for girls producing many female African leaders. In 2007, a group from Good Sam visited Inanda, forging a partnership. For the next decade, the church supported the school financially and shared in its joy—streaming student performances live into worship. Finally, the 2000s brought a deeper awareness that racism, privilege, and systemic injustice persisted, even among those with good intentions. Never ones to shy away from the hard work of equity and inclusion, Good Sam members leaned into anti-racism education—through book studies, speakers, and conversations. They even welcomed Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson—who would later become United Church of Christ General Minister and President in 2024—for a week-long anti-racism workshop series.
2000's - 2010's
A Center for Spiritual Development
The church and community explore a progressive faith
When asked what she was most proud of during her time as pastor of Good Samaritan, Rev. Sue Sherwood pointed to the creation of the Center for Spiritual Development. Covering topics from progressive Christian theology to the Gnostic Gospels, Celtic spirituality to dream interpretation, concious union with God to faith and politics, the Center offered a judgment-free space for the congregation and wider community to explore faith, question assumptions, and broaden their spiritual understanding. Over the years, it hosted numerous authors, professors, experts, and guest speakers to enrich its classes and workshops.
2011
A Mosaic Year
The church celebrates 100 years
In 2011, the church celebrated its 100th anniversary with a grand event, welcoming local officials, former pastors, denominational leaders, and more. To mark the milestone, members also created a mosaic depicting the Good Samaritan helping the fallen traveler. Every current member placed at least one tile, contributing to a vibrant community artwork that still hangs above the courtyard doors of the church’s former Park Boulevard campus. Like the mosaic itself, the church’s history is a collection of unique pieces—coming together to tell a beautiful story of how a small congregation in Pinellas Park made a big impact by steadfastly loving its neighbors.
2014
The Church Calls First Queer Pastor
Rev. Jen Daysa, a non-binary, queer pastor takes the helm
By 2014, after three decades of advocacy and inclusion, about half the congregation identified as LGBTQ+, and Good Samaritan remained one of the few open and affirming churches in the area. People traveled from across the county and beyond to attend. That year, they called Rev. Jen Daysa—their first LGBTQ+ settled pastor—who arrived with her wife and children. Like her predecessor, they brought creative worship and a passion for social justice. Most importantly, as a survivor of church trauma, they carried a deep compassion for spiritual refugees. In 2015, when the supreme court Obergefell v. Hodges ruling came down, she preformed countless marriages for members of the congregation and community, many of whom had been together for decades.
2010's - 20's
Faith-based Community Organizing & Anti-Racism
The church joins Faith and Action for Strength Together
Just two months after Rev. Daysa’s arrival, the murder of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO, ignited the Black Lives Matter movement. The church continued its legacy of anti-racism work. As a predominantly white congregation, they worked together to grow in their awareness of their own privilege and racial bias. Some of their marquee signs garnered national attention and fostered dialogue around racism and equity. Around the same time, Rev. Jean Cooley encouraged the church to join Faith and Action for Strength Together (FAST), an interfaith, multiracial coalition focused on systemic justice. Having formerly been a part of another interfaith justice group, it was an easy yes. After joining FAST in 2015, Good Samaritan helped address community issues disproportionately impacting people of color—such as youth arrests, suspensions, affordable housing, and racial profiling. Through FAST’s efforts, over $100 million was secured for affordable housing, a youth arrest diversion program was created, and restorative practices were introduced in schools to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline. As the congregation became more involved with FAST, Rev. Cooley was called as Parish Associate, supporting the church’s justice work as available. She has represented Good Samaritan on FAST’s executive committee and research teams as well as participating in statewide efforts for criminal justice reform.
2015
Interfaith Pride
Good Samaritan founds St. Pete Interfaith Pride
Just days after Rev. Daysa began at Good Samaritan, Clerk of Session Rich Feigel and Elder Lisa Ware approached her with an idea: to launch an interfaith Pride worship service. They hoped to make it happen in time for that year’s Pride—just weeks away. Rev. Daysa cautioned it likely wasn’t feasible on such short notice, but they began planning for the following year. Invitations went out to other churches, and soon clergy and laypeople from Good Samaritan, Trinity Lutheran, King of Peace, St. Theresa Ecumenical Catholic Church, and Unity of Midtown came together to plan the first-ever St. Pete Interfaith Pride worship service. Rev. Daysa preached at the first Interfaith Pride service and representatives of 20+ faith traditions participated in leading the service. As it happened, the worship service took place just days after the Supreme Court decision on Obergefell v. Hodges made marriage equality the law of the land. The joy in the room was palpable as Rev. Daysa quote Winston Churchill, "Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning."
