History of River Ranch Chapel

RIVER RANCH CHAPEL began in 1981, with a group of Christians meeting in an "outdoor pavilion" for worship at River Ranch Resort located 25 miles East of Lake Wales, Florida. The small gathering under the leadership of Rev. Herb Mannard met for years but never organized into a church. After six and one half years, Rev. Mannard ended his ministry, and then the group was ministered to by both pastors and laymen. In October of 1989, Dr. Swinton "Dan" Futch began to preach at the worship services, which was then meeting in the Spanish Moss Center; and on April 1, 1990, he along with 19 others organized the River Ranch Chapel. The first order of business after constituting into a church was to call Dr. Futch as pastor.

Soon thereafter the church began to make plans to build a permanent building for worship. Outdoor Resorts of America, owner of River Ranch, donated one and one third acres and the building of River Ranch Chapel began. The church, which cost $145,000.00, was dedicated on March 7, 1993. At the time of the completion of the building there was only $30,000.00 of debt and it was paid off before the end of the year. At this time the average attendance was 175 in the fall and winter season. The overwhelming success of the building project was made possible due to the volunteer labor and many gifts of the friends and members of the chapel.

In October 1997, the ranch was owned by a group of investors under the name of New River Ranch, L. C. This group gave the chapel additional land on the East and North sides. This gift made it possible for the church to expand it's building to provide space for the phenomenal growth it was experiencing.

On July 7, 2002 the Chapel broke ground for additions to be added to the origional building. These additions would increase the seating capacity to 450 which would include a choir of 45 members, a new kitchen, an office, and two additional restrooms plus two storage rooms. After 18 long months of getting permits the Chapel began work on the building additions in the Spring of 2003. Most of the work was provided by volunteers from the chapel and friends. The total cost of the additions was $195,000.00. This figure did not include the free labor of the volunteers. On March 7, 2004 the building was dedicated debt free. This was made possible because of the generous help of the volunteers, the great work of the Fund Raising Committee and the generous financial support of the members and friends of River Ranch Chapel.

A history of River Ranch Chapel would not be complete without giving God the credit for it's growth, financial support and the harmony in it's fellowship provided by the Holy Spirit.