St Raphael's Episcopal Church

St Raphael's Episcopal Church St Raphael's Episcopal Church began services in 1951. The Reverend Michael G. Rowe
Pastor
[email protected]

The Church was built in 1953, making Saint Raphael's the oldest church building on the island that is still holding services.

DID YOU KNOW?Comfort Hall was named in honor of the Rev. Dr. C. Alex Comfort, St. Raphael’s first rector. Before that ti...
09/04/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Comfort Hall was named in honor of the Rev. Dr. C. Alex Comfort, St. Raphael’s first rector. Before that time, St. Raphael’s was considered a mission rather than a parish. Those who served from 1952-1962 were called Vicars. When Father Comfort came in 1962, St.Raphael’s became a parish and the new priest was then called a rector rather than a vicar.

Father Comfort served the congregation from 1962 to 1980, helping guide St. Raphael’s through nearly two decades of growth and ministry on Fort Myers Beach.

The name has a special double meaning: it honors Father Comfort while also describing the hall as a place of welcome, fellowship and comfort for the church and the wider community.

Today, Comfort Hall continues that legacy by bringing people together for church gatherings, community meetings, celebrations and our famous shrimp dinners.

ST. RAPHAEL'S - FORT MYERS BEACH

DID YOU KNOW?St. Raphael’s historic church was built in the early 1950s on donated property at the end of Williams Drive...
09/04/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

St. Raphael’s historic church was built in the early 1950s on donated property at the end of Williams Drive.

The church was designed by architect Cyril Shawcross, and Rhett Smith helped construct the building. Its walls were made using tabby, a shell-based concrete created with local shells. Similar materials have been used in Florida buildings for centuries because they are durable and well suited to our coastal environment—including withstanding hurricanes.

More than 70 years later, this special building remains a beautiful reminder of St. Raphael’s history and its deep roots on Fort Myers Beach.

THERE'S A PLACE FOR YOU HERE!

Summer of 26COME FOR CHURCH. STAY FOR COFFEE.Banana bread. Pumpkin bread. Apple dump cake. Bread pudding. Cinnamon buns....
09/04/2026

Summer of 26

COME FOR CHURCH. STAY FOR COFFEE.

Banana bread. Pumpkin bread. Apple dump cake. Bread pudding. Cinnamon buns. Pulled pork. Brownies.

We may have gotten a little carried away at coffee hour this summer. 😂

But the best part wasn't the food. It was sitting around the table together every Sunday.

Here's to the founding members of our Holy Grounds Coffee Club
— Summer of '26! ☕❤️

THERE'S A PLACE FOR YOU HERE!

🦐 A Fort Myers Beach Tradition Returns! 🦐St. Raphael’s has shared a special bond with our island’s sh*****ng community s...
09/02/2026

🦐 A Fort Myers Beach Tradition Returns! 🦐

St. Raphael’s has shared a special bond with our island’s sh*****ng community since our first Blessing of the Fleet in 1952. This season, we are proud to continue that connection with our popular shrimp dinners.

📅 Our first shrimp dinner of the season is November 15!

Enjoy all-you-can-eat fresh Gulf shrimp, homemade coleslaw, cornbread and baked beans—plus dessert and drinks.

More details coming soon.

Mark your calendar and join us as we celebrate good food, fellowship and our island’s sh*****ng heritage!

WELCOME BACK TO THE BEACH!

⛪ SAVE THE DATE! ⛪Join us for our St. Raphael’s Day Celebration and Homecoming!📅 Saturday, October 24🕙 10:00 AM Service🥐...
09/02/2026

⛪ SAVE THE DATE! ⛪

Join us for our St. Raphael’s Day Celebration and Homecoming!

📅 Saturday, October 24
🕙 10:00 AM Service

🥐 Homecoming Brunch to Follow

Whether you worship with us now or have been part of St. Raphael’s in years past, we would love to welcome you home.
More details coming soon!

St. Raphael's - Fort Myers Beach

What does Sunday morning look like at St. Raphael's?WorshipMusicFriendshipCoffeeSomething good to eatAnd people who are ...
09/02/2026

What does Sunday morning look like at St. Raphael's?

Worship
Music
Friendship
Coffee
Something good to eat
And people who are genuinely happy you came.
Join us this Sunday at 10 AM.

Visitors are always welcome.

ST. RAPHAEL'S • FORT MYERS BEACH

09/01/2026

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WELCOME TO HOLY GROUNDS! ☕Every Sunday after worship, the coffee is hot, the treats are homemade and the conversation is...
08/31/2026

WELCOME TO HOLY GROUNDS! ☕

Every Sunday after worship, the coffee is hot, the treats are homemade and the conversation is always good.

Join us for our 10:00 AM service, then stay for the Holy Grounds Coffee Club. It is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with old friends, welcome new ones and enjoy a little extra fellowship.

Because sometimes church happens in the pews…and sometimes it happens over a cup of coffee. ❤️

COME FOR CHURCH. STAY FOR COFFEE

🐾 SAVE THE DATE! 🐾Bring your beloved pets to St. Raphael’s for our annual Blessing of the Animals!📅 Saturday, October 3🕙...
08/31/2026

🐾 SAVE THE DATE! 🐾

Bring your beloved pets to St. Raphael’s for our annual Blessing of the Animals!

📅 Saturday, October 3
🕙 10:00 AM

More details coming soon! 🐶🐱🐾

St. Raphael's - Fort Myers Beach

Address

5607 Williams Drive
Fort Myers Beach, FL
33931

Opening Hours

10am - 11:15am

Telephone

+15742028392

Website

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