JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. -- It wasn't your typical A-1-A traffic jam. Flashing lights and officers in neon vests led the way for the oldest building at the beach to get to it's new home.
"It's a pretty incredible thing to see. Third Street is blocked off. There is all this big equipment, and a building parked in the middle of the road," said Krista Beutel.
Dozens watched as St Paul by the Sea moved from Neptune Beach to the Beach Museum and History Park.
But for one woman this isn't just an amazing sight. It's home. "I've been going there since I was born," said E. J. Taylor.
Taylor was there when the church moved the first time. This is St. Paul's third move. "It was a lot quicker back then because we didn't have all of the traffic lights," she said.
Utility workers and electricians had to move every traffic light in the way. They
used cranes, and bucket trucks to clear the path, but Taylor says it's worth it.
"There is not much down here to preserve unfortunately. It's one of the few buildings left," she said.
The church will be 125 years old in August. And that's when historians hope it will reopen to the public. But one of the movers isn't waiting that long. He renewed his vows there Sunday.
"Might not get another chance to move a church again. And I've been wanting to renew them with my wife Melissa. We've been married for 17 years," said Louie LaRue.
"This is the most exciting thing. It's a momentous occasion for this beautiful chapel," said Taylor.
E.J. hopes the move will allow more people to enjoy the small church where she and her children spent their Sundays.
