Our Mission

Lighthouses were designed for a singular purpose: to save lives. The U.S. Coast Guard designated them as Life Saving Stations. In the middle of the raging storm of life, when we are on our knees, we all seek salvation. Originally designed to project a clear beam of light a distance of 18 miles using a simple whale oil lamp and 1st order fresnel lens, this light guided and kept Ship Captains alive when they lost their bearings. In 1620 when the Spanish first claimed Sand Key, a loss of treasure, ships and lives were what inspired the first primitive signal light in this place. Our great nation's founding fathers consisting of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson created the Lighthouse Act and since that time many lives and much commerce were saved from certain destruction. Lighthouses today are more symbolic than functional. To navigate, we utilize and rely greatly upon the propagation of advanced radio frequency satellite technology. Of course, we know all technology is doomed to eventually fail. The design of this lighthouse however, the first of a new hurricane resistant approach has stood tall and weathered the test of time and the environment since 1853. The builder, a brilliant young West Point Army engineer and young lieutenant by the name of George Gordon Meade had no inkling that he would be fighting for life of a nation as the commanding General for the Union Army at the Battle of Gettysburg precisely ten years later. His breastworks design during the Confederate Commander (Another George) Pickett's charge stood strong that day on the day of our National Independence.  The history of this lighthouse here on Sand Key reef is so deep, so incredible, that its' true provenance is difficult and complex to measure. The historic provenance of this amazingly diverse ecosystem could not be covered completely by description even in a single document, as it has spanned multiple centuries.           This has been truly hallowed ground of historic significance since the Spanish claimed it in 1620. Lives have been saved and tragically lost here on the Sand Key Reef. The original life saving purpose of this iconic treasure remains purposeful to design, but has evolved to be true from a different perspective.  Just as ships can lose power and bearing and run aground, so can our pathways of life. People lose their way, with potential to be smashed upon the rocks in tragic outcomes. Our great nation on the hill has in its core purpose to be considered the light of the world, however           Jesus is the true light of the world. In order to hear his voice there are times when we must seek the quiet places, the areas of refuge in order to regain our foothold and our bearings for our life's journey. Sand Key Lighthouse, and the healing immersive qualities surrounded by Gods perfect design found here can indeed restore and save lives.