The Venice Nokomis Presbyterian Drive In Church opened in March, 1954.. It was located at 111 East Firenze Avenue Venice.  It was designed by famed architect Victor Lundy.  It was his first commission. The design allowed parishioners to attend services from their cars using portable window speakers.  This innovative design gained national attention when it was featured in Life Magazine in April, 1955.

     Origins. Facing a growing population but lacking funds to        build a traditional sanctuary, the fledgling congregation           purchased  8.5 acres on Venice Island for $27,500. The                 builders were members of the congregation. The area where     the drive in church was located now is the brick and mortar      sanctuary ,the glass walled chapel and paved parking lots        of the Venice Presbyterian Church

     The Design.  The project cost only $7500.  The structure             was wooden.  There was a lower level Sunday School.  The         upper level was open air.   It had the pulpit, choir and                 organ.  Sliding glass doors opened to face a garden                       sanctuary where worshippers parked.

     End of an era.  The Drive In fad eventually faded. Following      damage in the mid  1960’s (often cited as Hurricane Alma          in  1996).the wooden pavilion was dismantled)

  In 1965, the congregation transitioned completely to  an         indoor chapel also designed by Victor Lundy which eventually evolved into the permanent church campus on the island.