Get info about our history and meet our wonderful team!
Our History
On October 27, 1963, a small group met for the first service of Pineda United Church of Christ (UCC). They met in the home of Sidney Bice. Shortly thereafter, the name was changed to Eau Gallie UCC. On February 16, 1964, the church started meeting in the Auxiliary Room of the West Eau Gallie Fire Department on Aurora Road in Melbourne.
In late 1964, the church purchased property at the corner of Croton Road & Lake Washington Road. A temporary building was constructed by the members. The church used the temporary structure for 15 years because of the decline in Cape Canaveral NASA programs which affected the overall economy of the Melbourne community. Finally, in 1979, a permanent structure was built. This small building was used most recently as the Fellowship Hall and classrooms. In 1988, Eau Gallie UCC was renamed Crossroads UCC. On the 40th anniversary year of the church, construction was started on a larger building which included the sanctuary, library and offices. Worship began in the new building on January 9, 2005. 2014 marked Crossroads’ 50th anniversary.
Although there have been many physical changes to our church, our heart remains the same. “Love God, Love your neighbor.”
MEET OUR PASTOR & TEAM
Pastor
Rev. Frank L. Lamson is a native of Massachusetts and grew up on the north shore in the Cape Ann town of Rockport. He was educated at Central Connecticut State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and Yale University where he earned a
Master of Divinity degree. He served pastorates in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania until his first retirement in December 2012. After relocating to Vero Beach and wanting more than just retirement, he accepted the call to serve as Pastor to Crossroads Church in September 2014.
Pastor Lamson is married to the Rev. Maryann Ronan-Lamson, also of Vero Beach and happily retired. They have one son, Daniel, age 33. Dan serves as Executive Director of the Indian River Neighborhood Association and is on the technical staff at the Community Church UCC of Vero Beach.
In his spare time, Pastor Lamson enjoys traveling, cooking and reading, especially history. He also plays golf–not well, but he keeps trying. These days, he is particularly interested in the writings of the Franciscan spiritual director, Richard Rohr. He finds his greatest joy in the crafting of the weekly liturgy and presiding at worship.
Carol Briggs
Administrator
Carol comes to Crossroads with a wealth of local business knowledge. “There are so many things I love about Crossroads: our purpose, our values, our leadership and our members. I am incredibly appreciative to have this opportunity to serve the church and our members as Administrator. I look forward to being an integral and productive staff member here at Crossroads UCC.”
Jim Littrell
Music Director
Jim enjoys exploring and appreciating the Melbourne area, having moved to Indialantic in October 2020. For many years he lived in Miami, FL and was Music Director at Miami Beach Community Church (U.C.C.)
in South Beach. He also served as Wedding Organist at St. Sophia, Greek Orthodox Church in Coral Gables, FL.
Jim hails from Fayetteville, AR, in the northwestern mountainous tip of the state. From Arkansas he migrated to Chicago where he completed University & Seminary at the University of Chicago. A Masters in Theology from Divinity School, plus two years post graduate study. He has been a church musician in various denominations continually since age 14.
Senior Elder:
I have been a member of Crossroads UCC since 2015. My wife and I were invited by a friend and we were welcomed by a friendly congregation, loving pastor and delightful music and fellowship.
I took on the role of Senior Deacon in 2015 and
served in that role for several years and have loved being a part of the church and the Church Council. I currently serve as the Senior Elder and we are excited about our church’s future.
In my professional life, I am a licensed mental health counselor and live in Vero Beach. I feel that working with the mentally ill population and the
disenfranchised is a calling that God has provided to me and I am honored to serve Him.
It is important to me to serve others and help those in need, which is a perfect match for my church participation.
My wife passed away in 2020 and I live with my 3 dogs and 1 cat. Despite my heartbreaking loss, God has taken care of my needs and I have a nice little life in a 55+ community.
I am also active in other endeavors and seek justice, equality and fairness in all of my affairs .
Clerk:
Treasurer:
Financial Secretary:
Media & Building Ground: Anthony Rodriguez
A FIT Grad with a Bachelors in Business, Anthony, oversees our Website functions.
Senior Deacon: