The 1895 Church of StuArt

The 1895 Church of StuArt Open Fri-Sun from 12pm to 5pm. Preserving our community's heritage and supporting our local artists!

The 1895 Church of StuArt is the historic building of the first church built in Stuart in 1895, also known as the Pioneer Church, and art studio located in Downtown Stuart, Martin County, Florida

We are honored! 🇺🇸 What a wonderful afternoon of history, preservation, memories, and conversation we had on August 26,...
08/27/2026

We are honored! 🇺🇸 What a wonderful afternoon of history, preservation, memories, and conversation we had on August 26, 2026, as we welcomed members of the Halpatiokee Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), to our historic Pioneer Church — The 1895 Church of StuArt.

The Halpatiokee Chapter has deep roots of its own in our community. Organized in Stuart on January 20, 1949, the chapter is part of the Florida State Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Its work reflects the DAR's long-standing commitment to history, genealogy, education, patriotism, and historic preservation. https://stuartfldar.org/

Our visit was especially meaningful as we remembered our dear local historian Alice L. Luckhardt, who was also a member of the DAR.

Alice devoted so much of her life to researching, documenting, and sharing the history of Stuart and Martin County. The alley beside our historic building was named Alice L. Luckhardt Lane in her honor. Alice adored this little Pioneer Church, so deeply rooted in the community whose history she spent so many years documenting. We miss her knowledge, her stories, her enthusiasm, and, most of all, her friendship. ❤️

During the visit, we talked about why historic preservation matters and shared the ongoing process of restoring a building that has stood in the community since 1895.

Historic preservation is about much more than saving old wood, floors, and walls. Historic buildings are tangible connections to the people who came before us. They allow us to walk through the same doors, touch the same wood, and stand beneath the same beams that previous generations knew more than a century ago.

We showed our guests the original Dade County pine beadboard, which had been hidden for decades behind drywall and two layers of paneling; and the interior lancets that will go back above the windows, returning them to their original places as part of the restoration. Little by little, we have been uncovering and restoring it, bringing the original interior of the 1895 church back into view.

We even opened the attic hatch in one of the rooms to show another part of the story — the original beadboard still hidden above the later drop ceiling. Looking into that attic is almost like looking backward in time. That original ceiling is still waiting for its turn to be uncovered and restored.

And then there is our next big restoration project: the original 1895 wooden floor. For generations, it has been covered beneath three layers of carpeting. Eventually, those layers will come up, and another surviving piece of the original Pioneer Church will see the light again.

That is what preservation often looks like: one wall, one board, one floorboard, and one discovery at a time.

Once a historic building disappears, we cannot truly recreate it. Photographs and written histories can tell us what once stood here, but they cannot replace the experience of actually stepping inside a building where generations before us gathered.

The Pioneer Church has been part of this community since 1895. Our responsibility today is to make sure that its story does not end with our generation.

Our heartfelt thanks to the Halpatiokee Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, for visiting us, for caring about our local history, and for sharing our belief that the places that tell the story of our community are worth protecting.

And in Alice's memory, we will keep uncovering, restoring, and preserving that history.

History survives because someone chooses to save it. ❤️

Daughters of the American Revolution National Headquarters
Florida Division of Historical Resources

We are truly grateful!

Olga Hamilton and Robert W Hamilton Jr.

https://aroundandabout.us/

We were delighted to welcome Kelsey and Tom from Jupiter! A special congratulations to our artist, Horst Mueller! 🎨 Two ...
08/23/2026

We were delighted to welcome Kelsey and Tom from Jupiter!
A special congratulations to our artist, Horst Mueller! 🎨 Two of Horst’s beautiful works found a new home with Kelsey and Tom. We love seeing his art appreciated by visitors who connect with his creativity and unique style.

And our special congratulations to Tom, Managing Director, Investments at American Landmark Apartments , on being named a 2026 Connect CRE Next Generation Award winner! What a wonderful achievement!

Thank you, Kelsey and Tom, for your visit, your interest, and especially for supporting both the preservation of our historic Pioneer Church and local artists. ❤️

aroundandabout.us
Olga Hamilton and Robert W Hamilton Jr.

🗳️ WE CAST OUR VOTES EARLY. At The 1895 Church of StuArt, history surrounds us every day. It reminds us that what one ge...
08/17/2026

🗳️ WE CAST OUR VOTES EARLY. At The 1895 Church of StuArt, history surrounds us every day. It reminds us that what one generation chooses to build, preserve—or allow to disappear—becomes the inheritance of the next.

So, we voted with Stuart's future in mind.
We voted for controlled, responsible growth—not uncontrolled density and overdevelopment that permanently change the character of our small coastal town.

