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////////////////// GENESIS //////////////////

History

Welcome to St. Christopher’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Key Biscayne. We hope that you will join us soon for worship and for service to others, which are at the heart of our life together.

On Christmas Day, 1959, the parish’s first service was held in the Little Island Playhouse. The congregation soon moved into the building later known as the Calusa Playhouse, which it occupied until the present church came into service on Christmas Day, 1967.

The outdoor chapel and the Burton-Campbell Columbarium were built in 1976 and the present Parish Hall was added in 1987, allowing the original Parish Hall to be converted to the classrooms prayer gardenthat now house the Montessori preschool program. A new building for primary grades for the school was added in 1996, with upper elementary grades added with the completion of the second floor of the school building in 2001.A successful Capital Campaign in 2001 provided major renovations and improvements. Another fund drive in 2007 launched new gardens and other enhancements.

For the 2007 school year, a modular temporary classroom was installed to facilitate upgrading of existing facilities and to promote increased enrollment.

In 2009, the Preschool building was beautifully renovated. In 2021 we are proud to inaugurate our new state-of-the art building.

Wherever you are on your journey in faith, there is a place here for you and the people of St. Christopher’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church

Little Island Playhouse
On Christmas Day, 1959, the parish’s first service was held in the Little Island Playhouse
Calusa Playhouse
The village church of St. Christopher's By-the-Sea traces it's roots back to the wave of development on the island of Key Biscayne that followed the construction of the draw bridge and causeway connecting the island directly to the mainland in 1949.
Little Island Playhouse
Episcopalians have met for worship on the Key since 1959, first in the Little Islar Playhouse and then in a building given by Hardie Matheson which eventua became the Calusa Playhouse. Land had been secured by the Diocese it prime spot near the entrance to the Village for a purpose-built church, bi wasn't until 1966 that sufficient funds had been raised to begin construction. The first service in the new building was held on Christmas Day in 1967.
Architecture
Under the leadership of our first rector, the Rev. Richard Maholm, the distinguished Cleveland architect Richard Little was hired to design the new church. Little, a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard's School of Architecture, studied under modernist Marcel Breuer and Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius. He believed in light. clean, functional architecture that reflected a buldings surroundings and purpose. In a long and productive career, Little designed schools, hospitals, corporate headquarters, and an entire planned community, Pepper Riage, in his native Ohio, all in accordance with his beliefs about modern design and materials. Many of Little’s buildings are still in use today.
St Christopher
Given that Key Biscayne is a low-lying barrier island sandwiched between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the choice of St. Christopher - the early Christian martyr who is said to have carried an unknown child across a river only to learn on the other side that the child was, in fact, Jesus Christ - as our patron was singularly appropriate.
Safe Travel Cross
Due to his association with safe travel across the waters, St. Christopher is the patron saint of travelers-- fitting for a church where, for many years, much of the congregation consisted of seasonal winter residents.
Interior Design
The interor design incorporates many elements with marine references such as the sea-green floor made from Vermont slate and the altar and the wall behind it which are constructed of oolitic limestone, Florida's ubiquitous bedrock composed of the skeletons of billions of aquatic microorganisms.
Abstract Cross
The abstract cross hanging over the altar which evokes the form and texture of driftwood, is the work of Little's frequent collaborator, the Oklahoma sculptor Harold Castor.
Good Samaritan
He also designed the sculptures depicting the life of the Good Samaritan which support the altar rail. Castor's work can also be seen in the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, as well as the Smithsonian Institution.
Banyan tree sculpture
The pulpit features a sculpted base reminiscent of Banyan trees.
Stations of the cross
St. Christopher's was designed to be very much of one piece and the overall effect can be appreciated from many vantage points inside and out. Sitting in a pew and looking around, one notices the Stations of the Cross given in memory of Reba Tuggle at intervals along the walls in imitation of Christ's journey to Calvary
Baptismal Font
The baptismal font is an exact scale replica of the one in Coventry Cathedral in England but carved appropriately, from local coquina stone.
Baptismal Font
The baptismal font is an exact scale replica of the one in Coventry Cathedral in England but carved appropriately, from local coquina stone.
Stained Glass
The stained-glass windows were donated in memory and thanksgiving of parishioners including members of the Molt, Davies, Dennis, Di Carlo, Johnson, Wragg and Devaney families. One window was given in Thanksgiving for our Montessori School.
Stained Glass
The stained-glass windows were donated in memory and thanksgiving of parishioners including members of the Molt, Davies, Dennis, Di Carlo, Johnson, Wragg and Devaney families. One window was given in Thanksgiving for our Montessori School.
Stained Glass
