THE CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD THEN AND NOW

The first interest shown in establishing a Mission in LaBelle was through Fr. Von Ham and several parishioners at St. Anselm's (Lehigh) who resided in LaBelle. However, due to various reasons, it did not materialize. 

Meanwhile, Trinity-by-the-Cove in Naples, bought property and a small house on Bryan Avenue in LaBelle. The first organizational meeting was held on June 26, 1975, with then Dean Lambert, Fr. McBeth, two laymen from Naples, Fr. Bramlett (St. Anselm's) and laity from LaBelle - Clarence Chapman, Virginia Shemwell, Paul Puletti and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Schriner, Jr. They were told of plans to start an Episcopal Mission in this area. They would have the property and house, the Diocesan Office and would provide the supply priest. 

At the second organizational meeting, July 25, it was learned Fr. Bramlett would be the Supply Priest. It was decided to advertise in the local paper and start having Services at the American Legion Hall on August 3, 1975. 

Bishop Hargraves asked Clarence Chapman to act as Sr. Warden until we got started. Mrs. Shemwell was asked to be Secretary-Treasurer, Mr. Schriner was asked to have his Lay Readers License renewed and would serve as Acolyte and Mrs. Schriner was asked to assume the Alter Guild duties. All agreed. Paul Puletti was preparing to leave for college, but promised his support in any way possible. 

Church stationery, books for finances and other records were purchased. We received loans of 1928 Prayer Books and a full set of vestments for each season from St. Anselm's and a Chalice and Paten from the Diocesan Alter Guild. A large Altar Cross was borrowed from St. Luke's in Fort Myers. Linens, cruets, and candle sticks were gathered from various other sources. 

The American Legion Hall was converted into a house of worship for the first service which was held August 3, 1975. It is reported there were 28 present, 11 of who were Episcopal Communicants. The GOOD SHEPHERD had begun! 

Records show services were held at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church starting in November, 1975 at a cost of $10.00 per service. Slow growth was in evidence as Sandra Farquharson Chapman and Billie Ruth Davies soon joined the Mission. 

To cut down on expenses, services started being held at the Vicarage (present site) May 15, 1977. By this time, four or five other ladies had joined the Mission and made their interest known in the Altar Guild duties. The Diocese set up the budget for the now 32 active communicants of Good Shepherd. 

Over the years we have been blessed with numerous Supply and part time Priests who have contributed to the spirit and life of Good Shepherd. 

Good Shepherd was approved by Council under articles of Incorporation in 1987. 

The congregation endured this time of trial due to dedicated winter residents and a growing number of persons in the area of LaBelle wishing to worship as Episcopalians. 

Though there has been slow growth, the major thrust of activity and interest has been in the last two years under the guidance and leadership of the Rev. William D. McLean III, Vicar. The attendance during the summer months has been constant with 50 or more worshipers at every service. During the winter months this number is increased by twenty or more additional worshipers per week. Youth from infants to teens are now a part of the congregation. 

In 1987, Bishop Lipscomb dedicated two of the four planned buildings for the "new" Good Shepherd on 8 acres of land in Port LaBelle. 

The Parish Hall is used for services, meetings, and dinners and has a full kitchen as well as a large screened lanai where Sunday school classes are held. 

The Office building houses a working office, storage facilities, two rest rooms, a large library/conference room and the Vicar's study. 

Yet to be built are the church itself (seating 250) and an educational building with classrooms and a nursery. More immediate plans include construction of an outdoor columbium and paved driveways. 

The facilities are used weekly by neighborhood groups, for community dinners (fund raisers), three A.A. groups, a bridge group, and a quilting circle. Outreach includes care for a house for abused women in LaBelle, emergency services, and much involvement in community organizations by both laity and clergy.