Everglades Community Church Celebrates Centennial, Memorializes Pastor Wallace

Everglades Community Church celebrated 100 years of continuous gathering Sunday, March 22, while honoring the life of Dr. Pastor Bob Wallace, who recently passed away. The joy of the centennial was mixed with emotions of sadness and pride with the congregation cherishing and celebrating Wallace’s life. 

“I remember the last time I saw him, he was in an ambulance, and I asked, ‘How are you doing Bob?’” said Collier County School-board member Tim Moshier. “He said, ‘No Tim, how are you doing?’ and shook my hand.” 

Wallace left a lasting impact on Everglades City. His ministry lasted 20 years, contributing to the restoration of the historic church and the community as a whole. He is succeeded by Pastor Gary Haug, who moved to Everglades City last August. 

“Church is an important part of the community, so with God's leading and help, I pray I can just fill a small part of his shoes,” said Haug, who stepped in as pastor two weeks ago. “Everyone is welcome here: this is a community church. It isn't necessarily tied to any one denomination; we'rehere to serve the Lord and the people.” 

Although the congregation traces its roots to Presbyterian origin from the 1880s, the organization has been non-denominational since 1940. Officially established in 1926, Everglades Community Church met in many locations and was served by various traveling ministers. As part of a gift, the land and building were constructed under the condition that the grounds remain non-denominational and be completed prior to October 1940. Both conditions were met, with a fellowship hall and breezeway added in 1957. After Hurricane Wilma in 2005, the church suffered damage, and under Pastor Wallace, 26 stained-glass windows were added, and the bell tower and narthex were repaired. In 2014, the Ron Slutter Memorial Garden was added next to the main entrance.  

The day began with the 11:00 AM service, which dove into Revelation, Chapter Three. Pastor Haug spoke on how God will judge the faith of a person before judging their worldly strength. When the service concluded, welcoming remarks were spoken by G.B. Barnard, followed by the Wallace family’s chosen song, Amazing Grace, sung by Lillian Kee.  

Refreshments in the beverage hall were next. Conversations about Everglades City flowed, as memories of Wallace were shared. People dined on macarons, tea, and a cake decorated in purple and white. 

A collage of Wallace with friends and family, mixed with photos of the Community Church reconstruction, lined the foldout tables in the rear. A montage of Wallace’s spirit echoed throughout the room as a presentation was shown on TV.  

Secretly, by the altar, church members constructed a memorial commemorating Wallace with photos of his teenage years and Everglades City days. His Navy jacket and hat were the centerpiece with mementos and memories surrounding it. As the refreshments finished and the assembly returned to the hall, everyone admired the presentation. 

Hymns were sung, prayers were made, and Pastor Haug spoke. Wallace’s grandson Cory played the bagpipes in honor of their Scottish heritage, which could be traced back to William Wallace, Guardian of Scotland. His surviving children sang Amazing Grace in harmony. Family members and friends were moved and made comments, all memorializing Wallace or reciting stories. One resounding consistency was his love for others. Regardless of the situation, he was there for them.  

“Dad dearly loved this church, his ministry here, this congregation, and the community of Everglades City. He told me that being called to be the pastor of Everglades Community Church was the happiest and most rewarding time in all of the years and places of his teaching,” said Carol Hodge, Wallace’s eldest daughter.  

“I love you very, very much, Dad, and I miss you.” 

The ceremony concluded in the Ron Slutter Memorial Garden. Three members of the Navy presented the Stars and Stripes to Millie Wallace—Bob’s wife—and as a trumpet blew, tears appeared on parishioners’ cheeks. Wallace’s ashes were placed under a purple banner in the Memorial Garden, and as the crowd dispersed, people made their peace. 

“It's a tremendous loss to the family and to the church to lose Bob's leadership, but we're very blessed to see the new pastor, and we pray that the church will continue to grow,” said Dave Shirley, Wallace’s surviving stepson.  

“After 100 years, it's endured. It's still here and thriving.”