The highly anticipated Captiva Chapel By The Sea 2026 Season officially begins on Sunday, November 8, marking a brand-new chapter for one of the island’s most cherished historical and spiritual landmarks. As the barrier islands continue to welcome back winter residents and seasonal visitors, this 120-year-old former schoolhouse remains a beacon of community, fellowship, and island tradition along the Gulf coast.
Welcoming a New Spiritual Leader
Since its transformation into a seasonal, inter-denominational church in 1948, the Chapel has maintained a unique and beautiful tradition: every three years, the Chapel board calls a brand-new minister to lead the congregation. To ensure the rich diversity that the original founders sought in their spiritual leaders, the Chapel mandates that no Christian denomination may serve consecutive terms.
For the Captiva Chapel By The Sea 2026 Season, the congregation is warmly welcoming Reverend Dr. James “Jim” Miller. Rev. Miller brings a wealth of experience and profound theological knowledge to the island. Prior to accepting this coastal calling, he served the First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa, Oklahoma, for more than 30 years. His impressive educational background includes a master’s degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, with a distinct academic concentration on the life and writings of C.S. Lewis.
Rev. Miller and his wife, Diane, have officially settled into the historic parsonage located on Chapin Lane. The parsonage property is beautifully interwoven with the island’s history, sharing its grounds with the local Captiva Civic Association, the Chapel itself, and a historic cemetery. Diane, an outdoor enthusiast, is already looking forward to combing the nearby beaches in search of the elusive Junonia shell.
A 25-Year Celebration: The Chapel Homecoming Event
In addition to welcoming the Millers, this season features an extraordinary celebration of the Chapel’s enduring legacy. On Saturday, November 14, at 10:00 a.m., the Captiva Civic Association will host a special “Homecoming event.”
This monumental gathering will bring together seven former pastors who have served the Chapel over the past 25 years. The lineage of returning spiritual leaders stretches all the way back to the tenure of Rev. Bruce McLeod in 2001 (who will be honored in memoriam) up to the most recent leader, Rev. Doug Dortch, whose term gracefully concluded just this past April.
The community response has been overwhelming, with more than 110 people already registered to attend the Saturday event. For those unable to secure one of the few remaining seats, the Chapel will be livestreaming the Homecoming event directly on its website and Facebook page.
The celebrations will continue the following day, Sunday, November 15, when Rev. Miller will help lead a special “Homecoming service” at the Chapel at 11:00 a.m., surrounded by his esteemed predecessors. The Sunday service will be immediately followed by a festive Pastor Picnic around noon, offering the congregation a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with former leaders and friends.
What to Expect for the Captiva Chapel By The Sea 2026 Season
The Chapel’s seasonal services will run continuously from November through April 2027. Each Sunday morning, the iconic ringing of the Chapel bell—a task traditionally given to a child attending that day, will signal the start of the 11:00 a.m. service.
Beyond its Sunday worship, the Chapel is deeply active in regional philanthropy. The congregation consistently supports numerous organizations and nonprofits in need throughout Southwest Florida, with a strong focus on uplifting local families. For residents deeply involved in the Captiva Island community events, the Chapel’s charitable arm is a testament to the island’s generous spirit.
Whether you are a lifelong island resident or just visiting your Captiva Island vacation rental for the winter, the Chapel extends an open and radical welcome to all. You can learn more about upcoming seasonal events, volunteer opportunities, and stream Sunday services directly at the official Captiva Chapel By The Sea website.
