Courtesy of Marco Island Historical Society

Remember when? Photo of Methodist Church taken in 1990.

FAST FACTS

The United Methodist Church of Marco Island originally met in late 1966 at the Marco Yacht Club, and on Palm Sunday 1969, the church was officially chartered with 37 members. In 1972 services moved to Tommie Barfield School. Barbecues and other fundraisers were held throughout these years for construction of a permanent home and an all-purpose building was completed for Christmas services in 1975. The church is still using this building as a fellowship hall, but now boasts a beautiful sanctuary building at 350 South Barfield Drive. The acoustics of the sanctuary are excellent, and this has been the location of performances by the Marco Players such as :Man of La Mancha” in the early 1990s. The Naples Philharmonic still offers concerts three twice a year.

The current pastor is the Reverend William Beebe, and the church emphasizes children’s education as well as service to families. In 1999, women of the church produced a very good cookbook called “Heaven in a Pot.”

Note: Some of the pictures and information for this continuing series on the local churches is based on a booklet called “Religions of Marco,” written by Frederic Gloeckner with photos by Arthur Leuthe.

WHAT'S NEW WITH THE MUSEUM

Although the roof is finished, the thatch top will not go on for a little while. Not to worry, because it is strictly cosmetic and does not provide protection, so there is no hurry. Next will come the electrification of the buildings, the interior walls and the outside doors and windows. The Museum building and the Administration/Archival building are scheduled to be completed in September. The Living History Hall plans have been submitted for permitting and are awaiting the city’s approval. Hopefully, construction should begin this month with completion in January 2010.

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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