Church History

The Lake Helen Congregational Church was founded in 1887. It was the first church to be built to accommodate the spiritual needs of the people of a new city. The ten organizing men and women wished to worship according to the “Congregational Way.”

On April 8, 1888, the doors to the new church were opened. Architect J.P. Mace was hired to construct the building on the pine covered lot at the corner of Euclid and Main Street. Mr. Mace was the first mayor of Lake Helen and a member of this congregation. The cost, including the spire, was $2,850. The church’s gingerbread trim is reminiscent of New England. The building not only served as a place of worship, but also as a public meeting place. 

During the summer of 2001, in keeping with its architectural style, the church interior was refurbished.  Walls and ceilings were repainted and carpeting was laid. The original wooden “theater type” seats were removed and replaced with cushioned oak pews. Most of the wooden seats were donated to the Lake Helen City Hall for their auditorium.

Originally gold leaf stenciling, just above the chair rail, enhanced the sanctuary. Over the years it disappeared under layers of paint. As a finishing touch a wallpaper border similar in pattern to the stenciling was placed above the chair rail…thus completing the refurbishing.

A family of pileated woodpeckers made a home and raised a family in our steeple in 2016. Once they moved on repairs were made and the roof was replaced with a metal roof that — we hope — will keep the woodpeckers away.

In 2022-23 the church roof was replaced; necessary repairs were made to the exterior of the building and it was repainted in the original white color; the stained glass windows were cleaned and refurbished.