Silverpoint Beach Club ends 31-year tradition of Sunday mass

The Silverpoint Beach Club in Atlantic Beach is closing the chapter on Sunday Mass. After 31 years, Father Tom Moriarity decided to stop holding Mass due to a new member of the K court at the beach club.

He sent out a heartfelt letter to all the members of the club expressing his understanding for those that are upset and appreciation for the community.

“After 31 years of saying Mass at Silverpoint Beach Club, it will have to come to an end,” Moriarity wrote in the letter. “A new member on K court who was a member of another court for years finds it disruptive and unfair, claiming many on the court feel the same.”

He added that the person who registered the complaint does not want their religious rights infringed upon. This complaint was sent to Silverpoint management and him anonymously.

Moriarity said he did not wish to comment further when called by the Herald and Silverpoint management also did not comment.

Moriarity praises the beach club staff for handling the situation and working to come up with a solution that everyone can be satisfied with. Unfortunately, the solution is not feasible for Moriarity and the decision will not be reversed.

“It has been a profound honor and a joy to celebrate Mass with each of you on sunny Sundays outside of K court for the past 31 years!” Moriarity wrote. Your devotion to the faith, presence in the congregation, and participation in Mass have enriched our worship and depend our spiritual bond.” 

He is appreciative a grateful for all the memories and Masses held and donations given for the food pantries.

Guests took to the public Silverpoint Facebook page flooding it with comments about the decision to end Mass. Some are members of K court and others showed support for Father Moriarity during this time.

“As a member of K court I would like to personally find out who the anonymous person is, I’m sorry but that person does not belong on K court then,” Brian Nichtern posted.

A majority of the posted comments opposed ending the Sunday Mass.

“Why is one person’s discomfort-a feeling to which they are, of course, entitled- dictating that of a 31 years tradition be eradicated?” Lauren T. Maguire wrote. “If that person is uncomfortable, they can simply choose not to participate or leave the area during that time.”

Even those of different faiths commented on the situation and questioned why a religious ceremony was offensive.

“As a member of the Jewish faith, I find the cancelation of a 31 year tradition of prayer a scandal,” Ted Khan posted. “I am sorry that religion in general is being so attacked and disparaged. Why can’t a beautiful tradition remain?”

Have an opinion on the ending of Mass at Silverpoint Beach Club?
Send letter to jbessen@liherald.com.