In the years before the founding of Naples United Church of Christ, a retired Congregational minister, Dr. Robert Bartlett dreamed of what was to become our congregation. His dream became a reality when he was joined by Dr. Purd Dietz.  Dr. Dietz (a retired pastor and executive of the Evangelical and Reformed Church, the author of the hymn, “We Would Be Building,” and later an executive with the United Church of Christ) came to Naples to assist Dr. Bartlett in the initial feasibility studies. Twenty-seven people gathered for worship on February 13, 1972, with Dr. Dietz preaching, and over the next eight months the numbers grew to the point where the group decided to call Dr. Fredrick N. Nelson, who had retired from a church in Boca Raton, to become the first minister. Then on March 13, 1973, 104 people signed the Charter to become the Naples United Church of Christ.

Dr. Nelson retired again in 1976, but before he did, the church bought three acres of land at the corner of Crayton Road and Seagate Drive for $80,000. In March 1975, a special dinner raised $140,000 for the construction of a new sanctuary at a cost of $230,000. The first service in the new Sanctuary was held on February 1, 1976.

In 1982 the building was expanded by 40 percent at a cost of $333,000. The Church grew steadily. It became evident by the middle of the nineties that more land and a larger Sanctuary were needed.

The adjacent property, owned by the North Naples United Methodist Church, became available. A congregational meeting on January 24, 1999 approved the purchase for $2,225,000. A building committee was organized to develop plans to enlarge the sanctuary. Of utmost importance was the need to retain the exterior dimensions of the New England-style building, while doubling the size of the Sanctuary.

Another congregational meeting on April 9, 2000 approved plans for building alterations at an estimated cost of $2,375,000, and the first services were held in the new 650-seat sanctuary on June 30, 2002.

In 2003 the Church received a new Senior Minister, Dr. Ron Patterson. In 2005, our Associate Pastor Catherine O’Connell was ordained and received into our Church. The membership continues to grow under their dynamic leadership. There also has been an outstanding professional staff and a dedicated group of volunteers. The commitment to mission is a strong and a continuing hallmark of our congregation.

2005 brought the installation of our magnificent Schantz organ.

With the growing membership, space became limited and the need for additional space was evident. Plans were submitted for new Church offices, a music building, and the renovation of Nelson Hall. In 2007, a special meeting of the congregation voted to go ahead with the proposed recommendation of the Building Committee and authorized a capital campaign entitled “Complete the Dream.” The plan for growth and improvement of facilities turned into reality in 2008. Construction began on administrative offices, a new music building (Beverly Hall), new meeting rooms and classrooms (Nelson Hall), and a lovely Gathering Place between the three buildings.

Construction was completed in 2009 and a formal dedication of our beautiful new campus took place in January 2010.

We covenant one with another to seek and respond to the word and will of God. We propose to walk together in the ways of the Lord, made known and to be made known to us. Wed hold it to be the mission of the Church to witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the entire world, worshipping God, and striving for truth, justice, and peace. As did our forebearers, we depend on the Holy Spirit to lead and empower us. We pray for the coming of the Kingdom of God, and we look with faith toward the triumph of righteousness and eternal life.