The stained-glass windows were donated in memory and thanksgiving of parishioners including members of the Molt, Davies, Dennis, Di Carlo, Johnson, Wragg and Devaney families. One window was given in Thanksgiving for our Montessori School.
Furniture & Furnishings
Like any new house, a house of God required furniture and furnishings.
Furniture & Furnishings
The silver candlesticks, bowls, collection plates garden potting, pews, tables, and lecterns were all donated by parishioners from families with names including Molt, Alford, Bear, Walker, and Owen who have deep roots on the island.
Needlepoint kneelers
As Chairman of the committee of ladies who sewed the needlepoint kneelers at the altar rail, Martha Molt contributed one of the most distinctive elements in the church's design, worth a closer look. The panels on the cushions illustrate the Life of Christ from the Annunciation to His Resurrection using local flora and fauna in both a decorative and symbolic fashion. A glass display at the rear of the church explains the design and its meaning.
Needlepoint4
The grounds
Walking around the exterior, one sees the buildings of St. Christopher's Montessori School, started in 1968 and still thriving today, as well as the landscaping with native plants, our outdoor chapel and Columbarium (added in 1976), and the Parish Hall. The great brass bell that still calls the faithful to worship on Sundays was imported from a Polish Catholic Church in Pennsylvania and donated by the Owen Family. The roof design and tiles are intended to evoke the appearance of the vernacular farm buildings of the Matheson coconut plantation that once covered much of the island and in which the congregation's earliest services were held.
The outdoor chapel and Columbarium
Walking around the exterior, one sees the buildings of St. Christopher's Montessori School, started in 1968 and still thriving today, as well as the landscaping with native plants, our outdoor chapel and Columbarium (added in 1976), and the Parish Hall. The great brass bell that still calls the faithful to worship on Sundays was imported from a Polish Catholic Church in Pennsylvania and donated by the Owen Family. The roof design and tiles are intended to evoke the appearance of the vernacular farm buildings of the Matheson coconut plantation that once covered much of the island and in which the congregation's earliest services were held.
The outdoor chapel and Columbarium
Walking around the exterior, one sees the buildings of St. Christopher's Montessori School, started in 1968 and still thriving today, as well as the landscaping with native plants, our outdoor chapel and Columbarium (added in 1976), and the Parish Hall. The great brass bell that still calls the faithful to worship on Sundays was imported from a Polish Catholic Church in Pennsylvania and donated by the Owen Family. The roof design and tiles are intended to evoke the appearance of the vernacular farm buildings of the Matheson coconut plantation that once covered much of the island and in which the congregation's earliest services were held.
The outdoor chapel and Columbarium
Walking around the exterior, one sees the buildings of St. Christopher's Montessori School, started in 1968 and still thriving today, as well as the landscaping with native plants, our outdoor chapel and Columbarium (added in 1976), and the Parish Hall. The great brass bell that still calls the faithful to worship on Sundays was imported from a Polish Catholic Church in Pennsylvania and donated by the Owen Family. The roof design and tiles are intended to evoke the appearance of the vernacular farm buildings of the Matheson coconut plantation that once covered much of the island and in which the congregation's earliest services were held.
Landscaping
Although the Episcopalian community on key Biscayne has never been large, it has always been deeply engaged. In keeping with our Christian belief that, in the words of John 3:35, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another," our members participate and lead civic and charitable endeavors beyond our walls, starting with our school but extending throughout the Village and into the city of Miami where, for example, we teed the homeless at the Chapman Partnership on the first Friday of every month. If you are visiting for the first time, we invite you to appreciate our art and architecture as an aid to spiritual reflection and a reminder of God's grace and peace.
The beautiful grounds
Although the Episcopalian community on key Biscayne has never been large, it has always been deeply engaged. In keeping with our Christian belief that, in the words of John 3:35, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another," our members participate and lead civic and charitable endeavors beyond our walls, starting with our school but extending throughout the Village and into the city of Miami where, for example, we teed the homeless at the Chapman Partnership on the first Friday of every month. If you are visiting for the first time, we invite you to appreciate our art and architecture as an aid to spiritual reflection and a reminder of God's grace and peace.
The parish backview
Although the Episcopalian community on key Biscayne has never been large, it has always been deeply engaged. In keeping with our Christian belief that, in the words of John 3:35, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another," our members participate and lead civic and charitable endeavors beyond our walls, starting with our school but extending throughout the Village and into the city of Miami where, for example, we teed the homeless at the Chapman Partnership on the first Friday of every month. If you are visiting for the first time, we invite you to appreciate our art and architecture as an aid to spiritual reflection and a reminder of God's grace and peace.

