San Dimas Community Church United Church of Christ A Brief History

Transcription

1 San Dimas Community Church United Church of Christ A Brief History You are welcome here! 216 N. San Dimas Avenue San Dimas, CA (909)

2 A Note from Pastor Joyce It has been said that it is important to know where one has been before charting a course for the future. This booklet represents a brief look at the history of San Dimas Community Church United Church of Christ, which has been a faithful witness to God s love since its formation in As with any living, breathing, dynamic organization, we ve had our highs and lows. Yet, God s work has continued to hold forth through members and friends who ve diligently endeavored to keep the Spirit of a still-speaking God flowing outward to a world in need. You may be receiving this booklet because you ve decided to join our membership and journey with us into God s future. We welcome you and promise you with our prayers and support, and we ask God s blessing and guidance today and in all the days to come. Directions: From the 210 Freeway Take the San Dimas Avenue off ramp. Proceed south on San Dimas Avenue. The church is located on the left between Second and Third Streets. From the 57 Freeway Take the Arrow Hwy off ramp. Turn right onto Arrow Hwy Proceed east to San Dimas Avenue Turn left onto San Dimas Avenue Proceed north past Bonita Avenue. The church is located on the right between Second and Third Streets.

3 This is Our Church: San Dimas Community Church United Church of Christ On May 22, 1912, forty-six people formed the interdenominational Union Church in San Dimas, California. At first, services were held upstairs in the Hoke Building on Bonita Avenue. Later, services were moved to Sunday afternoons in the Baptist Church on the corner of Depot (now Monte Vista Avenue) and Third Streets. The name of the church was well suited to its members, who came from ten different denominations: Baptist, Catholic, Christian, Congregational, Episcopal, Friends (Quaker), Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and Universalist. The first minister, Rev. Charles E. Stickel, was a progressive Presbyterian under whose guidance the Women s Guild was organized and plans were begun for the construction of a new church building. In those days, San Dimas was a small town of fewer than 2,000 people, nestled among thriving citrus groves and dedicated to serving the needs of the citrus industry. At one time more lemons were shipped from San Dimas than anywhere else in the United States. So when the freeze of 1913 destroyed the citrus crops, it devastated the local economy. Plans for construction of the new church were put on hold until the members were able to recover financially from their losses. On September 15, 1915, Rev. Horace Mallows was called to succeed Rev. Stickle as pastor of the Union Church. Rev. Mallows, a man of great religious faith, engineered the purchase of the property on the 1

4 southeast corner of San Dimas and Third Avenues for $1,400. Construction of the new church building began March 4, 1917, at a cost not to exceed $10,000. The church sanctuary was constructed in the manner of a theater. The floor sloped downward from the back to the front, where a large screen could be lowered from the top of the proscenium. Theater-style seating flanked the central aisle. The sanctuary served not only as a place to worship, but also a community center used for open forums, speeches by prominent speakers, and even movies. On Sundays, a portable pulpit was placed in the center of the stage. Folding chairs were placed in the raised sections on either side of the sanctuary, and curtains parceled off the Sunday school classrooms. More than $2,000 was raised to purchase an organ console which was situated near the stage on the north raised section. Members of the Church Board included politician and Assemblyman W. A. Johnson, for whom a mountain peak was named; financier Frank Harwood; A.S. McDonald, a prominent citrus grower; and John A. Dennis and J.C. Walker, also active in the community. Hayden H. Jones generously donated his time over 30 years as choir director, and Roger Holden taught Sunday school for over 50 years. These and other dedicated members helped secure the future of the church. In 1922, Rev. Shelton Bissell, a scholar and effective pulpit orator, became Pastor of the Union Church. During his tenure, Sunday school classes were brimming with teenaged boys and girls and church membership grew. Rev. O.K. Walker succeeded Rev. Bissell in

