Alcoholics Anonymous History In Your Area
Panama City Beach, Florida
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FRANTIC SERENITY GROUP
The fourth oldest AA group in the Panama City area, the “Frantic Serenity Group,” was formed in February 1971, by JimR., Mike R. and Bill K. A native Canadian “snowbird” and an old-time AA member, Bill K. spent the winter months here in the area. The “Frantic Serenity Group” was born out of a necessity to expand AA from Panama City to Panama City Beach.
The first meeting of this expansion group was held at the home of Jim R. in Laguna Beach, which is a part of Panama City Beach. Meeting time was 8:00 p.m.
During a meeting at the home of Jim & Mike R. in early 1972, a discussion revealed the need for a larger meeting place for the Frantic Serenity Group if AA was indeed to expand from Panama City to Panama City Beach. The Gulf Beach Presbyterian Church on Highway 79 in Panama City Beach was contacted and shortly thereafter, approval was given for the use of a large meeting room in the church building. The group was to meet at 8:00 p.m. every Monday and Friday. An appropriate rental was mutually agreed upon. After 18 years, the group still meets at this location.
The Frantic Serenity Group was successful from the start. This was in no small part due to attendance by Canadian AA members on winter vacation and by vacationers from surrounding Southern states. By November and December 1973, attendance and membership had reached to 35-40 AA members.
On May 10, 1979, the Frantic Serenity Group of AA was formally registered by the General Service Office of AA.
In February, 1983, Jane and Joe G., members of the Frantic Serenity Group, formed a study group within the framework of the Frantic Serenity Group. The purpose of this group was to offer a forum of AA members who could establish a study group on the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of AA This group would furnish fresh ideas and interpretations to the meanings of the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions. This group was open to any member who wished to participate.
Jane and Joe G. contacted the pastor of St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church, located on West Hwy 98 in Panama City Beach, and received permission to use the church’s recreational hall as a meeting place for this new study group. Meetings were to be held onWednesdayeveningsfrom8:00 -9:00p.m. The recreational hall subsequently became the property of the St. Thomas East Episcopal Church in Panama City Beach. “12 & 12” study meetings are still being held at this location. Initial membership in this study group was 10 members of the Frantic Serenity Group. The group presently flourishes with a membership of 25.
Group members who have served as General Service Representatives (GSRs) are:
1988 -Present Mike D.
1977 -1978 Katherine F.
1987 -1988 Anne P.
1975 -1976 Joe W.
1985 -1986 Joe H.
1973 -1974 Paul L.
1983 -1984 George B.
1972 -1973 Jack H.
1981 -1982 Jane G.
1971 -1972 Jim R.
1979 -1980 Charles W.
Current meetings of the Frantic serenity Group follow:
MONDAY, 8:00 p.m. -Open Speaker (Meets at Gulf Beach Presbyterian Church)
WEDNESDAY, 8:00 p.m. -Closed Step Discussion (Meets at St. Thomas East Episcopal Church)
FRIDAY, 8:00 p.m. -Closed Discussion (Meets at Gulf Beach Presbyterian Church)
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