Captiva Chapel by the Sea Announces Lead Gift in Recovery Campaign

Hurricane Milton caused unprecedented damage to The Chapel by the Sea on Captiva Island.  The chapel building, cemetery, parsonage and grounds will need varying degrees of repair, but the entire restoration project will be extensive. Anticipated construction, excavation and tree removal costs are estimated to be $150,000.

“The Chapel will need leveling, raising, and a new foundation, stairs and ramps. It is currently unsafe to enter,” said Ellen Sloan, Chair of the Chapel’s Board of Associates. “We will need to remove up to 4 feet of sand from the entire property. That includes very careful work to reach and uncover the headstones now buried in our historic cemetery.  Due to the storm’s wind damage, more than a dozen Australian Pines overlooking the Chapel’s beach must be taken down. All of this will cause substantial and unanticipated expenses.”

The Chapel leadership has created a plan to worship together, both outdoors and online, for the foreseeable future. Thanks to reserve funds from earlier contributions, the restoration work can begin right away. Because those reserves will be entirely depleted by the restoration, it is essential to launch a new Recovery Campaign, assuring the Chapel’s ability to fulfill its mission-driven outreach supporting worthy organizations. It’s also imperative to rebuild the reserve before the next hurricane season threatens.

The Recovery Campaign, with a goal of $150,000, has received early support from Bank of the Islands and its founders, Robbie and Geoff Roepstorff. They have made contributions personally and through the bank, hoping to encourage other islanders and businesses to join them in supporting the Chapel in its time of need.

“The Chapel by the Sea is an historic landmark and a very special place for so many islanders and visitors from far and wide,” said Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands CEO Geoff Roepstorff. “The Chapel is especially near and dear to our family’s hearts. Robbie and I were married here, and our son Matt and his bride Mairin also chose the Chapel to be wed. It’s a unique and irreplaceable place to worship and find fellowship, and we all feel a responsibility to make it the best it can be, now and for future generations.”

The Captiva Chapel by the Sea is an interdenominational church where all are welcome to share the worship experience of Jesus Christ in their lives for 24 Sundays in the winter season.  Donations can be made through www.captivachapel.com and the Chapel’s Facebook page or by sending tax-deductible contribution checks to Box 188, Captiva, FL 33924.

Celebrating its 27th year, Edison National Bank/Bank of the Islands is the oldest locally owned and managed community bank in Lee County. Its Sanibel office is located at 1699 Periwinkle Way, at the corner of Casa Ybel Road. The Captiva office is at 14812 Captiva Drive, next to the Captiva Post Office. To learn more, visit www.bankoftheislands.com.