“A cornerstone missing” That’s how it began. The Point Loma United Methodist Church in Ocean Beach a cornerstone of the community for almost a century had a missing cornerstone. This wasn’t just any cornerstone. It hid a time capsule. This wasn’t just any time capsule. It contained a piece of Ocean Beach history. The Point Loma United Methodist Church wasn’t just a place of worship. It was a community hub.
The church’s story is deeply intertwined with Ocean Beach’s growth. Founded in 1928 as the Ocean Beach Community Church it initially met in various locations. These included a former Congregational Church a Masonic Lodge and even a Merry-Go-Round Building. The rent for the Merry-Go-Round Building was a mere $20 a month. Can you imagine?
The church’s current location on Saratoga Avenue wasn’t its first choice. Other sites were considered but the current plot squarely in the middle of Church Row was chosen for $2500. The cornerstone laying ceremony was a grand affair. The city fathers even closed off the block. The Bungalow Orchestra provided entertainment along with other local musicians. Speakers included Methodist District Superintendent Frank Linder and San Diego Mayor Harry Clark.
Construction began and the first service in the new building was on December 1 1929. This was just before the Great Depression hit. The church however weathered economic storms. It experienced prosperous times and some difficulties. A coffeehouse and teen center called “The In-Between” caused a schism in the congregation during the late 1960s. The church recovered. By its 50th anniversary the mortgage was paid off. The ashes of the burned mortgage were even placed in the time capsule.
The time capsule itself held fascinating relics. These included a San Diego Union front page from September 1 1929. The headline read “Ocean Beach scores by fast growth”. A church program and a list of early members and Sunday school children were also included. Handwritten notes from founding pastor H A McPheeters added a personal touch. Even more recent memorabilia like church publications was discovered.
The Point Loma United Methodist Church wasn’t just about faith. It fostered community. It provided a space for the Ocean Beach Historical Society’s lectures. It hosted a food pantry and programs for young adults with developmental disabilities. The church was a true cornerstone of Ocean Beach life. Its legacy extends beyond its physical structure. It’s a testament to community spirit and perseverance. The future of the church building remains uncertain. However its story and its impact on Ocean Beach will never be forgotten.