The freedom to worship as we please is a right and privilege many people take for granted. But for those early settlers to the Outer Banks, this freedom was worth risking everything for, worth a dangerous trip across a vast ocean to unexplored lands filled with unknown perils. It wasn't important that there were no churches to worship in when they arrived. After all, God had gotten them safely across the ocean and deposited them in this wild and beautiful land He had created. What better way to thank Him for their blessings than under a canopy of leaves or a star-studded sky?

The first recorded religious event in the area was the baptism of Manteo, an Algonkian Native American for whom the town of Manteo is named. The event happened on August 13, 1587, on Roanoke Island. However, it wasn't until approximately 200 years later that formal buildings were erected where people could gather together to worship in the way they saw fit. These early churches were mostly Baptist, Methodist, and Pentecostal.

The Outer Banks now can boast numerous churches ranging from simple wooden structures to modern buildings that have kitchens, day-care rooms, and meeting rooms. Some of the older churches are undergoing renovations to keep pace with the continued development that brings more people to services. The interdenominational Corolla Chapel experienced such rapid growth that it was forced to expand its tiny 100-seat setting. On summer Sundays, more people would be standing outside than in. Pastor John Strauss led an expansion effort that included building a new facility across the street and moving the old, historic chapel over to it and combining the two. The new church facility seats 250. It also allows the addition of a ministry to teens as well as a senior citizens group along with other outreach programs.

The Holy Redeemer Church in Kill Devil Hills, which burned down in 1998, was rebuilt at a new site in Kitty Hawk on Kitty Hawk Road. The new church is much larger and more modern than the old one was. For up-to-date information on service times, call the church information line, (252) 261-1168. If you're a fan of stained glass, be sure to see the exquisite windows of Mount Olivet United Methodist Church in Manteo. Late-afternoon light provides the best viewing time. If you're into the natural beauty of the Outer Banks, stop by the Duck United Methodist Church, designed by architect Greg Frucci. As the story goes, Frucci had a difficult time convincing the powers that be to forgo conventional stained glass for a natural view. Why not have a perpetually changing scene fashioned by the Maker Himself, Frucci argued. The church eventually agreed, enabling worshipers to admire a wooded soundside landscape through a huge bay window behind the altar. The view obviously inspired the late Reverend Bill Ruth, for one Sunday he invited the entire congregation up to the altar to see a red-tailed hawk perched on a tree limb.

Our varied array of religious congregations includes Baptist, Southern Baptist, Catholic, Charismatic, Christian Scientist, Assembly of God, Methodist, United Methodist, Jehovah's Witnesses, Lutheran, United Church of Christ, Mormon, Episcopal, Full Gospel, Seventh-Day Adventist, Presbyterian, Unitarian Universalist, and Interdenominational. Still, there are some missing (spiritual) links. If you wish to attend services other than those mentioned above (Jewish, Greek Orthodox, etc.), you must drive to Virginia Beach or Norfolk.

Most of our Outer Banks churches have full-time year-round pastors who are assisted by visiting clergy during the peak season, when attendance increases several-fold. It's not uncommon for a summertime congregation to spill out of a church and into the parking lot. Hatteras Island has a host of United Methodist parishes, and often one minister will travel to two or more communities to conduct Sunday services.

As in the islands' early days of worship, nature provides some special alternatives to indoor church services. It's not unusual to find oceanfront services, and, on occasion, The Lost Colony's outdoor amphitheater serves as a venue. If you're here on Easter Sunday, you're in for an early-morning treat: Scores of people flock to the ocean for nondenominational sunrise services in many communities along the Outer Banks. Favorite locales include Kitty Hawk Pier, Jockey's Ridge, and the Corolla Light Homeowners Association oceanfront swimming pool, where the Corolla Chapel Sunrise Service is held. When attending one of these services, allow yourself plenty of time to vie for parking and be sure to bring a coat or a blanket, as the early hours can be on the chilly side.

Some religious groups are branching out beyond traditional Sunday services, offering Christian counseling, athletic opportunities, thrift-store shopping, and even entertainment. The Dream Center in Nags Head (252-441-1155) has mostly Christian-oriented theater and musical performances during the summer season as well as a coffeehouse, a small Christian gift shop, and a bookstore. The environment is nonsmoking and no alcoholic beverages are served on the premises.

Worship schedules vary seasonally for the many churches on the island. Pick up the most recent Sunday edition of the Coastland Times for comprehensive information on worship services and locations.