First Church San Diego History

Welcome to First Church History!

First United Methodist Church of San Diego has a long and rich history dating all the way back to 1869. Please enjoy this overview of the church, compiled for our 150th Anniversary: 1869-2019. This timeline comes from The 150th Anniversary History a book by Krista Ames-Cook.

Our Methodist Church history tells the story and evolution of one of the older churches in San Diego. Read on to see how our church was started, what it has been through since its beginning, and where we are today.

Questions? Ask the First Church San Diego Historian: Jim Jackson, Ph.D. 

A 150-Year Timeline: 1869-2019

Enjoy this timeline of FUMCSD history. Select each item to expand for details.

February, 6, 1869 | The First meeting

A Methodist prayer meeting with 17 participants was held on the second floor in the U.S. Army barracks located near present day Seaport Village. The meeting was arranged by an elderly lady, Mrs. Case, who had recently moved to San Diego.

1869 | A FEW MONTHS LATER...

The new congregation bought two lots for $200 on the northeast corner of Broadway and Fourth Ave., across from what is now Horton Plaza. The first church was a white wooden structure that could seat 300 worshipers.

1887-88 | METHODIST BLOCK: NE corner of D (broadway) & 4 ave

By 1887, church membership had grown to 395. The wooden church became too small and was moved to India St., and a large three-story building, the First Methodist Episcopal Block was built in its place to a cost of $50,000, including a pipe organ. The structure was a combination of church edifice on the second and third floors and income-producing commercial space on the street level. 

1907 | Ninth and C

A new church, designed in "Gothic-Revival" style by Irving Gill, was dedicated on May 5, 1907. The auditorium could seat 1,500 people. The bell tower contained 11 cast bells, gifted by Dr. Gaylord Hartupee in 1908, which were moved and eventually installed in our current bell tower. The stone cross positioned on top of the main entrance to the church, was recovered during the move to Mission Valley and can now be seen at the entrance to the Children's Growing Center.

1916  |  Social Services headquarters

The Social Service Department, one of many ministries, had its headquarters located in a large home and had a sign above the porch indicating that the site offered a free reading room. The exact location of this building is unknown; however, it was most likely nearby the Ninth and C Street church.

1916 | Thanksgiving Meal

In this photo from November 1916, the Social Service Department workers and residents are gathered to share a Thanksgiving meal. The First M.E. Church of San Diego provided social services for those in need with beds, meals, clothing and medical care. The building housed dorm-style sleeping quarters for men and women, private bedrooms, a clinic, a reading room, a dining room, a reception room,  and a clothing room.

Early 1940s

During the WWII, the downtown church was open every day and night, providing fellowship and worship for members and the armed forces. 

1950s | Moving to Mission Valley

In the 1950s the congregation was again outgrowing its facilities downtown, where needed repairs to accommodate new earthquake safety regulations and lack of adequate parking had become issues. A location to build a new church was found in the heart of Mission Valley, among nearby dairy farms and corn fields. Ten-and-a-half acres were purchased for $60,000 in 1958 and the groundbreaking was held in 1963. The new church was completed by late October 1964.

Nov. 22, 1964 | The Mission Valley Church concecrated

The new contemporary, Spanish cathedral-style church, was designed by Reginald Inwood and completed in 1964. The actual move from Ninth Street to the new site was completed by the congregation in two days in an endless caravan of cars and trucks.

1960s | The construction of the Sanctuary

The unique construction of the church used large sections made of precast concrete poured on-site, which were lifted and assembled into place. At the time, it was the biggest tilt-up job for precast concrete yet attempted on the west coast.

1964-1988 | Sanctuary Interior

The first service in the sanctuary was held on Nov. 8, 1964. The sanctuary seats over 1,000 and was later renovated inside and out 1987-88. 

1970-72  |  Gallery Pipe Organ installed

Every Sunday worshipers get to enjoy music played on the largest pipe organ in San Diego County. In 1988, the sanctuary pipe organ was completely rebuilt and enlarged by Lyle Blackinton & Assoc. 

More Organ History
1979  |  The Memorial Bell Tower

After being silent for 12 years, the 11 bronze bells played again at Fourth of July services in 1976, and the first Memorial Bell Tower was dedicated. In 1979, the bell tower was renovated and rededicated, along with the restored Hartupee bells from the Ninth & C Streets location.

1983  |  Linder Hall

Linder Hall is the main fellowship hall that can seat 400 people.