5 Shortly thereafter, Tangeman Hall named after G.D. Tangeman, a prominent organizer of the original church body was built. The top floor was occupied by the Women s Guild, and Sunday school classes were held in the basement. Prosperity declined dramatically in 1929 as citrus prices reached a low of 30 cents a box. The economic downturn was matched by a similar downturn in church attendance and in the financial support needed for the church s continued operation. In 1932, similar philosophies and economic expediency led the Union Church and the Christian Church to merge into the San Dimas Community Church. From the beginning, leadership was shared and the merger seemed destined to succeed. The Pastor, Rev. Tunis Cordell, and the Moderator, a Mr. Titsworth, came from the Christian Church; the Financial Chairman, Walker Downs, and the Choir Director, Hayden Jones, came from the Union Church. The Women s Guild (Union Church) and Women s Missionary Society (Christian Church) were similar in structure and function and worked well together raising money from dinners they prepared and served for 60 cents a plate. Located on the southwest corner of Monte Vista Avenue and Second Street, the Christian Church building was equipped with a fine pipe organ and oak pews. Although both buildings were used, the Christian Church building became the exclusive venue for Sunday services. Before their merger, Holy Communion was held every Sunday in the Christian Church and every quarter in the Union Church. Following their merger into the San Dimas Community Church, Communion was held once a month, a tradition that has continued to this day. 3

6 In 1936, Rev. Tunis left San Dimas Community Church. His successor, Rev. John A. McDonald, a Scottish-born Congregational minister, served only two years before the merger between the two churches was dissolved. Former Christian Church leaders became less and less involved in supporting the new church. When they withdrew in 1938 to reactivate their former church, the remaining San Dimas Community Church body continued as organized, relocating to the old Union Church site on San Dimas Avenue under the pastorate of the Rev. Choate N. Balch. Many former Christian Church members retained membership in San Dimas Community Church, helping to defray the burden of additional operating expenses incurred after the merger. Against the backdrop of World War II, the years following the dissolution were especially challenging for the church. Together with Rev. Balch, Moderator Jack Carruthers played a key role in holding the church together. In 1942, San Dimas Community Church took a great step forward and joined the fellowship of the Southern Conference of Congregational Churches. Following the departure of Rev. Balch in 1945, Rev. Harland E. Hogue served for two years as interim pastor. A powerful speaker, Rev. Hogue s preaching attracted many new members. During his pastorate, the chancel was remodeled under the scrutiny of the church s architect member, Fred W. Kennedy. In 1947, Rev. Francis C. Ellis was called to serve at San Dimas Community Church. He and his wife, Miriam Ellis, provided experienced, dedicated leadership to the church, fostering a long period of renewal and growth. During his eleven-year pastorate, the membership rolls more than doubled, from 200 to 565 members. 4

7 A manse on the northeast corner of San Dimas Avenue and Fifth Street was purchased for $10,000 and by the Church s 40 th anniversary in 1952 it was paid in full. That same year, Rev. Ellis goal of 400 members was attained. Many improvements were made to the church building during the 1950 s. Eight stained glass windows replaced the French doors, and two more wee installed on either side of the fireplace, at a total cost of $2,000. The Women s Guild purchased the red carpeting that remains today in the sanctuary and the Ellis Youth Chapel was renovated from the old kitchen on the southwest side of the church and named for Rev. Ellis. The new Chapel featured stained glass windows and a small chancel, and led Rev. Ellis to comment, When you step into the Chapel the atmosphere is an invitation to worship. Other improvements that decade included a new kitchen built on the east side of Tangeman Hall at a cost of $4,887, and the purchase of the Henger house to the south of the church for $9,000. The house was used for a church school nursery and the Beginner and Primary Departments, and the area immediately to the rear was made into a play yard. Rev. Ellis was instrumental in starting Shipmates, Voyagers, 40 and Over, Pilgrim Fellowship, and Junior High and College groups. He organized the Greeters and sent out a monthly newsletter called The Visitor. He also stared coffee hours after worship to promote friendliness and fellowship among members and friends. A fine poet, we still end our worship with his song: 5

