Paul

Paul Phillips was born March 16, 1882 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. He was a year old when his father moved the family to Florida. As he was growing up, he worked the family farm just like the rest of the children. Farming, hauling freight, working at the packinghouse and carpentry work is what Paul grew up learning.

On October 5, 1910, Paul married Lula Kennedy, at the home of Reverend George F. Glasure, who performed the service. Lula was born January 21, 1896, she was only l4 years old and Paul was 28. Well, it must have been a good match, it lasted just over 61 years when he died.
Paul worked the farm he purchased from Augustus (Gus) Cole. He also managed a citrus grove operation for Col. S. W. Roseler for a period. He saved as much money as he could during those hard years and soon was able to purchase 67 acres of land with an established citrus grove and a small house. He purchased this from Col. S. W. Roseler for $4,000.00. This became the Phillips homestead. (See picture below) He made his living in the citrus business. He owned three wagon teams, which he used to haul fright. He used these wagons to haul the oyster shell used to pave Manatee Avenue. The shell was loaded on the wagons at Desoto Landing in Manatee County, while one wagon was loaded, one was in route, and the other was dumping. His brother Sam drove one of the wagons.
Paul was a Steward in the Methodist Church in Manatee, FL. and would become the last living steward for the Church in Manatee. June 14, 1924, Lula attends a Church of God tent revival in Ellenton, FL. where she is saved. She would keep after Paul to go to church with her, finally, he and Leola go and they are saved. Nine months later, Juanita is born. This was the start of the Phillips history with the Church of God.