We voted to protect our waterways, environment, historic places, neighborhoods and quality of life.
We voted with traffic and infrastructure in mind. More development means more cars and greater demands on roads, water, sewer, drainage, police, fire and other public services. Growth should pay its fair share rather than leave existing residents carrying an ever-growing burden.

And we voted with the cost of living in mind.

Housing is already increasingly difficult for many people to afford. Property taxes, insurance, utilities and everyday expenses continue to strain household budgets. With enormous energy-consuming data centers coming into the conversation across Florida, we also need to ask what rapidly increasing electricity demand could ultimately mean for our electric bills.

These aren't abstract political issues.
They determine whether longtime residents, working families and seniors can continue to afford to live in the community they helped build.

And that brings us to something else we considered when voting:

PACS. BIG MONEY. AND WHO CANDIDATES WILL ANSWER TO AFTER THE ELECTION.

Campaign money doesn't come with a ballot—but it can buy an enormous amount of influence, advertising and access.

When PACs and wealthy special interests spend heavily to elect a candidate, voters have every right to ask:
Why are they investing so much money in that candidate?
What do they expect in return?
And when residents and the interests financing political campaigns end up on opposite sides of an issue, who will that elected official listen to?

Candidates backed by PACs and big money know who helped put them there. That's why following the money matters.
PACs won't sit in Stuart traffic every day.
PACs won't struggle to afford another increase in rent, taxes, insurance or electricity.
PACs won't live next door to the developments approved by our elected officials.

We will.

Developers can finish a project and move on. Political committees can move on to the next election.
We remain here.
We live with the traffic.
We pay the taxes.
We pay the electric bills.
We live with the development decisions.
And we live with whatever Stuart becomes.

The 1895 Pioneer Church has stood here for 131 years, witnessing Stuart's remarkable transformation.

When this little church was built, it stood in the small settlement of Potsdam in Dade County. It watched Potsdam become Stuart, saw the community grow into an incorporated small town in Palm Beach County, and then witnessed the creation of Martin County and the emergence of the City of Stuart.

Its walls have stood through more than a century of change—through the arrival of new residents and businesses, the construction booms, Florida's great land speculation eras, economic downturns, segregation and emancipation, hurricanes, new roads, new neighborhoods and generation after generation of people calling Stuart home.

Imagine everything this little building has watched rise, disappear and change around it.

That long view of history teaches an important lesson: growth itself is not the enemy. How we choose to grow matters.

Communities naturally evolve. But once historic places are demolished, waterways damaged, neighborhoods overwhelmed and the character of a town fundamentally altered, those decisions can be extremely difficult—sometimes impossible—to reverse.

Growth is inevitable.

OVERDEVELOPMENT IS A CHOICE.

Our votes were for thoughtful growth, fiscal responsibility, environmental protection, government accountability and preserving the unique small-town character that makes Stuart worth calling home.

If you haven't voted yet, please do your homework. Look beyond the campaign mailers and expensive advertisements.

Follow the money. Look at the candidates' records, positions, contributors and the PACs supporting them.

Then ask one final question:
WHO WILL THEY WORK FOR AFTER ELECTION DAY—THE BIG MONEY THAT HELPED ELECT THEM, OR YOU?

🇺🇸 VOTE AUGUST 18, 2026.

Olga Hamilton and Robert W Hamilton Jr.
______________________________
Questions of Accountability, Oversight, and Institutional Cover-ups:
The Hamiltons CDBG File - Stuart, Florida

When our historic Pioneer Church was built in 1895, women in Florida could not vote in state or federal elections. It wo...
08/14/2026

When our historic Pioneer Church was built in 1895, women in Florida could not vote in state or federal elections. It would take another quarter of a century before the U.S. Constitution guaranteed that the right to vote could not be denied on account of s*x.

The victory came only after generations of suffragists had organized, petitioned, written, marched, lobbied, demonstrated, endured arrests and, in some cases, hunger strikes in their fight for political equality.

On August 18, 1920, Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the 19th Amendment, providing the number of states required to make it part of the Constitution. It was officially certified on August 26.

Florida did not ratify the 19th Amendment in 1920. It waited almost 49 years. Florida formally ratified the 19th Amendment on May 13, 1969.

And Stuart had its own remarkable woman who was part of that changing America: Cynthia Burnette Haney (1840–1932).

Mrs. Haney and her husband, Dr. Horace Haney, came to the St. Lucie River area in 1897, only two years after our Pioneer Church was built. She became known locally as a pioneering advocate for women, a temperance leader, community builder and journalist. She helped establish the Woman's Club of Stuart, supported the community's early library efforts, and continued writing well into her later years. Today, Haney Circle in Downtown Stuart preserves her name.
Mrs. Haney belonged to a generation of women who lived through an extraordinary transformation. Born in 1840, she entered a world in which women had virtually no political voice at the ballot box. She was 80 years old when the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920 — and she lived another twelve years to see women participate in elections as voters.

