Don’s Rambles: The Historic Congregational Church
In Which A Former Mayor Continues To Seek The Soul Of The City
The Oxford English Dictionary defines “soul” as “the spiritual, immortal element” of the entity under examination — in this case Coral Gables. Thus, if we are searching for our community’s soul, where better to look than in a house of worship, especially the church founded by our city’s creator, George Merrick.
Therefore, my ongoing ramble (note: several pairs of shoes have been expended) takes me to the Congregational United Church of Christ, which is located directly across the street from George’s other grand creation, the Biltmore Hotel. The church was our city’s first building in public use (providing a home for UM graduations and City Commission meetings) and, along with the neighboring hotel, was the center of Merrick’s biblically inspired vision of a “shining city on a hill.” (See: Isiah, Matthew, and, somewhat later, Ronald Reagan.)
The church is busy preparing to celebrate (with a festive dinner-dance gala) the 100th anniversary of its first gathering held down the street at the home of George Merrick.
Michael Maxwell, a member of our city’s Historic Preservation Board and parishioner, relates that “the church had 61 charter members, including George and his mother, Althea. They continued to meet in the Columbus Boulevard house until the current building was dedicated in 1925 on land donated by the Merricks. Early on, the church began its community outreach by providing food and shelter for displaced families following the horrific hurricane of 1926.”
Now, nearly one hundred years later, the church is a bustling place of religious services, community events, social gatherings, and activities in support of societal causes (for example, organizing a march across town to Books & Books in opposition to the banning of books).
The Senior Pastor, The Rev. Dr. Laurie Hafner, came to the entrance to welcome this weary traveler (having braved another tropical downpour).
Rev. Hafner has faithfully served the congregation here for the past 17 years. “There is something special about this place,” she commented during our interview. “It’s in the walls and in the hearts of its people. It’s a love for one another and the community which it serves. You will find the congregation not just in the pews but venturing beyond the confines of the building in an effort to bring justice, hope, and peace to all.”
Since 1949, the Congregational United Church of Christ has been the home of the “Early Childhood Center,” providing high-quality, play-based education for children aged 18 months through kindergarten. This top-rated program is under the direction of Brooke Bagnall-Koger, whose husband is a professor at the University of Miami. Additionally, the church houses Mark Hart’s “Community Arts Program” which provides youth participants with innovative musical experiences and presents an annual summer performance series of world-renowned artists.
Finally, residents can visit the church to shop at the “Miami Fair Trade Marketplace” which supports artisans in over 30 developing countries by purchasing indigenous products made under safe working conditions.
As I bid a fond farewell, Rev. Laurie concludes our conversation with this observation: “One of the gifts of the church is its commitment to hospitality. As we say every time we meet, ‘No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.’ And the best part is we truly mean it.”
I have certainly meandered into a sacred place that truly exhibits a meaningful portion of our community’s soul.
MORE: Don’s Rambles — Visiting Althea Fink Merrick
This column appears monthly by Don Slesnick, who served as mayor of Coral Gables from 2001 to 2011. If you wish to reach him with suggestions on where he should next meander in search of the city’s soul, email donslesnick@scllp.com.