50 YEARS’ ANNIVERSARY

Newly retired from Massachusetts, UCC minister Rev. Dr. Robert Bartlett and his wife Theresa had friends in their new Naples home to discuss the possibility of a church in the area. Rev. Dr. Bartlett, and Dr. Frederick Nelson served as the founding ministers.

As the idea of a congregation developed, partnerships were formed with Plymouth Congregational UCC in Miami, the Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ and the UCC Board for Homeland Ministries. Former UCC staff member for church extension, Rev. Purd Dietz, helped coordinate the partnerships.

With 14 others, Rev. Bartlett and Rev. Purd Dietz covenanted to form the congregation. The first service was February 18 in the Naples Women’s Club. Rev. Dr. Frederick Nelson was called as the first pastor. Shortly after, the first choir was formed, setting the foundation for a stellar music ministry at NUCC.

On March 18, at a special worship service, 104 Charter Members signed the new charter for the United Church of Naples.

Seven lots were purchased for $80,000. The UCC Florida Conference purchased the land and helped sponsor a $172,000 church building loan. Shortly after, a contract was approved to build a church building and a Fellowship Hall for a total price of $220,351. That same year, the Bargain Box, a thrift store run by the congregation, was opened.

The building was complete in February 1976 and the congregation worshiped in its new space. In April, founding minister Dr. Nelson retired and one month later the Rev. Dr. Richard Mapes was called to serve as minister.

In February, the first Church Bazaar was held. For over 40 years, the bazaar was a major event that involved hundreds of folks organizing, preparing, serving, and cleaning up. While the bazaar’s stated purpose was to raise funds for the mission and ministries of the church, it also helped form long-lived friendships.

As the new decade began, the congregation had grown enough to need two worship services in season. The congregation also began a tradition of helping educate future ministers by having seminary students serve as interns. Scott Martin, Bill Rishel and Evonne Grosskopf were among the early interns.

As the congregation continued to grow, it contracted to build an addition that included classrooms and church offices. It also adopted the name Naples United Church of Christ. Rev. Dr. Richard Mapes became involved in Collier County public education and race relations.

The congregation opened a nursery school three mornings a week. Dr. Mapes and his wife Marianne were instrumental in developing the new program that served as a community outreach and service since inception.

In just a decade since the building was constructed, the congregation had retired its debt and enjoyed continued growth in membership.

There were 430 active members in 1987 and Rev. David Charles Smith was called as the first full-time Associate Minister, serving until Dr. Mapes retired in May 1991. Rev. Gordon Svoboda served as Interim Assistant Minister during this time.

The Rev. Woodrow Hasty was called as Interim Senior Minister. Rev. Hal Davenport was called as Assistant Minister in October 1992.

Church membership reached 700. The Rev. Dr. Leslie C. Wicker was called as senior minister.

The church celebrated its 25th anniversary.

The United Methodist congregation that shared the corner property with NUCC moved to another location in Naples. NUCC purchased the property and extended its ministry again.

With the help of architect and NUCC member Darrell Seibert, the church was redesigned with a newly conceived entrance, a much-enlarged sanctuary and a re-purposed Gates Chapel.

Dr. Wicker resigned. Rev. Dr. Richard Nye was called as the Interim Senior Minister and was joined by Rev. Hasty and Rev. Davenport.

Rev. Dr. Ron Patterson became Senior Minister. He is well remembered for saying, 'You get the mission right and all else follows.' Under his leadership, the congregation’s mission work grew exponentially, and membership grew to more than 1200.

Rev. Luvvy Kovacik joined NUCC as assistant Minister.

Rev. Davenport retired, the choir traveled to Paris to sing at Cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris, and the first Blessing of the Animals service was held.

Plans were submitted for a new music building. A large gift was given toward the construction of Beverly Hall, which houses the music library and a perfect acoustic concert venue.

The congregation made formal its commitment to be an Open and Affirming congregation, embracing diversity and affirming the worth of every person regardless of background or orientation.

Dr. Taylor was installed as Senior Minister. He was the congregation’s first openly gay pastor.

Rev. Drs. David and Deb Kaiser-Cross were called to join the ministry team as Executive Minister and Minister for Congregational Care respectively.

Wesley Snedeker, a member of the congregation, became the first person to be ordained at NUCC. He enjoyed the support of the congregation while in Seminary.

Rev. Angela Wells-Bean was called to be the Minister of Congregational Care during the pandemic. She is the first pastor in the church’s history to have young children while serving Naples UCC.

Rev. Dr. David Greenhaw was called to serve as Interim Senior Minister following the departure of Dr. Taylor.

Naples United Church of Christ celebrates its 50th Year, strong and thriving, ready for another exciting 50 years!