1985  |  Children's Growing Center (CGC)

On Sept. 16, 1985, the Children's Growing Center (CGC) opened (with 10 children, ages two to five) in one classroom. The response to this new program was so great that an additional classroom was added in September 1986. The Children’s Growing Center expansion made it possible to serve 108 children, from infants through kindergarten. 

More CGC History

1988  |  The Memorial Stained Glass Window 

"The Tree of Life" stained glass window was installed 1988. It is located in the back of the sanctuary and measures 42 feet tall. At the same time, the sanctuary pipe organ was completely rebuilt.

1994-98  |  The Krause  UM Center

The Krause United Methodist Center, houses First Church offices, youth ministries, the New Life Counseling Center, Warren Walker Middle school, and the UMC CalPac South District office. 

1998  |  The Memorial Garden

The Memorial Garden was dedicated 1998 and includes a columbarium with 1,080 niches, a memorial wall and a place for prayer and meditation. It is located immediately beyond the “Mount of Olives” – the landscaped hill behind the altar window. 

2006  |  Trotter Chapel

The Trotter Chapel. with seating for 100, and the Sutherland Family Music Center were consecrated in 2006. A two-manual, 14-rank, 849-pipe L. W. Blackinton and Associates Pipe Organ was installed in the Trotter Chapel and dedicated on September 12, 2010.

2012  |  Marquee

A new digitized marquee was installed in June of 2012. A brightly lit United Methodist "flame" and events can now be easily seen from 1-8.

2017-2023  |  One church - two campuses

Point Loma UMC, located at 1984 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. in  Ocean Beach, merged with First Church in 2017. The Water's Edge Faith Community, who worshiped in the "Cove" on the Mission Valley campus as a contemporary service since 2002, moved to Ocean Beach to continue as a congregation of the First United Methodist Church of San Diego - One Church - Two Campuses. The two congregations came back together as one at the end of 2023.

Photo Credits: First UMC of San Diego Archives

Long-Time Members Share Their FUMCSD Memories

From the 9 AM worship service on February 10, 2019.

The 150th Anniversary History Book

Learn about First Church 150-year History in San Diego!

The 150th Anniversary History book by Krista Ames-Cook

Drawing on photographs and research from First Church and local community archives, Krista's book chronicles how Methodists have worshiped in several locations throughout San Diego, California, since February 1869.

This book is a must-have with lots of photographs and stories of joy and hope. Available for purchase for $25 in the church office.


Book SPONSORS

Gold Level

Philip and Elaine Amerson; Dorothy Appleby; Kathee Christensen; Greg and Lyn Cobb; Kevin and Brandy Crislip; Robert and Demetra Divine; Arleigh and Linda Dotson; Jeri and Richard Eimers (after publication); John Hermann; Raymond Homan; Jim and Joanne Jackson; Karon Jarrard; Rev. Kevin Jones; Ed and Erica Knowles; Dan and Maria Lai; David Latham; Homer and Linda Moyer; Abby Sailors; Jessica, Tim, and Abigail Strysko; Dionne and Nick Taylor; Jason Tucker; Dave Watters; Bob Wilson (after publication); Cindy Whitmore; Joyce Wright

Silver Level

Steve and Carol Ames; Audrey Blevins; Louise Cavallin; Ramona Court; Marlene Giles and Michelle Trujillo; Dick (Clinton) and Marlys Hamann; Beckie Henselmeier; Elizabeth Holcomb; Philip and Sharon Jeter; The Kirk-Clark Family; Martha McPhail; Brian and Pamela Murray; Thomas and Eleene Myers; Lois Nelson; Gloria Patten-Lane; Carole Porter; John and Jan Roese; Debra and Joseph Rosevear; Lembi Saarmann; Stefanie and Kyle Scroggins; Robin and Connie Smith; Patricia Twyman; Rev. Molly Vetter and Matthew Parker

The Altar Apostles

Our Altar of the Twelve Apostles was designed by Reginald F. Inwood between 1961 and 1964 as the architectural focal point of our entire sanctuary. It is a gift from Inwood to all of us, in honor of his parents, the Rev. E. J. and Jeanette Inwood. Rev. Inwood was pastor of our church in 1903/4 when it was still located downtown across the street from Horton Plaza. 

The design is entirely original and underwent at least ten revisions during a three-year-long creative process. Live models were used during the design phase for the figures, faces and hands. Small blocks of tile with over 100 different colors were used. The altar rests on a black pedestal that gives the impression that it is hovering above the chancel floor. 

But who are the figures on the front of the altar? They are the Twelve Apostles at the very moment of Pentecost. Come closer and see for yourself! 

Jim Jackson, Church Historian