The Episcopal Church of the Atonement, Lauderdale Lakes, Florida
In 1966 The Rt. Loutitt Bishop of South Florida saw the vision of a new congregation in the Northwest Fort Lauderdale area and asked the Rev. On January 15, 1967 Father Brumby gathered eight persons and had the first service at the Recreation Center at the Village Mobile Home Park. Our church started as a Mission. When the average a
ttendance reached twenty-seven it became necessary to move and from September 3, 1967 to August 17, 1969 the services were held at the Dolphin Bowling Lane in Lauderdale Lakes. A search began for property to build a permanent structure. 4401 West Oakland Park Boulevard, Lauderdale Lakes was available. A pre-fab building was transported from St. Nicholas Church to 4401 West Oakland Park Boulevard, and in September 1969, 101 persons celebrated Eucharist and Bishop James Duncan of Southeast Florida dedicated the building. On January 13, 1974 after the Eucharist, Bishop Duncan laid the cornerstone for the new church. During the time of the construction of the church the predominantly white community was transferred to a predominantly West Indian Community. Easter Sunday of 1974 over 300 persons were in attendance in our permanent building even though the pews were not yet installed. The church was formally dedicated by Bishop Duncan to the Glory of God. Father Bruce Powell led our congregation with strength and purpose and ushered us from a Mission to a Parish Status until his retirement in 1990. Ronald Peak served from 1992 t0 1994, and Fr. Samuel Thomas (Interim Priest) from 1994 to 1998. Earl henry was the fourth rector of Atonement Episcopal Church. He served from 1998 to 2018, and was instrumental in seeing to the completion of the Parish Hall. The Hall was named “Powell Hall” as a tribute to Fr. There are presently twelve active organizations and over 300 Congregants. The Church of the Atonement continues to be a place where all may find a spiritual home and is open to whatever challenges the Lord sets before her today, tomorrow, and beyond.
