Chapel reopens to worshippers for Sunday services

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CAPTIVA CHAPEL BY THE SEA Captiva Chapel by the Sea Music Director Lynne Dugan and guest violinist Rachel Cox.

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CAPTIVA CHAPEL BY THE SEA The Captiva Chapel by the Sea on Captiva had to be lifted and leveled due to Hurricane Milton.

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CAPTIVA CHAPEL BY THE SEA Since the season started in November, outdoor services had faced the porch of the chapel minister's office, which served as the alter.

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The Captiva Chapel by the Sea reported that like many other structures on Southwest Florida’s barrier islands, its historical building has endured the buffeting of hurricanes over the past three years.

It has not been able to use the space for worship since Hurricane Milton moved the 120-year-old structure off the foundation cinder blocks in October. The Rev. Dr. Doug Dortch and the chapel board employed contractors to “lift and level” the chapel building and electricity was recently restored.

On March 30, the structure reopened to worshippers for its regular Sunday service.

The chapel noted that the pews only seat about 90 people. So, some of the 200-plus normal attendees will use the outdoor seating, which has been the only option since the season started in November.

It added that its “online congregation” has grown over the last few years. The chapel is working with its video provider, Bright Ideas Media, to ensure that its Facebook Live broadcasts are operational.

Its traditional attendance of close to 1,000 worshippers is anticipated for its Easter Sunday service on April 20. Attendees are advised to plan ahead, come early and be prepared for parking challenges.

DONATION SUCCESS

At the end of February, the chapel provided an update on its post-storm Recovery Campaign.

“The chapel has benefited by the spontaneous donations by many, but these past few months have seen extraordinary donations,” officials reported. “Recently, two large gifts and a challenge grant have enabled the chapel to exceed the $500,000 mark in collections for the recovery fund.”

A challenge grant matching for $80,000 in November was achieved in about two weeks.

Bank of the Islands founders, President Robbie Roepstorff and Chief Executive Officer Geoff Roepstorff, provided the donation to kick off the Recovery Campaign as the chapel began its season. Another large donor was The Pine Rock Foundation, which partners with other organizations.

“The chapel board is in awe of our congregation’s kindness and caring in our time of need,” officials reported.

For more information, visit https://www.captivachapel.com/ or follow on Facebook.

The Captiva Chapel by the Sea is at 11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva.