Welcome to Mossman Hall

Mossman Home Preservation Foundation was formed under the laws of the State of Florida and is a registered 501(c) 3 public charity with IRS # 45-4679370. The principal place of business is 301 State Road 26 in Melrose, Florida 32666.

OUR MISSION

Mossman exists to serve its members by providing them a venue to exhibit their artwork, meet one another, teach classes, and promote a friendly, inspiring artistic atmosphere; to strengthen our community culturally and economically by fostering the visual and performing arts; and to encourage community participation by hosting free to the public events such as art openings, social gatherings, and club meetings. In addition, our goal is being achieved to raise the funds necessary (through donations and grants) to purchase, maintain, and preserve the property known as the Mary Mossman Home and Mossman Hall. The Foundation is entrusted to preserve the property for the use and benefit of the greater Melrose community.

OUR MEMBERS

​Our membership consist of artists, event volunteers, and community donors.

The Mossman Foundation provides space at Mossman Hall for local artists to display their work. Mossman Foundation seeks to serve its members and the local community by providing a venue to meet, create, and exhibit original works of art and hand-crafted gifts. Mossman's goal is to promote a friendly and inspiring atmosphere within the community for those interested in the creation, development, and appreciation of the arts. The Mary Mossman Home is a beautiful 1881 home registered as a historic home by the state of Florida and is also on the National Register of historic homes.

OUR HISTORY

The Mary Mossman Home was built in 1881 and is one of the oldest remaining homes in Melrose, Florida. The adjacent church was built sometime in the 1920’s. According to the biography Steppings in God written by Miss Mary H. Mossman, Mary was led by divine vision as to where to settle and the design of her home. The two story frame house was completed by William Lee, an architect who built several homes in Melrose.  Mary Mossman, a spiritual teacher from Ocean Grove, New Jersey, established her home for the purpose of Bible study and community service. It was originally called “Faith House”. Alta Trimmier and Annie Harper lived with Mary and the group is known as the Three Sisters.  They were very active in the community. Mary Mossman passed in 1914 and is buried in her hometown in New Jersey.  Alta Trimmier may have returned to Tennessee at this time, but no further records have been found. Soon after Mary's death, Sister Annie Harper wanted to teach in a church and when she could not find one suitable, or was not allowed as a woman to teach, she built her own church. It was called Gospel Tabernacle and was non-sectarian, or non-denominational.  It survived until the early 1960’s, when she gave her last service with the intent of having the church de-sanctified. In May of 1971, Miss Annie Harper passed in Melrose, Florida and is buried in Eliam Cemetery. She was the last of the Three Sisters and according to their wishes the property was “given not to their heirs but to the purpose that the Lord saw fit”. It was purchased by the Harp family who held it until 1983 when Chuck and Anne Lowry purchased it. The church was again de-sanctified and became the home of Anne Lowry Antiques for many years. In January 2025, Mossman Home Preservation Foundation purchased the property, including both buildings, through donation drives, art sales, and member dues.  The Foundation seeks to continue fundraising until the property is paid off in 2034, and greatly appreciates the support of our generous Melrose community.