A Brief History
During the summer of 1990, volunteers from area Methodist churches canvassed a substantial portion of southwest Cape Coral to determine if there was interest in a new church start.
Organizational meetings were conducted by Reverend Stephen Hartsfield and his wife Jill. The church was named Hope United Methodist and the first service was held in September, 1990 at Mariner High School. February 10, 1991 57 new members were enrolled as charter members,
In April 1991, the church moved to a store-front location at 3816 Chiquita Boulevard. Volunteers partitioned the space into a sanctuary, meeting room and restrooms. In June of that year, a Building Committee was formed, chaired by Art Lipman. The Church District had purchased a 5.4 acre site at 2006 Chiquita Boulevard at an earlier time, so an architect and engineer were retained and the planning began.
Reverend Doug Swan and his wife Mary arrived in July, 1993. Planning, design, bid opening and ground-breaking ceremony took place by March 1994. Woody Woodward, doing business as Vulpine Construction, was the contractor. Woody did a great deal of work that was not part of his contract and there was also much work done by members of the congregation. The first service in the new building was held in November 1994.
Since occupying the building the church has been served by these ministers:
- Rev. David Quick and Nancy June 1995 – December 1996
- Rev. Ken Blitch and Tina — December 1996 – June 2001
- Rev. Cherie Chapman — July 2001 – June 2004
- Rev. Tammy Gray and Robert — July 2004 – June 2006
- Rev. Lee Carnahan and Marilyn — July 2006 – March 2011
- Rev. Christine Holden and James — July 2011 – July 2012
- Rev. Lori Cotten and Ralph — September 2012 – April 2014
- Rev. Robert “Bob” Wall and Gerri — April 2014 – June 2015
- Pastor Paul Kisner and Dawn — July 2015 – Present
The annex (modular building) was added in 2003 and the church suffered major water and wind damage in 2004 from Hurricane Charley. A 50’ X 50’ tent was erected in the parking lot from Christmas 2004 until Easter 2005 while the church building was repaired.