Vision

Our vision is to show people Jesus.

Mission & Purpose

St. Christopher’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church and Montessori School’s vision is to be a joyous and welcoming Christ Centered Community which provides for age, gender and interest appropriate opportunities to build relationships with the Lord and each other.

////////////////// THE TEAM //////////////////

Clergy & Staff

CLERGY

The Rt. Rev. Peter Eaton, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida

The Right Reverend Peter Eaton | Bishop of Southeast Florida

The Right Reverend Peter Eaton has been the Bishop of Southeast Florida since 9 January 2016.

Bishop Eaton was elected the Bishop Coadjutor of Southeast Florida (the assistant bishop who succeeds the bishop on retirement) on 31 January 2015 at a special convention of the Diocese at Trinity Cathedral, Miami. He was ordained to the episcopate on 9 May 2015, and he became the Bishop of Southeast Florida on the retirement of the Right Reverend Leo Frade on 9 January 2016. Bishop Eaton was seated as the diocesan bishop at a special liturgy at Trinity Cathedral, Miami, on 30 January 2016. Lord Williams of Oystermouth, the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury, was the preacher.

Deacon MIguel Baguer

The Reverend Deacon Miguel Baguer| Deacon

Pastor Willie Allen-Faiella

Pastor Willie Allen-Faiella | Priest In Charge

Reverend Willie grew up in the Washington, DC area. She attended Bryn Mawr College where she majored in modern European history, received an MA in Theatre Arts from Schiller College in (then) West Berlin, and her M.Div from the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. Before entering seminary she served as the (civilian) director of a performing arts program at an American Army base near Pisa, Italy. There she met her husband Chris; they have been married for almost 44 years and have two children: Christopher (Kit) and Sophia who live in DC and NYC respectively.

Before coming to Miami in 2001 to serve as rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and Day School in Coconut Grove, Rev Willie served as the assistant rector of Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill in Alexandria, Virginia, and as rector (for ten years) of Trinity Church, Gulph Mills in suburban Philadelphia. She retired from St. Stephen’s in March 2023.

Rev Willie and Chris, who works for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, enjoy traveling, discovering new restaurants, and their cat Tux. They are both looking forward to being with the St. Christopher’s community where Rev Willie will be serving as part-time Priest in Charge. In addition to Sunday services she will be in the office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (which includes the Wednesday school service). Please stop by the office any time and introduce yourself.

STAFF

John Barrow Director of Music and Liturgy

John M. Barrow
Director of Music

Cecilia Braham, Administrator

Cecilia Braham Administrator

Daniela Pinto, Human Resources

Daniela Pinto
Human Resources

Guido Mora Maintenance

Guido Mora
Maintenance

 

Santos Martinez Custodian

Santos Martinez
Custodian

////////////////// THE BOARD //////////////////

Our Vestry

Our Vestry is responsible for enhancing both the spiritual and organizational life of the parish.

The Vestry manages all church property and assets, approves the budget, and authorizes major expenditures. Members of our Vestry serve 3-year terms and are open to hearing from those in the St. Christopher’s By-the-Sea community.

Joe Downs, Senior Warden
Isabel Lamas, Junior Warden
Clint Bush, Clerk

Disque Dean
Gloria Johnson
Allene Nicholson

Episcopal Links

Diocese of Southeast Florida

Diocese of Southeast Florida

Episcopal Church USA

The Episcopal Church USA

The Anglican Communion

The Anglican Communion

Book of Common Prayer

Book of Common Prayer

Lectionary

Lectionary

Commentary Revised Lectionary

Commentary Revised Lectionary

The Duncan Center

The Duncan Center

Episcopal Cursillo

Episcopal Cursillo

Christian Cross

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.”

Luke 10:27 The Parable of the Good Samaritan

St. Christopher's By-the-Sea
Episcopal Church
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95 Harbor Drive
Key Biscayne, FL 33149

Phone: (305) 361-5080
Email: stchrisadmin@stchriskb.org

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Welcome to St. Christopher's By-the-Sea

Episcopal Church
Montessori School