Chapel by the Sea Baptist Church

Is there a more fitting name for a church than Chapel by the Sea? Here on Tybee Island, the Chapel by the Sea Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith. It’s a beacon, reflecting the spirit of this coastal community. Chapel by the Sea Baptist Church has been serving the Savannah area since 1948. Originally part of Immanuel Baptist Church, this congregation quickly forged its own path. They started with just 48 members, meeting in an unlikely place – a former Post Exchange building at Fort Screven. Imagine those early services, the echoes of hymns mixing with the salty air. The church moved to its current location on Butler Avenue on Christmas Eve 1961. It was a Christmas gift to themselves and the community. The church continued to grow, adding a vestibule in 1966 and an annex in 1988. Each addition represents the expanding reach of faith within this island community. Today, the Chapel by the Sea Baptist Church remains a vibrant hub of activity. Led by Pastor David C. Laughner, the church offers two Sunday services at 10:00 am and 6:30 pm, as well as a Wednesday evening service at 6:30 pm. The church strives to be a blend of tradition and contemporary worship. They even provide childcare services. Their website states, “At Chapel by the Sea Baptist Church on Tybee Island, GA, we believe that faith comes by hearing the Word of God.” They embrace this principle by live-streaming their services. This lets their message extend far beyond the island’s shores. From its humble beginnings in an army post exchange to its current home, Chapel by the Sea Baptist Church embodies resilience. It also embodies a commitment to faith and community. Here, by the sea, their story continues to unfold.