MELBOURNE BEACH COMMUNITY CHAPEL

By  Mike Miller November 22, 2025

Melbourne Beach Community Chapel, built in 1892, is the oldest church in Melbourne Beach, Florida. 

This non-denominational chapel has long served as a spiritual and community hub. It’s built in a simple vernacular style and is still an active church today.

It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1992 for its significance in the areas of Exploration and Settlement as well as Community Planning and Development.

The chapel was built in 1892 by local residents, without a formal architect, and demonstrates true community effort.

Life was arduous for the pioneers who settled the area amid scrub palmettos, wild animals, snakes and mosquitoes.

Transportation was by ferry and a barge across the Indian River and a handcar on tracks on Ocean Avenue. It took real commitment to get building materials from the mainland over to the beach.

The building was designed in a simple, vernacular style typical of small churches built during the late 19th century. The focus was on practicality and modesty rather than elaborate architectural details.

The chapel has a hip-roofed belfry located over the main entrance on the south end of the building.

It rests on cement block piers in a straightforward design. The chapel was planned to be non-denominational to serve all members of the community regardless of their religious background.

In 1922 the span over the Indian River between Melbourne and Indialantic was completed. That same year the Town of Melbourne Beach was incorporated and electric power was extended to the town.

The hurricane of 1924 struck and undermined the Chapel's foundation. Extensive renovation was required and services did not resume until 1927.

In 1929 the trustees engaged Reverend Walter Lamphear as the first salaried minister. A fund was started by the chapel's children to buy a bell.

By 1931 they had raised enough to purchase the bell and mounted it in the belfry. The bell reportedly came from a church in Conway, an early settlement near Orlando, Florida.

It is still used today and can be heard ringing during weddings and other special occasions.

In 1942 major renovations were made to double the seating capacity from 70 to 140 and to increase the size of the chapel. Transepts were added on the east and west sides forming a Latin Cross.

On May 14, 1992, the chapel’s historical importance was formally recognized when it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

The chapel remains a protected historic site, preserving its legacy for future generations. It is still active today.

---

Melbourne Beach Community Chapel is located at 500 Ocean Avenue in Melbourne Beach, Florida 32951.

It is generally open to visitors during daylight hours since it remains an active place of worship and hosts community events.

You'll want to check the chapel’s official website for any special events or community gatherings open to the public.

Parking is available in the lot or on nearby streets such as Ocean Avenue. When visiting, it is important to respect the chapel’s role as an active spiritual site. 

Maintain quiet and reverence, particularly during services or events. Photography is usually permitted, but it is courteous to ask for permission during worship activities.

Take time to appreciate the chapel’s simple vernacular architecture and its peaceful beachside setting.

MELBOURNE BEACH COMMUNITY CHAPEL WEBSITE

---

---