Chapel History

Chapel by the Sea History

Chapel by the Sea was born in 1969 when the current mayor of Emerald Isle asked the Bogue Banks Resort Ministerial Association (BBRMA) to assign a minister for the summer months.  The first service was held Memorial Day weekend, May 1969 at the Emerald Isle Town Hall, continuing through the summer months. 

Note, however, the plaque in front of the Chapel by the Sea building indicates the Chapel was established on May 30, 1968.  So it is most likely that the first Chapel body of believers met in a house church on Emerald Isle before being officially recognized by the BBRMA.

In 1971 Chapel by the Sea became independent of the BBRMA.  A full-time, year-round minister was installed and ground for the current facility was broken on May 7, 1972.  The first service in the Chapel’s permanent home was held on Easter Sunday, April 1973.

Since then, the Chapel has continued to grow as Emerald Isle’s core population has expanded, serving the local community and the crowds who come seasonally to enjoy our beautiful geography.  In September 2012, a new sanctuary was added to the Chapel and an extensive remodeling project gave the Chapel family new facilities and plenty of room to grow.  We are thankful to have this wonderful place to worship God, study His word and shine the light of Jesus Christ into the world!