Drive-In Church — Established 1953

South Atlantic Avenue Entry To Church

Directly across from the Atlantic Ocean on A1A in Daytona Beach, Florida is the Drive In Christian Church that was established on the site of the Neptune Drive-In Theater in 1953.  Did you ever want to go to church in a peaceful manner where you could just sit in your car and listen to the broadcast on low-power FM, drink coffee or water, and bring your dog too?  The congregation at the Drive-In Christian Church enjoys these weekly services led by minister Rev. Larry Deitch.

My wife and I have been attending these services for a couple of years.  Typically about 700 people come every week.  Morning weather is normally great in Daytona Beach.  Attending the 8:30 service we like to get situated in the first couple of rows.  The minister stands on the protected balcony at the altar building.  He is up high so everyone can see and if it is real sunny he will wear sun glasses.

In some ways the Drive-In Christian Church is traditional and in some ways not so traditional.  Bring your dog and everyone is welcome.  When the Deacons pick up the offering, they also provide dog bones to the pups in attendance.  Between services going into fellowship hall, converted from the original snack bar, gives you a chance to have donuts & coffee and chat with others.

Church Altar Building

It seems that every three or four months a film or photo crew is there working on a special … CBS, Japan, newspapers, and Travel Channel to name a few.   Maybe it is just the fact that society is changing or maybe the fact that there is something special about 12 acres of open property and the natural beauty associated with it.  If something special is upcoming, Reverend Deitch lets everyone know.  Those are great opportunities for the classic cars to be featured.

Cars on a Sunday Morning

Maybe it’s listening to the sermon, watching pelicans and osprey fly by, looking up at high-flying aircraft headed to north or south destinations, or maybe spending a few minutes with one’s own thoughts and feelings in today’s busy and turbulent world.  A weekly quiet time to reflect is a good thing. 

As a car guy, every week is an opportunity to see lots of sedans, pickups, minivans, suv’s, sports cars, and occasionally an absolutely remarkable classic car, truck, or street rod!  You never quite know what to expect.  However, it is definitely respectful and fun outing.