Serving the Melbourne Beach Community since 1892
(321) 727-2299 or (321) 722-9117
Our History
The chapel beginnings were not without trauma - enduring fire, floods, hurricanes and lightning strikes. At the turn of the century the pace was slow. Church services were still seasonal. The pulpit was supplied by mainland ministers.
In 1922 the span over the Indian River between Melbourne and Indialantic was completed. That same year the Town of Melbourne Beach was incorporated and electric power was extended to the town.
The hurricane of 1924 struck and undermined the Chapel's foundation. Extensive renovation was required and services did not resume until 1927.
In 1929 the trustees engaged Reverend Walter Lamphear as the first salaried minister. In 1937 a constitution, a charter and petition signed by 43 congregational members was submitted to the Town of Melbourne Beach for incorporation.
Reverend Lamphear was succeeded by Dr. Vincent R. Booth (1939-1943). It was during his ministry in 1942 that major renovations were made to double the seating capacity from 70 to 140 and also increased the size of the chapel. Transepts were added on the east and west sides forming a Latin Cross.
Under the ministry of Chaplain Roy Terry (1982-1988), a retired Air Force Chief of Chaplains, year-round worship services were initiated. Chaplain Terry's dream for the Chapel was to build a Fellowship Hall by the Centennial year of 1992. Although he died in 1988, the Roy Terry Center for Christian Fellowship was dedicated January 10, 1992 on the Chapel's 100th birthday.
Retired Air Force Chaplain John Secret has been serving since July, 2000. In recent years, the Chapel developed a large adjacent lot into a parking lot and completed a major refurbishing of the pews and floors.
Although the Chapel endured the onslaught of the 2004 hurricanes, the Terry Center received major interior damage. The re-dedication of the totally renovated interior was conducted in September 2005.
With a deep appreciation for its tradition and history, a strong vision for the future continues in fulfilling our mission as "The Caring Christ-centered Chapel".
