I love a historic church and I discovered this beauty right on Lincoln Road. Built in 1921 on land donated by Carl Fisher, this is the oldest church in Miami Beach. During Christmastime 1919, Developer Carl Fisher and his wife Jane were strolling down a path through the mangroves that Fisher would turn into Lincoln Road. Jane thought the community needed a church to which Fisher replied" Where in the hell do you want your church." Jane told her husband to choose the site and he stuck a stick on the ground and told her this was as good a place as any. In 2017 the church underwent a 3 million dollar restoration. Everything from the foundation on up had to be reinforced. All new lighting, electric, and a sound system were also added. In order to pay for the work the church agreed lease to a clothing retail establishment a corner of the church courtyard. For years the courtyard was the site of bake sales, church functions, and holiday decorations and the decision to lease was a controversial one. Other money to work on the front of the church was obtained through a state grant. On October 10, 2021, the church celebrated its 100th anniversary. Sunday service is offered at 10:30 AM in the sanctuary led by Pastor Cynthia Lee, only the 5th pastor to have ever served at the church. She is the first woman and the first person of color to lead the ministry. I am a fan 1920's architecture from Florida's land boom years. I love how ornate the church is and when I got to visit, it was all decked out for Christmas. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. It was fun to spot this Mediterranean Revival architecture among the Art Deco gems on Lincoln Road. read more

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You dont really expect to see a chgurch in Lincoln road - as you walk along shopping etc, but there is one, approximately half way along. Here is some information I found out about it - The Miami Beach Community Church was built in 1921 on land donated by Carl Fisher fronts Lincoln Road on the corner where it intersects with Drexel Avenue. Apparently it is Miami beachs first and oldest church! It has recebntl been restored - Sosa, a former chair of the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board, emphasized this was a "true restoration, not renovation" that includes modern technology. "All new lighting, all new electrical, and all new sound system," he said. "We really have the best of all worlds... a restoration that Carl Fisher and founders would have been proud of with a sanctuary that's fit for the next century." The façade restoration was funded through a $175,000 grant from the State. That funding allowed the porch to be brought back to the original sidewalk level, along with the full restoration of the terracotta façade and other architectural details, according to Sosa. The interior work cost nearly $3 million which came from church funds, most of it from a deposit on a multi-year lease for a future retail center adjacent to the church in a corner courtyard. The church entered into the agreement when it was in a "dire" financial position six years ago, Sosa said. Similar to other churches, he said a combination of demographic changes, and increased expenses led the Miami Beach Community Church to look for options. "We are on Lincoln Road. We are the City's urban church. We love that but with that comes a lot of financial challenges." read more

Miami Beach Community Church - Churches Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

You know... this church really isn't a fancy church, as it is in need of some fixing-up. But there are plans already underway in fixing this issue. And yes, sometimes there's shady, and even clueless, people showing up for the service because to its location on Lincoln Road. Sometimes it can be easy to find things that takes away from the church's charm. But after coming for a while, and getting to know the "regulars," it has become more and more evident, at least to my eyes, that there's many devout and loving people trying to put the spokes and axles into the wheels of the church while pushing it forward into the future. Seeing their dedication, and while maintaining their open understanding and communication with others around them, was enough for me to know that this is a church worth belonging to. It is this kind of labor of love, and dedication, that tells me that this is a church worth belonging to. And so this has become a church I call home. Just so you know, this is a "traditional" church for those who are socially progressive. They strive to welcome all types and kinds of people without discrimination - while further believing and supporting the noble notion that the Christian bible, and its messages, likewise do not support the discrimination we often hear regarding social issues. To practice what it preaches is a tough thing to do. And such open thinking allows the church to open itself to forming a likeable community that makes it enjoyable to be of a part, which is what churches are for in the first place. Otherwise, we all could just pray at home. And I also really like the contemporary service geared toward Millenials on Sunday evenings - with excellent music that is often sung by people who works in the Opera (but with more contemporary songs). Miami Beach Community Church, you're on the right track. Thank you! read more

What a beautiful congregation. It has been many years since I attended Sunday service and I am glad I did this past Sunday. Pastor Cynthia Lee was absolutely wonderful in her sermon and the church was very welcoming. I was afraid I would feel out of place in a new church but that was hardly my feeling. There seemed to be a good mix of regular attendees and tourists. If you have a chance to visit I highly recommend. I couldn't imagine why you would not like this church. You will walk out feeling more in tune with the world and yourself! read more

Miami Beach Community Church - Churches Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

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There is an angel singing in the church,her name is Laura Martinez Leon Even if you don't believe in God you will change your mind by listening to her. Equally the pastor sermon is uplifting,warm and simply beautiful. I was on vacation in Miami and I felt at home. read more

