Courtesy of Marco Island Historical Society

A photo of United Church of Marco Island taken by Arther Leicthe in 1990.

FAST FACTS

Early in 1966, the national office of the United Church of Christ decided to establish a church here. Services were initiated by a retired Naples Presbyterian minister, the Reverend Tracey Day Spencer. In October, Wesley Reidel became the first permanent UCC minister on Marco.

Services were held in the parsonage and drew six people from the Island population of 50 families. Services later took place at the original Yacht Club and Marco Beach Hotel, now the Marriott. Dedication of the church on Barfield Drive was in October of 1972, and a Montessori school opened there a few months later.

In 1972 the first dramatic production of the Marco Players was held there. That same year saw the beginning of the Bargain Basket, which continues to this day.

The current Pastor is Richard Adair who has had 45 years of ministerial experience, beginning in rural Illinois. He most recently had parishes in Arizona and Alaska, where he served a Native American Mission Church. The current membership is more than 300 and growing. They continue to offer special events during the summer, including the popular Fourth of July ice cream social.

What’s New With MIHS?

The Marco Island Historical Society would like to express its appreciation for the supporters who have contributed to the museum building fund. Almost 200 new members joined the Founder’s Circle at $1,000 each before it closed May 15.

This puts us closer to our goal of raising the remainder of the funds needed to complete the museum complex. Donations and contributions are still needed to raise the last $171,000 toward our $4.5 million goal.

Opportunities to join the Founder’s Five at $5,000, the Inner Circle at $10,000, the $50 K Club and $100 K Club remain open, with naming opportunities still available. Please contact Betsy and Bill at 239-394 6917.

Marion Nicolay and Betsy Perdichizzi of the Marco Island Historical Society are compiling this report on a weekly basis for the Eagle. Shirley Beckwith oversees the archiving of photos for MIHS.

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