Church History

     The founding of the Church of the Good Samaritan was by petition of residents of Clearwater, Florida, and under the leadership of the Rev. Murray H. Voth, Vicar of the Church of the Holy Spirit of Safety Harbor.  An organizational meeting was held at Clearwater High School on December 28, 1955.  The first service for the new Mission was held at Clearwater High School on January 6, 1956.  During 1956, services were held in the Audio-Visual Room at Clearwater High School.  On February 27, 1956, it was decided to acquire our present property at 2165 N.E. Coachman Road.  In October 1956, Architect Mr. Edward MacCollin was commissioned to draw plans for a church building (the Parish Hall).

     Many creative fund-raising events were held during 1957.  Life-long friendships, as well as mutual love and concern for each other, developed then and persists as an outstanding characteristic of Good Samaritan to this day.  Early in the year 1957, land was procured and plans laid to erect a Rectory and a Parish Hall at the present site of the church.  In August of 1957, the first Vicar, The Rev. M. G. Argeaux took up work and became resident in the new vicarage on All Hallows Eve of the same year.  The first service was held in the new Parish Hall on the Fourth Sunday in Advent, December 22, 1957.  The Trinity Room was built and first used on October 5, 1958.  The Church Offices were next constructed and first used in November of 1960.  Ground was broken for the new Church building on the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels on September 29, 1963, and the first services were held here on Rogation Sunday, May 3, 1964.

     The Church of the Good Samaritan was advanced from Mission Status to full Parish Status by action of the Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Henry I. Louttit, Bishop of the Diocese of South Florida, and approved by the Diocesan Convention on May 2, 1961.  On Whitsunday, May 17, 1964, the new church building was dedicated in ceremonies presided over by the Right Rev. William Hargave, Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese of South Florida.

     In 1973, plans were made for the purchase of a pipe organ as a Memorial to Ms. Lilah T. Berg.  On March 31, 1974, the new Wicks organ was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. William L. Hargrave, Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida.

     In January, 1975, the Rev. Norman Howard accepted the call to Good Samaritan Church, and was installed by the Bishop as rector on Palm Sunday, March 16, 1975.

     Father Howard retired in 1990 and in 1993 Fr. James G. Williamson accepted the calling to be our Rector.  Fr. Williamson left Good Samaritan in 1998.  

Thanks be to God!