History

Timeline

• Early 1984 - The Rt. Rev. William Folwell calls for a new mission in north Lakeland. 
• Mid-1984 - The Reverend Hugh (Bud) Williams was appointed Vicar.
• Aug 16, 1984 - The North Lakeland Mission, now called Christ the King Episcopal Church, was established.  
• April 1, 1987 - Construction of the current building was started.
• October 15, 1987 - The Christ the King building was consecrated.
• January 25, 1991 - Christ the King officially became a full parish in the Diocese of Central Florida.
• August 13, 1995 - The Reverend Rick Gomer is called as Rector of Christ the King.
• February 5, 2012 - The Reverend Walley Reynolds is appointed Priest-in-Charge of Christ the King.
• June 1, 2015 -December 15, 2022- The Reverend Carolyn Kirk Biggs is called as Priest-in-Charge of Christ the King.
• February 1, 2023 - The Rev. Jacqueline Ponce is called as Priest-in-Charge of Christ the King. 

Our Beginning
​In early 1984, Bishop William Folwell issued a call for a new mission effort, along charismatic lines, in North Lakeland. Organizational meetings were held at the home of Richard and Katherine Munday. The new mission began meeting Sunday evenings at the Holiday Inn near I-4, and later at Padgett Elementary School.
Fr. Hugh Elton "Bud" Williams (formerly of All Saints Episcopal Church in downtown Lakeland) was appointed Priest-in-Charge. Several families, who had been influenced by the Renewal at All Saints, signed up.
On August 16, 1984, 26 pioneers signed a petition signifying their support, and Christ the Kings was born, although at first it was simply referred to as the NLM, or North Lakeland Mission.
On October 15, 1987, Christ the King was consecrated by Bishop Folwell. At that time, the membership had grown to 87.  Christ the King officially became a parish on January 25, 1991, with a membership of 125.
Over the course of the next 25 years, Christ the King has been led by four different Priests; The Rev. Rick Gomer for 17 years, The Rev. Walley Reynolds for 3 years, and The Rev. Carolyn Biggs for 7 years. Our newest Priest started on February 1st, 2023, The Rev. Jacqueline Ponce.
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