8 May the Lord give you peace, Bless and keep you forever, Give you joy and cheer your way, May your faith fail never. May the love in your heart be true, True and strong forever, May the Lord keep you now, Bless you and keep you forevermore. Rev. Ellis retired in 1958, the year after the Congregational Christian Churches united with the Evangelical and Reformed Church to form the United Church of Christ. As a Congregational Church since 1942, San Dimas Community Church freely joined the new union in 1960 during the ministry of Rev. Peter Jansen. The church continued to prosper under his leadership. Rev. Jansen and his new wife, Midge, occupied the manse upon their arrival, but moved to their own home just west of San Dimas not long afterwards. Once vacant the manse was sold. During Rev. Jansen s three years of service to the San Dimas Community Church United Church of Christ, 352 members were listed on the church rolls. The Sunday school had 130 members with an average weekly attendance of 100. The adult and junior choirs each had about 25 members. The church also sponsored a Boy Scout troop. Oak pews replaced the theater chairs in the sanctuary, and the bride s room and pastor s study were renovated. Rev. Richard Spears succeeded Rev. Jansen in 1961, serving in an interim capacity until mid Like Rev. Hogue before him, Rev. Spears interests wee directed more towards preaching and religious philosophy than engaging in the traditional pastoral activities. 6

9 In July 1962, Rev. James C. Hutchison and his wife, Margaret, were welcomed into the church. A native of Scotland, Rev. Hutchison held special services to celebrate Robert Burns birthday and Scottish Sundays, charming members and visitors alike with his lively brogue. During the ensuing twelve years, the church building was renovated inside and out. Concrete steps replaced the old steep steps leading to the front of the church. A concrete wall was constructed to surround the cement patio with holly planted in front. Brick walls were constructed for shrubs on either side of the front door, and large containers were planted with trees. Inside, the chancel was refreshed, and new lighting fixtures were installed in the center and the sides of the sanctuary. Latticework with a cross was installed on a high beam for those entering and exiting the sanctuary to see. In the late 1960 s, interest grew in building a social hall to the south of the church building. By a vote of 53 to 7, the congregation elected to take a loan for $130,000 to finance the project. Dedicated on April 18, 1971, Fellowship Hall has since been the setting for countless potlucks, wedding receptions, classes, theater productions, dances, meetings, and other church and community events. Rev. Hutchison retired from the ministry in 1975 following a period of failing health. Many members left the congregation prior to his retirement, and by 1975 fewer than 50 people were attending Sunday worship. 7

10 With fewer members to bear the financial burden of repaying the loan on Fellowship Hall, the church had to struggle to remain in existence. Rev. Wilbur Simmons provided patient and faithful interim guidance upon Rev. Hutchison s departure until the church learned of the availability of Rev. Kenneth B. McCandless. Rev. McCandless had been the pastor of the Claremont Presbyterian Church for many years before working in the development office at Scripps College, and was well known in the local community. Once he received ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ, Rev. McCandless began his sevenyear ministry at the San Dimas Community Church United Church of Christ. Rev. McCandless inherited substantial financial problems, including monthly payments of $1,098 on the remaining $120,000 debt associated with the construction of Fellowship Hall. The church sold the house adjacent to the parking lot and applied the proceeds to the principal; in return the bank agreed to accept interest only payments. By the time Rev. McCandless retired in 1982, the indebtedness had been reduced by half. Rev. McCandless also insisted that 10% of the church budget be earmarked for the World Mission of the Church and other benevolent projects. Funds were used to offset delayed maintenance, to pay for a new roof, install new leathers on the organ, and to purchase and install Clerestory windows in stained glass. The Women s Guild and Shipmates worked hard to help secure the church s financial future. Slowly but surely, many former members returned and the church s membership began once again to grow. When Rev. David L. Harder came to San Dimas Community Church United Church of Christ in 1983, 8

