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OUR HISTORY

St. Raphael’s Episcopal Church has been a cherished part of the Fort Myers Beach community for over 70 years. Our story begins in 1951, when a small but faithful group of island residents began gathering for worship in the Community Hall. These early meetings were simple but meaningful—grounded in a shared spirit of fellowship and faith. In 1952 Father Hull was called as the vicar of a newly formed mission called St. Raphaels. The congregation moved from the Community Hall to an office in the Estero Manufacturing building.


As the island community grew, so did the vision for a permanent place of worship. Through the dedication and generosity of early parishioners, that vision became a reality in 1953 with the construction and opening of St. Raphael’s Church. The church was designed and the building supervised by Cyril Shawcross. Built of local coquina shells and limestone, Shawcross and Rhett Smith laid the bricks and completed the building by 1953.


Since then, our little church by the sea has stood as a place of worship, comfort, and community for generations of beach residents and visitors alike.


For many years, St. Raphael’s has also taken a leading role in one of the island’s most beloved traditions: the annual Blessing of the Fleet. Honoring the island’s strong connection to the sea and those who work upon it, this event brings together the spiritual and maritime heritage of Fort Myers Beach in a powerful way.



Rooted in faith and dedicated to service, St. Raphael’s continues to be a steady presence on the island—a place where history, community, and spirituality come together.

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HURRICAN IAN

On September 22, 2022, a category four hurricane swept over Fort Myers Beach damaging over 90% of the structures on the island. St. Raphael’s campus includes three buildings: the church, the parish hall, and the rectory. All three buildings were filled with over 7 feet of water. Although the buildings remained standing, all the contents were damaged. The rebuilding effort began in 2022 and is still in progress. We are presently worshipping in our parish hall as it has been reconstructed after the storm. We hope to have the church ready for worship by Christmas.