Built by local ship builders in 1928, Englewood’s Green Street (Methodist) Church was the community’s first church building. The simple wood-framed building cost $1,250 and was located on the corner of Magnolia and Green Streets. In 1962 the building was moved a short distance and turned to face Green Street. In 1979 the Church of the Nazarene purchased the building. When renovation plans were announced, the Lemon Bay Historical Society (LBHS) became concerned about the historical integrity of the church. After negotiations, the Church of the Nazarene transferred ownership of the building to LBHS but not ownership of the property. 

The Church of the Nazarene has expansion plans which require the relocation of the Green Street Church or its demolition. LBHS has acquired a permanent location for the church at the Lemon Bay Historical Cemetery on Indiana Avenue (State Road 776). Moving the church to its new location is quite expensive, requiring the steeple to be removed and power and telephone lines to be temporarily taken down during the actual move. Once the church is settled in its new home, more expenses are incurred as the electrical and plumbing are reconnected and the steeple is placed back on the church. 

Recognizing the importance of preserving this historic building which is on Sarasota County’s Register of Historic Places, the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation presented the Lemon Bay Historical Society with a $2000 grant to assist with the project. The new location will provide the church more public visibility and accessibility. The Green Street Church is available for weddings, vow renewals, memorial services, musical events, and other public events. For more information, go to www.lemonbayhistory.com  

(click to enlarge photos)