Melbourne in Brevard County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
The First Congregational Church of Melbourne
Photographed By Jamie Cox, July 18, 2013
1. The First Congregational Church of Melbourne Marker
Inscription.
The First Congregational Church of Melbourne had its beginnings in 1887 when Edward Branch and his wife Abbie began to hold regular Bible study and worship meetings. In December 1887, five men and seven women signed a covenant that was the first step toward construction of a church building. In 1892, local businessman W. H. Powell donated a corner lot on Second Street (Strawbridge) and Washington Street (U.S. Hwy. 1) for a church. The church, a frame building with a steeple, was designed by R. J. Anderson, a local builder and was completed in 1893 at a cost of $2,065. Records show that exactly $2,512.12 was collected for the church's construction. The leftover funds were used to start an organ fund. The first church service was held on Sunday, July 2, 1893. In 1929, the church was greatly expanded by four large stucco-covered additions, and in 1959 stained glass windows were added. Between 1960 and 1999, the building served as the United Church of Christ-Congregational. On January 3, 2000, the building was sold to His Place Ministries East Coast, Inc., for continued use as a church., A Florida Heritage Site
The First Congregational Church of Melbourne had its beginnings in 1887 when Edward Branch and his wife Abbie began to hold regular Bible study and worship meetings. In December 1887, five men and seven women signed a covenant that was the first step toward construction of a church building. In 1892, local businessman W. H. Powell donated a corner lot on Second Street (Strawbridge) and Washington Street (U.S. Hwy. 1) for a church. The church, a frame building with a steeple, was designed by R. J. Anderson, a local builder and was completed in 1893 at a cost of $2,065. Records show that exactly $2,512.12 was collected for the church's construction. The leftover funds were used to start an organ fund. The first church service was held on Sunday, July 2, 1893. In 1929, the church was greatly expanded by four large stucco-covered additions, and in 1959 stained glass windows were added. Between 1960 and 1999, the building served as the United Church of Christ-Congregational. On January 3, 2000, the building was sold to His Place Ministries East Coast, Inc., for continued use as a church.
A Florida Heritage Site
Erected 2013 by The Brevard County Historical Commission The Brevard County Tourist Development Council and The Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-767.)
Topics.
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This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1818.
Location. 28° 4.795′ N, 80° 36.228′ W. Marker is in Melbourne, Florida, in Brevard County. Marker is at the intersection of Strawbridge Avenue (U.S. 192) and U.S. 1, on the right when traveling west on Strawbridge Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Melbourne FL 32901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 27, 2017. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2013, by Jamie Cox of Melbourne, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,044 times since then and 77 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on July 18, 2013, by Jamie Cox of Melbourne, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
