Catholic Church [in Flagler Beach]

From: A New Beginning: A Picturesque History of Flagler Beach, Florida, by Catherine P. Wickline Wilson, 1998, page 68.

St. Mary's church in Korona was the only Catholic church in the county for many years and parishioners had to travel there from Bunnell and Flagler Beach to attend church services. The property for the present day site of the Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church was purchased in 1954 from Claude G.Varn, an attorney from St. Augustine at a cost of $14,000. Mr. Yarn then donated an additional eight acres to the seventeen acre parcel.

The first mass was celebrated on April 24, 1966 in a building located at AlA and North 7th Street. This property was owned by Mr. & Mrs. Tom Carmody who were parishioners. The building had been vacant for some time and was in need of much renovation. Stained-glass paper was applied to the windows, a wooden altar was constructed, pews were donated by the Lady of Good Council Church in Bakersville, a large crucifix from Germany was installed on the wall and a sign signifying the building as The Blessed Sacrament Chapel was erected. Thus Fr. Antonio Leon celebrated the first Mass. This Chapel could seat as many as sixty people.

The first church building was constructed in 1970, and on October 11th of that year the first mass was offered in the new sanctuary. It was noted that about forty people attended the dedication ceremony.

Growth was constant and by 1978 two masses were held each weekend. This building had a spacious hall in the rear which provided for social activities and classroom space for religious instruction. Since then the Church has added more space in the overall building.

Fr. Thomas Cody came to the area in 1974 and served this church until 1979 when Fr. Roland Julien came and he served until 1980. Fr. Anthony Sebra was transferred to the church and was there until 1990. During the tenure of Fr. Sebra the church underwent many changes during a three year period. A parking lot was added and a garage was built. Stained-glass windows were acquired for the door and a recreation area was created behind the church. Fr. Sebra transferred to Lake City in 1990 and the parish welcomed Fr. John O'Flaherty who serves to date [1998].

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