Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Ripping out the heart and soul of Lauderdale
One of the rarest architectural treasures in Fort Lauderdale is slated for the wrecking ball, unless the community steps up and divine intervention slips in.
First Evangelical Lutheran Church, located at 441 NE Third Ave., in the heart of burgeoning Flagler Village, was originally St. Anthony’s, the first Roman Catholic Church in Broward County. Its initial location was near the New River, and when the Catholic congregation grew too big for the building it was sold to the first Lutheran congregation meeting at the Womans Club. Sold for the sum of one dollar, this church was lovingly disassembled by John Olsson, who numbered all the blocks like a puzzle and it was moved brick by brick down Third Avenue.
This story alone is an amazing chapter of local history that almost no one knows about. The architect, Father G.J. Plunkett, was also known as “the first Pastor of Fort Lauderdale.” He was sent from Tennessee to create this unique Romanesque style sanctuary, the likes of which are found nowhere else in the region. The castle-like blocks are indigenous stones quarried from Northern Florida and transported on the Flagler railroad.
As the Lutheran congregation has suffered decline and is in its final death throes, it mimics what national trends are for most mainline denominational churches. The numbers of giving parishioners disappear and church governments are left with the task of selling off assets and real estate. In the case of First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Fort Lauderdale, a younger community church by the name of CityChurch has been renting its space for the past eight years. CityChurch has grown, with the influx of new residents and the appeal of a walkable, quaint and traditional church setting. To the shock of many, instead of grooming its tenants as the “next generation” to be caretakers of the sanctuary, the Lutheran church rejected their offer for purchase and instead have sold their properties for demolition. Taho Group has purchased the entire block and will build condos.
The City of Fort Lauderdale has no laws or ordinances to protect historic structures. Any private owner can get a demolition permit and within one week destroy a building. Pay a fine? There isn’t even a standard fine to scare someone from doing this. A violation would go to special magistrate, for an unknown and unclear procedure. The city has had an epiphany of sorts and budgeted a new staff position for historic preservation director in 2017. But that may be too little too late for amazing gems like this church.
A City Historic Landmark Designation was submitted in October 2016 by the former pastor of this church, the Rev. Paul Pfadenhauer and myself. The Historical Preservation Board of Fort Lauderdale heard from the public on Dec. 5, 2016 and voted unanimously to approve all five historic criteria that were presented. Flagler Village Association also voted unanimously to support the historic designation.
On Tuesday the Fort Lauderdale City Commission is scheduled to hear from the public and take a vote on Historical Landmark Designation. The public is invited to show up and speak. And to pray for the soul of the city.