But the story of voting rights in America did not begin or end with the 19th Amendment.

The 15th Amendment, ratified in 1870, prohibited denying the vote on account of race, color or previous condition of servitude, constitutionally protecting voting rights for Black men. Yet for generations afterward, Black Americans — particularly in the South — were systematically prevented from exercising that right through poll taxes, literacy tests, discriminatory laws, intimidation and violence.

And although the 19th Amendment prohibited discrimination in voting based on s*x, many Black women and other women of color still faced barriers that kept them from the polls. The National Archives itself notes that the 1920 victory did not result in full enfranchisement for all American women.

It took decades more of struggle. The Voting Rights Act of 1965, signed into law on August 6, attacked discriminatory practices such as literacy tests and provided powerful federal protections for voting rights.

That history makes the photograph of the c. 1955 voting-machine demonstration especially meaningful. Women were not simply being shown a new piece of technology. They were participating in a democratic process from which their mothers and grandmothers had once been excluded.

And today, standing outside the Martin County Supervisor of Elections, there is another connection between our past and our present.

From women such as Cynthia Burnette Haney, who challenged the expectations of her era, to the generations of Americans who fought to make the promise of voting rights a reality, the ballot we hold today represents something people before us spent lifetimes trying to obtain.

For women especially, voting is more than checking a box.

It is exercising a right that women once did not have.

Whatever your political party, whatever candidate you support, and whatever your views on the issues — learn about the candidates, ask questions, understand what is on your ballot, and VOTE.

We honor the women who fought for the right to vote not simply by remembering their names.

We honor them by using the right they fought to give future generations. 🇺🇸🗳️

Thank you, Martin County Library System - Martin Digital History Project!

Olga Hamilton and Robert W Hamilton Jr.
Historic Pioneer Church - The 1895 Church of StuArt

We recently welcomed Bernard Taylor For Congress - Florida’s 21st Congressional District, to the historic Pioneer Church...
08/13/2026

We recently welcomed Bernard Taylor For Congress - Florida’s 21st Congressional District, to the historic Pioneer Church in Downtown Stuart.

Bernard is a fourth-generation Floridian, husband, father of five, community advocate, and longtime first responder who has spent years helping families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives and mentoring other first responders.

That background shaped one of the most interesting parts of our conversation.
As Bernard explained it, when you are an EMT/Paramedic responding to someone who needs help, you don't stop and ask whether that person is a Republican, Democrat, Independent, or who they voted for. You help them.

That is also how he views public service and representation: if elected, his responsibility would be to represent everyone in the district — not only the people who voted for him or belong to his political party.

We need much more of that attitude in government today.

Bernard also supports a more balanced approach to economic growth in Florida, emphasizing that development should not come at the expense of local communities, infrastructure, or the environment. In particular, he has spoken about the need to address Florida's rapid overdevelopment and ensure that growth is responsible, sustainable, and aligned with the long-term interests of residents rather than outside speculative interests.

He has also addressed the rapid expansion of data centers, calling for policies to ensure they are sited responsibly, do not place undue strain on local water and energy resources, and are subject to strict environmental and transparency standards, with meaningful local input before approval.

His housing policy bans corporations and hedge funds from buying single-family homes to ensure long-term housing security and fair pricing for working families and local residents.

Bernard's platform proposes substantial federal involvement in healthcare, reasonably priced and accessible housing, workforce education, and protection of Treasure Coast waterways. But with federal funding must come strict oversight and real accountability at every level.

When public funds move from the federal government to a state, then to a local government, and through administrators, consultants, contractors, and subcontractors, oversight cannot disappear somewhere along the way.

We discussed the need for stronger safeguards to ensure that federal funds entrusted to state and local governments are used for their intended purposes and that those responsible for administering taxpayer-funded programs are held accountable for how those funds are managed.

Federal programs can provide critically important resources to local communities. But these government programs should help people — not leave citizens navigating layers of bureaucracy trying to determine who was responsible for what.

Bernard's campaign emphasizes putting “people over politics,” along with accessible healthcare, education, economic opportunity, housing, and protection of our waterways.

His platform also specifically calls for greater government accountability through congressional term limits, restrictions on congressional stock trading, adherence to the rule of law, greater transparency, and holding polluters accountable.

Whatever our political affiliation, we believe there is tremendous value in meeting candidates, asking difficult questions, listening to their answers, and giving them an opportunity to listen to us.

Thank you, Bernard Taylor, for taking the time to visit our historic Pioneer Church, learn a little more about its history — and, most importantly, sit down and talk about the issues affecting the people of our community.

To learn more about Bernard Taylor, his background, and where he stands on the issues affecting our community, visit his campaign website.

Olga Hamilton and Robert W Hamilton Jr.