2016
Experiments in Meal-Based Worship
The church begins breakfast church
Good Samaritan often used fifth Sundays—about four times a year—as “Bring a Friend” Sundays, encouraging members to invite friends and neighbors to worship. But Rev. Jen Daysa, along with the Outreach, Welcome, and Spiritual Formation teams, began to wonder if their traditional worship style truly fostered connection with newcomers. That’s when the idea for Breakfast Church emerged: an intergenerational worship service centered around a shared meal. Inspired by the growing dinner church movement, they began planning. In 2016, after careful coordination, they held their first Breakfast Church service. Instead of using the fellowship hall, they transformed the sanctuary—removing rows of chairs and setting up tables—so the meal would feel worshipful, not just social. Beneath the stained glass, the congregation gathered around tables, shared food, reflected on sacred stories, and engaged in meaningful discussion and personal sharing. They found the format not only deepened community and connection for guests, but also nourished the congregation in ways they hadn’t even realized they needed. Sharing a meal, face to face, they experienced God reflected in the faces and voices of friends and strangers alike. When food-insecure guests attended, the church was able to offer more holistic care—feeding body, spirit, and soul. The first few services had their bumps, but through trial and error, the format steadily improved. Breakfast Church continued quarterly (with a two-year pause during the COVID-19 pandemic) until 2023, when it evolved into a monthly Dinner Church service, expanding the church’s commitment to meal-based worship.
2023
Park Boulevard Campus Sold
After a global pandemic, the church must discern and redevelop
Like many churches, Good Samaritan faced a precarious future in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and several decades of nationwide declines in church attendance and religious affiliation. For the first time since the 1940s, membership dropped below 40—most of them aging. Looking at their finances, the church realized it had about 5-7 years left if it kept going the way it had been going. Confronted with this reality, the congregation faced a critical decision: enter “church hospice,” providing comfort care through the end, or let go of what had been to make room for something new. After deep prayer and discernment, they chose resurrection over resignation—believing God still had work for them to do in building the beloved community. They prioritized people and mission over property, selling their Park Boulevard campus after more than 100 years on that property. It was a moment of both celebration and grief—as they closed a beautiful chapter in their congregational life and prepared to open another. After the sale, they began to ask: what comes next? The guiding question became: How can we use our unique gifts to meet the needs of our community? They knew they excelled at feeding people—their food pantry was now serving 10,000 - 13,000 individuals per year. They knew how to create radical belonging, especially for LGBTQ+ people, those on the margins, and those hurt by church. And they had discovered a powerful, life-giving form of worship through shared meals and community building. Through months of discernment and visioning sessions, new possibilities began to take shape. Then, at an all-church retreat in June 2024, Rev. Jen Daysa shared a mystical experience that clarified her sense of calling for the congregation. She proposed a bold vision: What if we moved into a storefront space where people could see in before they step in, lowering the barrier for those wary of church? What if we created a café-style space for weekly Brunch Church services—then kept the café open during the week as a ministry of radical hospitality, where no one eats alone unless they choose to? The idea resonated and intrigued those at the retreat. They prayed and talked about it. Some raised concerns, but ultimately they voted to explore it further. A research team was formed, and after several months of study, the church voted in November 2024 to move forward, affirming this as the church’s calling. This would be their next faithful chapter.
2025
Good Samaritan Moves to St. Pete
Beloved Community Cafe is born
After voting to move forward and live into their community cafe vision, the congregation commissioned their research team to begin looking for a property. Ultimately, they found and purchased a great space in the Grand Central district of St. Petersburg where they knew their progressive brunch church would thrive and those who needed their cafe ministry of food and radical hospitality would have easy access. The space had formerly been used as a consignment store called: (re)treat, which felt serendipitous. Around the same time, they were put in touch with Recovery Epicenter Foundation and a beautiful partnership began to bloom. They decided REF would move in with them, expanding their cafe vision to include creating healing recovery community for those who needed it. The church is expected to move into the new space and open Beloved Community Cafe by the end of 2025.
