Known as City Point, this area was settled shortly after the Civil War by Confederate veterans, citrus grove workers, northern winter residents, and consumptives seeking a healthy climate. By early 1885, a board of trustees consisting of William H. Sharpe, George W. Holmes, A. L. Hatch, John M. Sanders, and George E. Chester was formed to construct a building for use as a public hall, school, and non-denominational church for both white and black residents. On land donated by J. C. Norwood, the building was designed by A. L. Hatch and built by John M. Sanders, who completed the work on November 1, 1885. It became the beginning congregation for the United Methodist Church of Cocoa, Church of Christ, Church of God, Primitive Baptist Church, Calvin Baptist Church, Indian River Baptist Church, Baptist Enterprise Church, and the First Apostolic Temple. The building was used as a school until 1924, and it also served the community for picnics, dances, political rallies, as a precinct voting station, and as an observation tower during World War II.