Central Florida Intergroup

Orlando Area Alcoholics Anonymous

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History of AA in Orlando: The Fairbanks Group

The founders of the Winter Park Group liked to think of themselves as being strict conformists to the traditions. Emphasis was placed on 1000 North Orange being a “meeting” place, not a “club.” Being fully self-supporting was a matter of pride to this group. They strongly resisted any infusion of related facilities or outside enterprises. Family members (non-AA) were allowed the “privilege” of making coffee for the AA’s, cleaning up the room, and doing whatever work needed to be done, but had leave the premises before the meeting started.

On 6 May 1953, family members rented space next door to the Winter Park Group. They then moved to the All Saints Episcopal Church, and when the room provided them became too crowded, they moved to the First Congregational Church, where they have been meeting since. When the family members left 1000 North Orange, so did a number of AA members.

Together they referred to themselves as the Fairbanks Family Group. As such, GSO did not list the group in the AA Directory. Practically speaking, though, closed AA meetings were attended by alcoholics and those who thought they might have a drinking problem, and Al-Anon meetings were attended by family members.

Now why was the group called Fairbanks, when the All Saints Episcopal Church is located on Lyman Avenue? We don’t know, except that the parking lot to that church is approached from Fairbanks Avenue. The AA and Al-Anon groups still meet at the First Congregational Church, 215 East New England Avenue, off Interlochen, and each is still called the Fairbanks Group.

 

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Contributions to the Central Florida Intergroup support services to our members and groups throughout Central Florida and help ensure that the A.A. message is carried in our region. In keeping with our Seventh Tradition, we ask that you only contribute if you are a member of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Intergroup Office & Store Location

283 Live Oaks Blvd, Bldg 6
Casselberry, FL 32707
In the Live Oaks Center

The Central Florida Intergroup office/bookstore is open by appointment. To set up a time to visit, please call 407-260-5822 or email us by clicking here. We are asking that everyone wear a mask and honor the CDC recommendations.

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Office: (407) 260-5822
24 Hour AA Hotline: (407) 260-5408

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The primary purpose of the Central Florida Intergroup’s web site is to provide an online meeting guide for meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous throughout the Central Florida area. The web site will present information that is available publicly concerning meetings, events and links concerning Alcoholics Anonymous.

The site has no outside interests, or connection or affiliation with any individual or organization outside of AA.

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