History of Souls Harbor R. O. Varnum came to Belleview, FL in 1941 and started the church that is now known as Souls Harbor. Having preached in all 50 states as well as Mexico and Canada, R. O. Varnum was known for founding and establishing strong Pentecostal churches across the southeastern United States. He built this church on the revelation of the mighty God in Christ and the doctrines and practices of the early church as described in the Book of Acts. What a great foundation Souls Harbor enjoys!     For the first 30 years, the church was led by a series of different ministers. In 1966, T. W. Varnum (brother to R. O.) came to pastor. God did many great things during the 5 years of T. W.’s pastorate. In 1969, his son, James E. Varnum, received God’s call on his life, and at the young age of 16 he began to evangelize across the country. However, directed by the Holy Ghost, James E. Varnum returned to Belleview at age 18 and became pastor on May 5, 1971.     The church grew quickly and the members worked tirelessly. Within a year they began their first building expansion, and they built a brand new sanctuary within 5 years. James’s wife, Naomi, started a choir with only a handful of members in those early years. Soon the choir was being asked to sing at churches and conferences around the state and beyond. God worked many miracles, and the vibrant church continued to grow. In 1987 we began to worship at our present 800-seat location on Highway 484 where a multitude of ministries including children, youth, music, family, Christian academy, among others have been greatly blessed.   Jason Varnum began to help his father with the ministry of Souls Harbor in his teen years. As God blessed his ministry, Jason became a highly sought after speaker for churches and youth conferences across the United States and in several other countries from 2002-2007. His leadership role at Souls Harbor grew very naturally and in June of 2008, Jason Varnum became Lead Pastor and James Varnum became Bishop of Souls Harbor First Pentecostal Church.   Currently Souls Harbor is more blessed than ever before. The worship services are positively miraculous. The members are highly dedicated. The leadership team including Bishop James & Naomi Varnum, Pastor Jason and Holina Varnum, Associate Pastor / Music Ministers Christian & Denee’ Richardson, Student Pastor Joe & Jessica Campetella, Children’s Pastor Daniel & Lacey Autrey and Christian Academy Administrators Donald & Brandy Currie along with a host of volunteer staff strives to become increasingly effective.   Building on that original foundation laid by R. O. Varnum in 1941 and by the Apostle Peter in about 33AD, Souls Harbor continues to Model the Book of Acts Church! © Souls Harbor First Pentecostal Church 2010