Old Pompano Beach Historic Homes Tour
5. Methodist Church Chapel
Corner of NE Second Street and NE
Second Avenue
Built in 1938 and 1939, this fine
example of Gothic architecture is a local favorite for weddings
and is still used for small group worship services. The
chapel is the oldest church building in Pompano Beach.,
and an application is pending for its inclusion on the National
Register of Historic Places. The First United Methodist
Church of Pompano Beach can trace its roots to1908, the
year that the Town of Pompano was incorporated and one year
after Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway rolled
through town. Residents built a wood frame, nondenominational
community church at NE First Street and the Pompano Beach
Canal. The church was a focal point for the Woman's Club.
By 1910, Methodists out numbered other congregants and the
church property was deeded to the Methodist Florida Conference.
By 1922, the church had about 60 members. The hurricane
of 1926 tore through South Florida, taking with it the little
church that had been so important to the young town. The
church then met in store fronts that had survived the storm.
Soon, an unfinished parsonage was converted to a permanent
church at NE Second Street and NE Third Avenue. The Memories
of the 1926 hurricane guided church members as they began
to build the chapel which is on the tour today. An article
published May 25, 1939, in the Methodist Miami District
News states: "During the pastorate of Brother [George]
Foster, a new building has been erected at a cost of $13,500.
It is of reinforced concrete and block construction and
of Gothic design. Combining strength and beauty in a remarkable
way, it is a distinct architectural asset to the community.
Stained glass windows have been placed by several families
as memorials.
A feature of the building is the
large chancel window placed by Women's Missionary Society.
It bears three figures of Jesus in rich color, and together
with the basic design and other features gives the sanctuary
an atmosphere of warmth and worshipfulness."
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