Cokesbury began as a small gathering of fourteen people in the home of Byron and Sara Mae Settle on January 14, 1960. Before the first sanctuary was built the congregation met in individual homes, the Lions club, and even funeral homes. The group grew to 47, who became the charter members when ground was broken on the corner of 65th Ave, and 18th Street in Margate. By March 4, 1962 the first worship service was held in the new sanctuary.
In 1964, Cokesbury was named church of the year by the Palm Beach District of the Methodist Church. In 1968 the Evangelical United Bretheren Church and the Methodist Church merged, becoming the United Methodist Church.
The first major expansion of Cokesbury was in 1969, with the addition of the classrooms and fellowship hall encompassing a courtyard. The Settle Family received the honor of having the Fellowship Hall named after them.
Cokesbury continued to grow and by the early 1980's it was clear a new sanctuary would be needed. And so it was, and dedicated on October 7, 1984, with ten stained glass windows depicting the life of Jesus along the front and sides of the sanctuary.
The former sanctuary was converted into our current day office and a Chapel in honor of Donald Lowe, a loyal and prominent member. Later in the early 2000's the Chapel was converted into a multipurpose community room. However the stained glass wall which is visible from 65th Avenue still adds great beauty to the room, allowing the room to be used for services of any kind.
In 2005, Hurricane Wilma crossed over the Florida Keys heading north to the Everglades. As it passed over land it decreased in power, but made its way for Broward County, and Margate. Cokesbury's high ceilings sustained serious damage and interior flooding which resulted in a major remodeling of the sanctuary which was completed by late 2006.
There are countless stories of faith and healing, service and love that have come from the various followers of Christ who gave of themselves in community over the years at Cokesbury. We hope to count you among them one day.