Church by the Sea History
The Church by the Sea in Madeira Beach, Florida is a place rich in nautical history and beauty. From its very beginning, however, its greatest treasure has been its people.
The Church by the Sea began in the early 1940s when a group of fishermen in the John's Pass area of Madeira Beach felt they needed a place to share their spiritual life. They also saw a need for a marker on the beach that said, "God is here!"
Originally, the tower had a 25 foot mast which held a beacon aloft. This light helped to guide the fishermen toward John's Pass and safety. When all fishermen were accounted for at the end of the day, they turned out the light. The byword of the seamen was "look for the house of God to find the way home." People would count the boats as the fleet came in to be certain of the safe arrival of all. If the light remained on longer than usual, the entire community knew someone was still at sea. All would gather to pray for the safe arrival of the overdue sailors.
The mast and light are gone now, but the tower remains with a lighted cross at its apex. The unusual arrangement of windows and tiles on the steeple appear as the eyes and the beak of a duck as it looks to all four points of the compass. This symbolizes the people of God keeping a watchful eye for returning sailors.
The Gothic, Spanish and Greek Orthodox architecture of The Church by the Sea, which combine to form a unique house of worship on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, are a reflection of the many streams which flow into this loving congregation.
A central feature of the sanctuary is a colorful stained glass window showing the risen Lord Jesus welcomes all who would worship here, including people of all denominations and walks of life.
People come here to worship God, to meet the Lord, to hear His call upon their lives, to go and serve Him in this community and throughout the world. You are welcome. |
