Under the Sheltering Tree - A Book Review
Under the Sheltering Tree - A Book Review

By Spessard Stone


Under the Sheltering Tree A Brief History of the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home 1908-2008 by Stephen T. Hartsfield, who has served on the staff of the Children’s Home since 1993, chronicles the history of the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home from its establishment in Enterprise in 1908 to its centennial in 2008.

Although the first Orphanage Committee by the Florida Annual Conference was organized in December 1869, only a limited number of children was accepted, and they resided in the Methodist Orphan’s Home in Macon, Georgia.

In 1896 the Florida Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church South approved a resolution to establish a home for orphaned children in Florida. It was not, however, until 1908 that there was organized a permanent Board of Trustees of the Orphanage to be located at Enterprise on Lake Monroe, five miles from Sanford. That first year began modestly with 14 children.

Thus commenced the founding of a Christian institution for “getting the helpless ones” as the driving force and passion of the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home for 100 years.

From its genesis the Home has been staffed and supported by Christians with a great heart for children, such as Miss Emma Tucker, whose property became the orphanage home.

The first matron was Mrs. Hattie Greene Brooks, assisted by Miss Hendry. Her successors included: Mrs. M. J. Gramling, Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Hoffman, Rev. W. A. Betts, Louise Stork, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Leach, Rev. John R. Cason, Rev. Smith Hardin, Rev. J. W. Austin, C. Roland Shannon, Rev. W. M. Mullin, Rev. Harold R. Barnes, Rev. Charles A. Thompson, Rev. Dr. Bascom W. Carlton, Rev. Dr. Edward L. Dinkins, Jr., Rev. Alexander C. Carmichael, IV, Scott Davidson and Mike Galloway.

Revenue for operation was a continuing challenge until as late as 1940. Besides the financial support of the churches, the children worked hard tending an extensive farming operation, consisting of gardens and farm animals, with canning services of fruits and vegetables contracted out to help raise money. Vocational training also taught a variety of skills.

Through the succeeding years as the campus population increased, new buildings, including a change from dormitory-style living to individual family cottages, were constructed and programs begun to include increased awareness of and attention to the clinical and therapeutic needs of the children, as well as, the breakdown of the family.

Responding to the changing times, the Home today is a diverse ministry, which includes residential care, therapeutic group care, foster care, adoption services, emergency shelter care, independent living assistance and a community child care center.

For 100 years the Children’s Home has reached out in Christian compassion as a haven of peace and merciful blessing for the children who have come into her care.

Under the Sheltering Tree contains 14 chapters, 93 pages, and 138 photographs, most of which are of the children, but also of the staff and buildings. It is published by the Florida United Methodist Children's Home, 51 Main Street, Enterprise, FL 32725; phone 386-668-4774, fax 386-668-4486.



This was published in The Herald-Advocate (Wauchula, Fla.), 7A, July 16, 2009.