History of the Floating Chapel

History of the Floating Chapel: From Inspiration to a New Mission

The Birth of a Floating Dream

In 2004, Phil and Janet Henderson embarked on a journey to Australia that would forever change their lives—and countless others—forever. While exploring the Land Down Under, they stumbled upon a sight that sparked their imaginations: the world’s only floating chapel. Captivated by the idea, they brought this unique concept back to the United States. Thus began the story of an extraordinary vessel called the “Chapel on the Bay.”

The Original Floating Wedding Chapel

A New Chapter: The Fisher Era

Eventually, the Hendersons sold the chapel to Jill and Orca Fisher, who relocated it to Cortez, Florida. The Fishers embraced the chapel’s potential, offering wedding packages on local waters that ranged from $955 to $2,500. Orca Fisher, fondly known as Captain Jerry Orca, donned a white captain’s uniform and officiated the ceremonies, adding a nautical flair to the sacred proceedings.

The chapel was featured on the Travel Channel and even graced the pages of the London Daily Mail. As a non-denominational church, it hosted various events, including the memorable ‘Worship on Water’ services, where congregants would gather to worship as the chapel cruised along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Doves were often released during these services, adding to the serene and uplifting atmosphere.

Transformation into a Floating Home

Despite its popularity, the chapel eventually found itself docked in Palmetto, Florida, where it remained for nearly 18 months under bank ownership. It wasn’t until 2015 that Sam Cribbs, a contractor from Medford, Oregon, discovered the chapel for sale online. Enchanted by its unique charm, Sam and his wife, Linda, purchased the chapel sight unseen for under $200,000.

Sam and Linda focused on transforming the chapel into a luxurious floating home. They retained much of the original chapel’s design, including the 30-foot steeple, seven soaring stained glass windows (now covered with hurricane-resistant glass), and the arched solid-wood chapel doors. The interior was completely redesigned to include a modern, open-concept living space with a stunning kitchen, granite countertops, and beautiful hardwood floors.

The chapel’s infrastructure was also noteworthy. It floated on twin catamaran hulls that provided stability and reduced water resistance. The vessel was equipped with electric winches to steady it in windy conditions, allowing it to moor in shallow waters without needing a keel.

In 2017, Sam and Linda listed the chapel on SpecialFinds.com. During the listing, the chapel was run as an Airbnb. Over 4000 leads were received, and ultimately, she was sold! The Former Floating Chapel was featured in the Robb Report, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Southern Living, Architectural Digest, and many others.

The Successful Airbnb Era

In 2020, the Chapel found new owners who continued to expand its use as a highly successful floating Airbnb.

A New Beginning: The Archangel

In 2024, the then-owners placed the chapel once again on Specialfinds.com. With over 500 leads, the chapel was quickly sold and is now making its way to the east coast of Florida with a brand-new mission. Rebranded as “The Archangel,” the vessel is set to become a floating bookstore, offering storytime for children and wellness retreats focused on renewing the mind, body, and spirit.

The new owner, driven by a sense of divine calling, shared, “This whole process has been a bit overwhelming, but the Lord put it on my heart to buy this boat, so I did. God is on the move.”

As the former Floating Wedding Chapel, then Chapel on the Bay, now Archangel, this famous floating icon is poised to continue its legacy of bringing people together, just as it did in its early days as a wedding chapel on the water.