I was looking for a new fellowship to try this morning and came across this...painful. I read through and was glad to see Joshua is allowed a voice. Happy to see someone I haven't met, Mindy, speaking clearly and truly on issues in depth and another gentleman who simply seemed to not want to engage with the whole mess but understood all the deception and plain yuckiness. To Ken S. You HAVE ABSOLUTELY 'seen' me! For a decade now - first in sanctuary and the kitchen and grounds, later laughing in the secretary's office while folding papers together, you were my first born's godfather! And the only person who has to this day babysat him other than blood family. I see you on the street with my family to this day and have seen you at church. Admittedly you have turned your heel at my approach every time since I came to you, not understanding what was happening and asked if we could 'make up' and the last thing you said to me as you walked away was something akin to 'you don't have any class,' leaving me speechless, but look at my photo! You certainly know me. And you knew Joshua at LEAST by sight, and might remember I introduced him to you. Why the continued silliness? I understand now as does J, that the contract to lease/give away property willed not just by my husband and others but by Sir Carl himself had been made with the developers and we had to be rid of, so we were naive. But you know us. Alex, so many congregations celebrate the love between you and your husband - and so many people do - test some waters, I promise there are other places you can be your full self and worship and enjoy fellowship. I wish you and yours the best. Mindy, so good to read others speaking up. Few will, even now. I wish more would come forward. I wish I myself had the energy to write about how the plans were pushed through the city reviews despite misdeeds and the property plowed down to dirt. And to the many reviewers starting by saying they are new...how do you feel now? Are you apprised of the annual budget and attending board meetings, voicing concerns? Is there a SAFE place for children and families? Have you left a review and gone? Sigh. Sadness. I pray for everyone there...disagreements and bad feelings aside...I wish all the best and love. I will see some of you at service if you acknowledge me...but today up north for church! read more

Miami Beach Community Church - The desolation where once there was peace and beauty. Years and no progress, only destruction. - Churches Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

This is the most welcoming community church in Miami! Pastor Lee and her staff radiate kindness and bring a powerful message of love and healing and miracles each week. We are so grateful we found our church home! I highly recommend this church filled with love and acceptance to anyone looking. read more

This church hosts the H.O.P.E. event on the first Saturday of every other month.

A member of the UCC that uses Miami Beach Community Church as a platform isn't bringing people in but sending them away. Every program from a Spanish integrated service to more family and children's events denied. Working to bring the community and the church together under one God for all religions...where has it gone? When the truth keeps being removed it raises the questions of what is really being hidden from the community about a church that was given to them by Carl Fisher. A beautiful piece of property for the people by a founding father who left a will for it to remain for the people of Miami Beach. Now that will is being nullified to build a retail building at the cost of $100 million dollars....is it necessary? Since my story was removed from Yelp once, I expect it to be removed again....money does motivate. Ann R. a former member also felt what I did and her story is still up so have a look at the truth...11 - 2012. Still waiting for the world to change and waiting for truth and integrity to find its way into the doors of United Church of Christ that manages the Miami Beach Community Church. The youth...the future...where are they? The truth...no one is talking about it. The message... Leviticus 19:11 If you don't know love then you don't know God...for God is Love! Why isn't the church full when there are thousands of visitors flowing into Miami? Where is the welcome for "ALL" people? When did God incorporate? read more

This church is one of the few on Miami Beach. It is utterly beautiful and a great place to be religious. Their service is nice and the people that come there are pleasant. Great place to worship if afterwards you want to walk to a restaurant for lunch. read more

What a hidden gem! If you are visiting or here for good, make sure you take the time to stop in here! God is still speaking!

They keep the doors open on Lincoln ave so that people (tourists and locals) can walk in out of the heat and simply sit in the quiet cool of the sanctuary during the day. That in and of itself is a gift. But the whole church seems to run that way. They feed people who are hungry. They visit people who are sick. They do those things that guy Jesus said to do. Remember him? What a radical idea. read more

I'm amazed of some of the bad comments on this page. I have not received anything but amazing treatment and a warm welcoming from MBCC and all of its members. I have personally seen how the church has been involved in trying to help as many people in Miami Beach as they possibly can, from personal issues to feeding the homeless. A very open and welcoming community for all of us to enjoy. read more

This is a wonderful church to be a part of as you are challenged every week to be a better person. The new minister has grown ministries and is dedicated to serving the congregation and community. As a member for 12 years, I take offense to the 2 negative reviews since there is no Joshua who is a member of the church nor have I ever seen the person who posted the second comment. Join us on a Saturday night at 6 pm or Sunday morning at 10:30 am and come to your own conclusion. read more

I have found Pastor Thompson to be inspirational. He takes the the time to minister to me personally, even though there are many in the congregation. I feel uplifted after leaving each service. Pastor Thompson is a visionary. He deals with the real issues of the community. For example, his work with the homeless and the hungry is truly a blessing to those in need. Overall I feel that Pastor Thompson brings a ray of light into a dark world. read more

As a newer member I am baffled by the negative reviews. I feel a vibrancy and vitality that I have not before experienced. I suspect that change is difficult. I find the minister to be inspiring and have become involved in helping to further the vision of greater service to the community. People are welcoming and the service inspiring. Come see for yourself. Billie G, read more

The Miami Beach Community Church is an amazing place of worship. They are really here for the community and willing to help out those in need. read more

I will say, I should give it a try again, I will also say it was when "Garth" was there and I thought he was a bore, very over rated. It might be better now from the posts I read; in reply to "the new minister only wanting money"....they all do. Also when I was there , a few years ago, the folk there were not just unfriendly, they were uptight stuff shirts...now I am sure that not ALL of them were, but that was my overall impression; Coral Gables Congregational it is NOT. read more

I have been to this church many times with my cousin who attends regularly and all I can say is that this place is a safe and welcoming space for all people. Their stance on social justice and outreach to the homeless community in the beach is like none I have ever seen among a religious institution. They seek to live out their inclusive message of accepting by welcoming all people with this motto "No matter who you are, or where you are in life's journey, you are welcome here." I mean how many churches do you know offer that type of welcoming stance to a stranger at their door? This church to me is the real thing who seeks the true message of the gospels. As I read these negative comments, it saddens me that people who are led by them, will not get to experience this vibrant community that is a jewel in Miami Beach. I pray that this church will rise from these negative reviews and continue to give community to the people on Miami Beach and all of South Florida. God bless this church and its leadership. Amen. read more