History of Jekyll Community Presbyterian Church

Upon hearing of the state's plans to develop Jekyll Island as a year-round resort, the Rev. Robert McBath minister of Brunswick's First Presbyterian Church, expressed his dream of a church on Jekyll. Interested residents and various church bodies approved For a short period in the summer of 1958, a seminary student, Robert D. Taylor, conducted services in Faith Chapel He was followed on a more permanent basis by Dr. Gillespie, a recent retiree from St Simons Presbyterian Church, who continued the Presbyterian services at Faith Chapel. By April 9, 1961, with 36 charter members, Jekyll Presbyterian Community Church was declared "organized" by the Presbytery. Due to health problems, Dr. Gillespie resigned and, a month later, Dr. David E. Boozer became our Pastor.

During Dr. Boozer's term with us, another 35 members were added and ground was broken for our Sanctuary. On April 27, 1963, Robert McBath, the man who dreamed of our Jekyll church, conducted the first service in the completed Sanctuary. We continue to express our gratitude for the vision and perseverance of Dr. Boozer and our founding members.

Following Dr. Boozer's six years of service, Dr. Shedd became our Pastor on Easter 1968. His presence led to increased membership and the Mission Parlor was enlarged to answer our needs. We cannot fail to mention appreciation for the extra income that came to us from the sale of Dr. Shedd's books. His generosity greatly aided our church in becoming self-supporting.

Almost nine years later, Dr. Donald Fehr became our pastor in February 1976. The church membership continued to grow with two morning services being conducted during the winter months. This increase in numbers began to reverse in the mid 1990's as original members moved to life-care residential centers.

 With Dr. Fehr's retirement in June 1995, Dr. Alan Baroody became our pastor until September 2001. During Dr. Baroody's tenure, Dr. Fehr was named Pastor Emeritus of this island church. While searching for a new permanent pastor, Session called the Rev. Sally Lorey to serve as Interim from October 2001 to October 2002. Our present Pastor, Dr. Richard Grice, a retired Army Chaplain, arrived October 2002 and is carrying on the many traditions of 'service to the community" established by his predecessors. This commitment to service remains strong. We are "alive and well".