One Sunday, a special visitor stopped by our historic Pioneer Church! 😎 You may know him as Dayne Oldenborg. Or you may ...
08/11/2026

One Sunday, a special visitor stopped by our historic Pioneer Church! 😎 You may know him as Dayne Oldenborg. Or you may know him as “Yacht Papi Dayne.” 😎⛵ Either way, Dayne is definitely not your conventional political candidate — and we suspect he would consider that a compliment.

Some may call him boisterous and “unfiltered.” Well, Dayne may prefer his politics unfiltered — but certainly not our polluted water or unchecked overdevelopment. 🌊🌴

He has built a social-media following as “Yacht Papi Dayne,” using humor, straight talk, and his unmistakable personality to talk about Stuart and life on our waterways.

But Dayne’s connection to the water goes well beyond social media. A lifelong Stuart resident, he has spent much of his life around the waterways that help define our community. Now, Dayne Oldenborg is bringing that same outspoken personality into local politics as a candidate for Stuart City Commission, Group V.

Dayne says he doesn't want a City Commission that simply “rubber-stamps” development. He has publicly opposed rezoning the Sailfish Ball Fields in historic East Stuart for high-density residential development, arguing that public parkland should remain for the benefit of the community rather than becoming another development site.

His campaign also emphasizes protecting our waterways — something particularly personal to someone whose life and livelihood are so closely connected to them. His platform addresses pollution and toxic discharges and emphasizes educating the public about how everyday practices, including residential fertilizer use, can affect the health of our rivers and marine ecosystems.

Dayne is also campaigning on lower taxes, stronger programs and opportunities for Stuart's youth, responsible growth, greater transparency, and an open-door approach to City government.

We enjoyed showing Dayne our historic Pioneer Church and talking about Stuart — its past, its future, and why protecting the historic places, waterways, green spaces, neighborhoods, and character that make our little city different matters.

You don't have to agree with every candidate on every issue. But local elections should be about knowing who is asking for your vote, what they stand for, and whether they are willing to ask difficult questions and challenge the status quo rather than simply go along with it.

Thank you, Dayne Oldenborg, for visiting us!

To learn more about Dayne and his platform, visit his website (link in the comments)

Olga Hamilton

Good morning from our garden and a tiny pineapple 🍍 🫠Historic Pioneer Church aroundandabout.us Olga Hamilton and Robert ...
08/10/2026

Good morning from our garden and a tiny pineapple 🍍 🫠

Historic Pioneer Church
aroundandabout.us

Olga Hamilton and Robert W Hamilton Jr.

The Hamiltons CDBG File - Stuart, Florida

________________________

08/06/2026

This ceramic sculpture by Lorrie K. Goss of Clay Fine Arts captures a quiet moment in nature. Two sandhill cranes stand beneath arching palm trees, carefully watching over their nest tucked into a coastal landscape. The scene reflects the devotion of a nesting pair, symbolizing family, protection, and the enduring beauty of Florida's native wildlife.
Every detail has been individually sculpted and hand-glazed. Mounted on a natural wood slab, the piece blends fine craftsmanship with the warmth of the coastal environment, creating a striking three-dimensional work of art.
A centerpiece for bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates Florida's unique ecosystems, this sculpture brings a sense of tranquility to any home.

Stop by our historic Pioneer Church in Downtown Stuart, Fl: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm - local history and art

aroundandabout.us

Congratulations to Lorrie K. Goss of Clay Fine Arts, whose beautiful handcrafted ceramic creations found a new home. Fro...
07/25/2026

Congratulations to Lorrie K. Goss of Clay Fine Arts, whose beautiful handcrafted ceramic creations found a new home. From her whimsical and functional pottery to her one-of-a-kind coastal-inspired designs, Lorrie's work continues to bring joy to collectors from near and far. We are also thrilled that "Snowmen Christmas Greetings," an original watercolor by Olga Hamilton Art Studio, will be making its way to Cocoa Beach as well. What better way to celebrate Christmas in July than by sharing a little holiday spirit in the middle of summer? To our wonderful guests from Cocoa Beach— our heartfelt thank you for taking the time to visit our historic Pioneer Church, learn about Stuart's early history, and support the creativity of our talented local artists. Your appreciation for handmade art and historic preservation means more than you know. Every piece of art that leaves the Pioneer Church carries with it a story of craftsmanship, creativity, and community. Thank you for supporting local artists, small businesses, and the ongoing restoration of the historic 1895 Pioneer Church. We hope these unique creations bring you many years of enjoyment—and perhaps a little Christmas magic all year long! ❤️🎨🎁🙏

Olga Hamilton and Lorrie K. Goss

Address

311 SW 3rd Street
Stuart, FL
34994

Opening Hours

Friday 12pm - 5pm
Saturday 12am - 5pm
Sunday 12am - 5pm

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