History:

In 1977, Sanibel was selected by the United Church of Christ Board for Homeland Ministries as a site for a Mission Church. The Rev. Dr. James W. Lenhart was appointed minister. Dr. Lenhart conducted the first meeting of the Church in the Lighthouse Point Condominium Club House.

In 1978, services were moved to the Dunes Golf and Country Club where they were often interrupted by the cash register ringing in the next room. The Rev. Dwight O. Jackson and Rev. Dr. Robert L. Burt served as speakers during the summer. In June of that year, plans were formed for the organization of the Church. The Charter and Covenant were written, committees formed and Donald R. Manchester elected first Moderator. The United Church Board for Homeland Ministries purchased 21 1/2 acres of land along Periwinkle Way with plans to deed four acres across from Periwinkle Place Shopping Center to the Sanibel Congregation UCC. The first sign was placed on Periwinkle indicating the future site of the Church. The Rev. William Nelson was recruited to assist Dr. Lenhart during the intense organizational activities.

The Constitution and Bylaws were adopted at the Annual Meeting in 1982. A Bible Study group was started and a Choir formed. Rev. Stein was officially installed as Minister.

In 1983, Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ appeared before the Sanibel City Planning Commission and was recognized as an Institution under the Sanibel zoning laws.

The new Church building was dedicated in 1986. Additional meeting and Sunday school rooms were added to the undercroft in 1994. In 1998, additional choir and office space was added to the existing office.

In January of 2005, the Rev. Dr. James Boler joined Ran and Sandy as Associate Minister. We are fortunate to have Pastors and Teachers who provide us with inspired leadership and ministry.

Even as Sanibel Island is a special place, the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ is a center for all to join together to worship God, to nourish ourselves spiritually as we serve God, and to reach out to help those in a needy world.