11 the church rolls listed 70 families (130 members). With only two families under age 30 and 13 families aged years, there were hardly enough children to hold Sunday school. It was not long, however, before Rev. Harder s energy and enthusiasm led the church rolls to swell. In just four years, when the church celebrated its 75 th anniversary, the active membership increased to 118 families (220 members). Of these, 12 families were under age 30 and 35 were aged years. Rev. Harder s institution of Sharing our Joys and Concerns in prayer remains part of Sunday morning worship to this day. His sermons often included impersonations of biblical characters, who came alive through his portrayal of their thoughts and feelings. His revision of the church Bylaws helped them to better reflect the structure and function of the church. During his pastorate, the organ acquired a new windchest at a cost of $18,000. A library was installed at the north end of Tangeman Hall and the basement was opened again for Sunday school classes. The sanctuary was redecorated at a cost of $13,310. New choir robes were acquired and pew Bibles donated. Landscaping was updated under the guidance of Bob Gaston. Contributions of time and service were plentiful. Rev. Harder resigned in Immediately thereafter, Rev. Rex Knowles, a favorite supply pastor who lived at Pilgrim Place, was called out of retirement to provide interim leadership until a new full-time pastor could be called. Rev. Knowles helped bring healing to the church. His loving kindness and wonderful sense of humor were comfort food for the souls of those whom he ministered. The church, in turn, provided the newly widowed Rev. Knowles with a caring extended family. 9

12 Like the interim pastors before him, Rev. Knowles activities centered around Sunday worship services; other pastoral duties were placed on hold pending the arrival of a called full-time pastor. Rev. Knowles served faithfully and compassionately until his retirement in early In February 1997, Rev. Jim Bowser began his ministry at San Dimas Community Church United Church of Christ. Rev. Bowser was grounded in the United Church of Christ, and his ministry strongly emphasized our identity and belonging to the United Church of Christ. UCC themes, such as the unity in diversity, were regularly addressed in the life of the community, and the congregation began to be more active in association and conference activities. He started Wednesday evening barbecues still popular during the summer months. In September 2003, Rev. Bowser resigned and moved to San Diego where his wife, Barbara, had working for several years. In November, Pastor Terry LePage began a period of interim service at San Dimas Community Church United Church of Christ. In the following 15 months, the church website ( was launched and worship was enhanced with the introduction of projected text and images. Also during her tenure, San Dimas Community Church United Church of Christ was declared a historical site by the San Dimas Historical Society, which installed a commemorative plaque in the walkway at the front of the church in August

13 After many months of careful study and deliberation, the Rev. Joyce Kirk-Moore was called in February 2005 to serve San Dimas Community Church United Church of Christ. It is noteworthy that Rev. Kirk-Moore is the first female pastor ever called to a settled pastorate at San Dimas Community Church United Church of Christ. Pastor Joyce s ministry is a family affair; her spouse, Dr. Thomas Moore, is active in the choir and teaches Bible studies; her mother and fatherin-law, Elizabeth and Stan Moore, are active members in the church. Elizabeth s family attended the church while her parents were citrus growers in San Dimas, and Elizabeth worked with the youth of the church while attending Pomona College. Within 15 months of Pastor Joyce s call to serve San Dimas Community Church United Church of Christ: 11 Overall church membership grew more than 20% A three-year fund drive, This Old Church, received over $82,000 in pledges to repair and renovate the building. Faithfulness is measured more by mission and witness than by membership numbers, and Pastor Joyce s ministry strongly emphasizes relationship building and the extravagant welcome of the United Church of Christ. One highlight of our ministry together is our children s and

14 youth s ministry under the direction of Christina Held. The children join their families for the first part of worship and then attend age appropriate programs designed for their spiritual growth. Additionally, the youth meet weekly for programs and activities that engage them in community building, mission, service and active learning. In the spring of 2007 we began the creation of a memorial garden on the southwest corner of the property. Trees and benches are given in memory of friends and family members and the garden is a place for quiet reflection. 12

15 San Dimas Community Church United Church of Christ 216 N. San Dimas Avenue San Dimas, CA (909) Sunday Service - 10:00 a.m.