Its 1954. And a new United Methodist Church had not been built in Lakeland, Florida in 25 years. District Superintendent, Reverend J.H.Daniel began looking for a suitable site. In March, Mr. Carlton W. Palmore, Sr. and his wife, Sarah, donated six lots on 2700 South Florida Avenue. Both were active members of College Heights United Methodist Church. Therefore, some at College Heights Methodist called United Methodist Temple "Our new baby."

At Annual Conference this "Methodist Mission's" first Pastor, Rev. Maurice Phillips, was appointed. Meetings began at St. Davids Episcopal Church, next door. The first charter members joined October 3, 1954. The first building was constructed in 1955 and called the Palmore building. The name "United Methodist Temple" was agreed upon by the new membership after, the "Tallest Church in Chicago." Thus was the beginning of a new church that has touched literally thousands of lives over the years.
(Adapted from "The Beginnings Of United Methodist Temple") by Mr. Frank Trovillion, UMT Historian, May 4, 2004