Island resident David Boughter became the new Chaplain of Chapel by the Sea last February. Before becoming Chaplain of Chapel by the Sea, Boughter served as an Interim Chaplain, but local leadership roles are not new to Boughter.

As a long-time local, Boughter is currently the General Manager and Golf Course Superintendent of South Padre Island Golf Club. In addition to working on the golf course, Boughter also serves on the Laguna Madre Water District board.

Church for Visitors

As described by Chaplain Boughter, Chapel by the Sea is an Inter-Denominational church, which relates to one or more religious denominations. "We don't hold on to the same dogma," he says. "As the apostle Paul said, "I have become all things to all people, that I might, by all means, save some."

When the church started in the 70s there was no air-conditioning. "When it was first built, the doors were just bamboo," explained Boughter, portraying its older look before the sliding glass windows were installed. Through the years, the chapel has kept the same feel.

Since the start, Chapel by the Sea has stood as the oldest church on the island, built for visitors. There were no members initially, though they regularly have a congregation of 100 that attend all year. The chapel adjusts the schedule for visitors depending on how many travelers there are at a specific time of year.

Starting with the two services in November, soon following three services in December to four in January. "The chapel has been here so long they know the rhythm of the winter Texans and all of our visitors," said Boughter on providing enough services to those who come.

With a significant online presence and recorded services available on Facebook live or YouTube live, Boughter added that more than anything else, hearing about the church is mostly from word of mouth. "The chapel has been here so long that now there are kids come whose parents got married here."

Pictured: David and Julie Boughter

Services

As Chaplain, Boughter himself is currently going through a deep study on the apostle Paul. During Sunday sermons, he will be going through Corinthians.

Starting in November, the chapel will begin their 8 AM and 9:30 AM services.

Boughter encourages the public to come and keep His word to preach truth and love and enjoy talented musician Brett Marshall, the Director of Music at the chapel. "He is phenomenal and gifted, he's been a part of the chapel for 12 or 13 years, and he's the most gifted musician I've ever worked with."