The Chapel was borne in the summer of 1981, but it’s foundation was laid in 1971 when two young men would meet at The Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
Bill Lewis would go on to serve in the regular Navy, but run into trouble with a drinking problem. However, the hand of God would deliver him, and the Navy would transfer him to an ice breaker in the Antarctic. Bill was an avid reader and one day someone left a Bible on his bunk. This changed Bill’s life and in the process, changed many, many lives.
John on the other hand, was commissioned as a U.S. Navy Chaplin, and due to his exceptional talent, he rose through the ranks and held many high ranking posts including Chaplin at the Naval Academy.
The Vietnam war broke out and John felt the calling to be with the young Marines in battle. He would tell many stories of comforting young Marines as they took their last breath. John received a Purple Heart for wounds received there.
John’s last duty station was Naval Base, Mayport, FL. Since he was a avid golfer a friend told him about Sawgrass Country Club.
Little did he know that God’s hand was about to change his life again.
Bill Lewis was also a member and they bumped into to each other in the parking lot. Bill was working for Fellowship of Christian Athletes and was holding Bible studies every Sunday morning at the Sawgrass Beach Club. He said, “John, I have the rest of your career all lined up.” That was 1984, and as John started preaching, the congregation began to grow.
Services would be non-denominational, casual and start Sunday mornings at 7:30 A.M., a time specifically designed not to conflict with other religious commitments.
In that vein there was no offering taking, since there were no operating expenses. The Sawgrass Country Club was generous and let us use their facilities and Bill and John didn’t accept a salary, so wasn’t a need for a collection. But as the congregation grew, the need grew for the Chapel to become an official nonprofit Church, so any donations could be a tax deduction. In keeping with the relaxed and non-threatening atmosphere a little green box was set at the rear of the Chapel and donations were voluntary.
God’s hand has been on the Chapel and has blessed us with a giving heart, and with this generosity the Chapel has enriched the community and missions around the world.
One of our biggest recipients was Habitat for Humanity, not only did the Chapel fund dozens of houses, but furnished the labor as men and women from the Chapel volunteered their time and effort to build them. Habitat for Humanity was so grateful for the Chapel’s gifts that they named a street “Sawgrass Chapel Way.”
Jesus said feed the hungry and clothe the needy and carry the gospel to the ends of the Earth, and we are doing just that. We support Mission House, with not only funds but with our volunteers.
Gordon Conwell Seminary, and many many, more Missions around the world, from the Far East to Latin America, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is being preached. The Chapel has a rich history with the PGA TOUR , through John’s work with FCA, he started Breakfast with the Pros, which invited young high school golfers and their coaches for breakfast with one of the TPC pros, who would share his belief in Jesus Christ to the young men.
Through John’s ministry with the PGA tour and his warm connection to Barbara and Jack Nicholas, they would host a Pro-Am tournament at Jack’s golf course in West Palm Beach, which raised money for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Through John’s connections with the PGA Tour, the Chapel was invited to hold Sunday Church Services on the 18th hole at TPC, with one of the players sharing their story of faith.
Bill and John are no longer with us, but the mission they built lives on every Sunday morning, where we sing God’s praises and hear Gospel of our Savior. Won’t you join us and be part of the Chapel history at Sawgrass?
By the Grace of God and the continued generosity of our congregation and the Sawgrass Country Club, the Chapel will continue to be a blessing to all.
