This marker is part of the Florida Historical Marker Program, one of the Division of Historical Resources' most popular and valued public history programs. It raises awareness of Florida's cultural history while enhancing the enjoyment of historic sites for residents and tourists. The blue historic markers tell the stories of the people and places that were important to Florida's history and they can be found in front of schools, roads, archaeological sites, battlefields, cemeteries, historic buildings, and churches like this one. Historic marker F-1162 was installed in front of the Altamonte Chapel in 2021 by the Altamonte Chapel 2021 Board of Directors and the Florida Department of State.
The Altamonte Chapel is a Florida Heritage site. The church was built in 1885 by settlers from New England. It was originally located near Lake Brantley and known as the Lake Brantley Union Church. A freeze in 1895 led to the area citrus crop being destroyed. The settlers were forced to leave the area and the church leading to it being transferred to Rollins College along with 2 acres of land in exchange for college tuition.
In 1906 the church was purchased for $600 by Maxwell McIntyre a wealthy New Englander. He had the church dismantled and moved to its current location in Altamonte by wagon. By 1955 the church was once again holding services, weddings, baptisms, funerals, and other church events.
This beautiful church is an example of the type of Carpenter Gothic style architecture you would see in New England. It was designed by a Boston architect, Josiah Clouse who also built other Central Florida landmarks. Standout features of the wooden structure include its stained glass windows and chapel bell. Sunday service is held weekly at 9:00 AM. As a fan of both architecture and historic churches, this beauty was a real thrill to find. read more