John Roser built the first church on Anna Maria Island in 1913. The church still sits on Pine Avenue and opens its doors to residents and visitors alike The first house of worship on the island, Roser Memorial Community Church was built by Roser in memory of his mother. Roser created the Fig Newton in 1891, which he eventually sold to Nabisco, but Roser Memorial Community Church still stands on the same site in Anna Maria. roserchurch.com