History

The parish of Saint Sebastian’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church has served Melbourne Beach, Florida and the surrounding communities for nearly sixty years. Saint Sebastian’s is set in a quiet beachside community located blocks from the Atlantic Ocean and we are blessed to enjoy God’s creation and its beauty in a unique way. Our congregation is especially known for its warmth and welcoming spirit, and love for one another.

The family of St. Sebastian’s came into being in 1963 as a parochial mission sponsored by Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Melbourne, Florida. Our first home was in the Melbourne Beach Community Center. The diocese later purchased three acres on Oak Street in Melbourne Beach on July 18, 1965. “On July 18, 1965, groundbreaking ceremonies took place with Fr. Hayes digging the first shovelful of earth. Our services in the new building began on December 19 and Bishop Loutitt blessed the new church on March 20, 1966. We became a parish in April 1969. In 1990, a new parish hall and office complex was built to accommodate the growing needs and expanding ministries of the church.