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Built
1965
A revolutionary church once stood on Colonial Boulevard. Distinctly of its time, in the age of the automobile, it was a "drive-in church." Colonial Boulevard United Presbyterian Church was one of two drive-in churches that architect George Bail designed (the larger one is in Bradenton). The Ft Myers church seated 300 inside. Through glass walls the elevated pulpit located under a large skylight was visible to parked cars arranged in arcs on both sides of the sanctuary. Drive-in theater type speakers served each car space.
That's right -- it was possible to remain in the car for the entire service.
Excerpt from Architect about Town – Joyce Owens AIA, March 2010
The Colonial Boulevard United Presbyterian Church was built in 1965 but later moved from its original location on Colonial Boulevard, east of Summerlin Road, to the intersection of Colonial and McGregor Boulevard. At that time it ceased to be a drive-in as the property was too small.
Around 1995, the church was demolished to make way for the new Mid-Point Bridge.
Caption:
A hazy photo of the original model - no photo was found of the church.
Caption:
Photo and Architectural Drawing of Whitfield Presbyterian Drive-In Church in Bradenton - the second of two drive-in churches that architect George Bail designed. It is similar in concept to Colonial Boulevard United Presbyterian Church although larger.
