Holy Apostles Episcopal Church

DID YOU KNOW

Holy Apostles Episcopal Church

THANKS TO THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF SOUTH FLORIDA

Did you know the church that sits on Grant Ave in Satellite Beach is way older than the town itself?? I’m talking it predates the town by 55 years! While the town was founded in 1957, the church has a remarkable history dating all the way back to 1902!

Now, one might ask if the town was founded 55 years ago, how was the church built in 1902 and by who?? Well, I’m here to answer those questions! It was constructed in 1902 in Fort Pierce and was the original home of the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. As the congregation flourished, it needed a bigger space, and the church found a new purpose when it was generously donated to the Episcopal Diocese of South Florida to serve as a mission church.

In 1957, Satellite Beach officially became a town, and the Holy Apostles congregation was formed. For the first two years of its existence, services were held in a synagogue. In 1959, the Episcopal Diocese gifted the Carpenter Gothic style church to the Holy Apostles. It would become the first church in the town of Satellite Beach.

I know, I know…the next question will be, well how was it moved from Fort Pierce to Satellite Beach? Would you believe it was moved on a barge pulled by a tugboat up the Indian River and the tugboat captain was only 17 years old!! I can only imagine how that looked, a church traveling up the river! Once it arrived in Satellite Beach, a bulldozer skillfully maneuvered it across utility poles to its final resting place on Grant Ave.

Next time you’re in Satellite Beach, don’t miss the chance to explore this beautiful piece of architecture and history! You can spot it off Grant Ave nestled between A1A and South Patrick Drive, just south of Satellite High School and DeLaura Middle School. It’s serene presence amidst the bustling town serves as a reminder of Florida’s rich past.