The Town of Shalimar has proclaimed Sept. 13, 2026, as “The Church at Shalimar Day,” recognizing the congregation as one of the founding churches in the community as it prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary.
- The Shalimar Town Commission passed Resolution 2026-03 on Sept. 8, honoring The Church at Shalimar on the corner of Old Ferry Road and Meigs Drive. The resolution recognizes the church’s historical significance and its place in the story and heritage of the town.
The Church at Shalimar, originally known as the Shalimar Methodist Church, traces its roots to the summer of 1951. According to the church, friends from First Methodist of Fort Walton organized a gathering for worship in the concession stand of the Shalimar Drive-In at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 17 of that year.
The following Sunday, June 24, the congregation held a Charter Member Sunday Service. Twelve people from the Shalimar community joined the church that day as its founding members.
The resolution notes the church held its first service at the Tringas drive-in theater on June 24, 1951.
To mark the anniversary, The Church at Shalimar will hold a special worship service on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. Dr. Larry Bryars will serve as guest preacher for the service, which the church is calling a “We Are Shalimar” style unified service. A luncheon will follow.
Dr. Alan McBride serves as lead pastor of the church.
