History of the United Methodist Church of Coral Gables

The charter for this congregation – then called the Coral Gables Methodist Episcopal Church, South – was signed on July 27, 1926, by 99 members. How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! (Psalm 84:1) In God’s will, these far-sighted believers gathered to profess their faith and venture forth in establishing a new church community committed to walking in God’s light. Let this be written for a future generation, that people not yet created may praise the Lord. (ps. 102:18).

The Apostle Paul urged the early Christians to bear one another’s burdens and fulfill the law of Christ. Countless millions over the years have taken seriously the words of Psalm 78: O my people, hear my teachings, listen to the words of my mouth. We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.

In that summer of 1926, a small group of soon-to-be members met in a home, still standing, at 1206 Capri Street. Coral Gables was experiencing a boom that reflected the prosperity of the industrial revolution and the exuberance of the roaring twenties.

The First Sunday service of the newly chartered church was held in a vacant store building at the corner of Navarre and Ponce de Leon. The hurricane later that year devastated the community, but God’s people continued to worship.

The congregation moved to the Coral Gables Elementary School, to the Congregational Church, to the Fire Department, and then to the American Legion Building, among others.

Early Places of Worship

The first parsonage at 605 Alcazar Avenue was completed at the end of 1927. Unable to make monthly payments, the church had to return the property to the mortgage company in 1929.

With the onset of the depression, a sense of discouragement had settled upon the small congregation. They even considered abandoning the charge. It was only after much prayer and deliberation that the commitment to continue was made. Through the years, the Coral Gables Methodist Episcopal Church South, faced many trials and hardships.

It was in 1931 that the congregation dreamed of having a permanent home. Despite the depression and adversity, those early members were determined to build a church that might fulfill Christ’s mandate. “Let you light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Mat. 5:16)

This love and devotion for Christ and the great commission – to go into the world and preach the gospel – has provided the framework that has enabled the building of a church, both in spirit and in structure.

Founders Hall

View of the Segovia, Coral Way, and Hernando blocks

Mindful of God’s faithfulness, by the mid-thirties a mood of new optimism led to the construction of Sunday School facilities build around the patio area. The number of children had by then grown to nearly 100. By the mid-forties, with the congregation now numbering 375 members, the “Social Hall” was built. It became known as the “ Welcome Center,” and is today our lovely Head Center. Membership was over 900 by the late forties and Sunday School classes were overflowing. Additional offices and classrooms, now known as Segovia Hall, were added on the south side of the sanctuary. The church hired its first church hostess, establishing what would come to be a ministry of hospitality, food, and fellowship. The Sanctuary was enlarged in the late forties to accommodate the growing number of worshipers. During that same time, our beautiful chapel was constructed.

During the post-war era of the early fifties, the membership continued its strong growth. With the need for continuing outreach to an active community, six additional lots were purchased for future expansion, now allowing the church property to extend from Segovia to Hernando along Coral Way.

The educational building now known as the Children’s building, was completed in 1951 at the then staggering cost of $100,000.

Thoughts were turning to the building of a new sanctuary, so between 1951 and the early 60’s, the remainder of the physical property of the church was purchased, including the lots of the North side of Coral Way. After three years of praying, planning, and preparation, a new sanctuary was completed, dedicated to the glory of God and comfortably accommodating the growing congregation. The first services were held in the new sanctuary in Easter Sunday in 1955, for a membership which had already reached nearly 2,300. To accommodate the thousands of children, youth and adults who have studied God’s word in this place, a new educational building, now known as the hanger Building, was completed in 1967.

The magnificent structure has served God for almost fifty years. It was beautifully renovated in 1993. If the walls could talk they would many stories of faith, love, and service.

As our story has unfolded, we have looked at how the physical church has grown. This is important because the church has provided the setting for people to come together to worship, to study, to gather for fellowship, for weddings, for baptisms, and memorial services. It has provided a place and a focus for sharing joys and bearing one another’s burdens.

Pastors of the First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables
Senior Ministers

Rev. Philip Trigg 1926-27

Rev. J.P. Philips 1927-28

Rev. D.B. Sargent 1928-30

Rev. Robert J. Armour 1930-31

Rev. O. Alton Murphy 1931-35

Rev. J.E. Waller 1936-40

Rev. Carlock Hawk 1940-44

Rev. J.H. Daniel 1944-50

Dr. Lewis Head 1950-61

Dr. John H. Hanger 1961-65

Dr. Melton Ware 1965-69

Rev. David Scoates 1969-76

Rev. Walter N. Kalaf 1976-81

Rev. Riley P. Short 1981-92

Rev. John Hires 1992-95

Rev. Albert G. Blomquist 1995-01

Rev. John W. Harrington 2001-03

Rev. Thom Shafer 2003-