CELEBRATING A CENTURY CORAL GABLES’ FIRST CHURCH AND CIVIC HEART

CELEBRATING A CENTURY: CORAL GABLES’ FIRST CHURCH AND CIVIC HEART

The Galeras Gallery

June 21 – August 18, 2024

In collaboration with Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ,and the Historical Resources and Cultural Arts Department, Raul E. Valdés-Fauli Coral Gables Archives, City of Coral Gables.

This exhibition will gather a rich tapestry of historical artifacts, documents, and narratives to celebrate the centennial of the Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ, a cornerstone of The City Beautiful. Founded in 1923 as part of George Merrick’s visionary plan for Coral Gables, the church not only honored his father, Solomon Merrick’s dedication to abolitionism and religious freedom but also became a vibrant community hub.

Celebrating a Century… highlights the church’s dual role as both a place of worship and a civic center, hosting city government meetings, educational events, and cultural gatherings. Visitors will explore how the church’s inclusive practices echo the progressive ethos of the United Church of Christ, which led historic advancements in social justice, including the first ordinations of African Americans, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals in a Protestant denomination. Located in the heart of Coral Gables, the church continues to embody its founding principles of religious freedom, hospitality, and justice, making it not only a historic site but also a living community dedicated to creating a just world for all.

Host or Publisher Coral Gables Museum