Rena Hart

Rena Hart

By Spessard Stone



Rena Hart was an early African American settler of Wauchula and prominent church leader.

Rena Holmes Hart was, according to her death certificate, born March 20, 1897 in Savannah, Georgia. Records of 1945 and 1935, respectively, indicate, however, she was born either about 1887 or 1891. Rena’s maiden name is unknown. She and her husband, a Mr. Holmes, had moved to Wauchula by 1913. In that year, she became a charter member of the First Baptist Church (Colored) of Wauchula. Mr. Holmes was killed in an accident soon after the organization of the church.

On January 11, 1920, Rena married Charles Hart, born about 1882. Rev. R. B. Robinson officiated. Dock Coleman was the best man. Rena and “Charlie” made their home about one-half mile south of Wauchula. In 1935 the Harts were renting their home. Reflecting the poor educational opportunities of their time, Charlie had only one year of schooling, while Rena had two years.

In September 1939, Rena was the only charter member remaining of the First Baptist Church (Colored) and the only member living near Wauchula before 1932. She at that time wrote an historical sketch of the church, which was a record of organization and list of pastors. Zella E. Johnson of the WPA then noted of Rena that “her mind is keen and her memory is excellent.” She could recall that services were held from 1913 to 1925 in a square, unpainted building in the Crate Mill Quarters. Then from 1925-1930, they met in an unpainted wooden school house in the same section. She could further recollect in 1930 when services were first held in a new grey church, made of concrete blocks, in the northeastern corner of Magnolia Manor subdivision.

The last found record of the Harts was in 1945 when they were living in precinct # 4, one-half mile south of Wauchula. Charlie’s occupation was cited as a laborer. A Charlie Hart, of whom it is uncertain if he was Rena’s husband, died in 1946 in Polk County.

Rena Hart died February 1, 1949 in Hardee County. Dr. R. W. Banks had attended her from September 1948 to February 1, 1949. Burial was on February 6, 1949 in Wauchula Cemetery. The funeral director was Bryant L. Coker.



This was published in The Herald-Advocate (Wauchula, Fla.) of September 14, 2000.

February 03, 2001