Pacific Beach United Methodist Church

Beneath the warm San Diego sun, Pacific Beach United Methodist Church stands at the corner of Ingraham and Thomas streets. It’s just a block south of Grand, a landmark in this vibrant community. Pacific Beach United Methodist Church has a rich history here. Its story begins long before this current building. The first Methodists arrived in Pacific Beach in 1901. They initially shared space with the Presbyterians. But by 1904, they had purchased land and established their own church at Lamont and Emerald streets. The congregation thrived under the leadership of Reverend Henry Roissy. The San Diego Union even predicted in 1906 that the church would soon need expansion. They held a box social to raise funds. This charming tradition involved young ladies preparing decorated boxes with dinners for two. These boxes were then auctioned off to young men, who would dine with the box’s creator. Instead of simply expanding, the church acquired a much larger building. This building had a colorful past. It began as a dance pavilion near the beach at the foot of Grand Avenue. It later became a lemon packing plant owned by Sterling Honeycutt. Honeycutt, a trustee of Pacific Beach United Methodist Church, donated the building. After $2,500 in renovations, it was dedicated as their new church in 1907. The church remained at this location until 1922. The congregation then went without a dedicated space for 25 years. In 1947, under Reverend Alfred Hughes, Pacific Beach United Methodist Church was re-established. They met in a building formerly used by the Wee Kirk by-the-Sea at Emerald and Haines. This location was short-lived. The San Diego school district acquired the property for school expansion. The church received $36,000 for the land in 1948. Reverend Hughes then secured a site at the current corner of Ingraham and Thomas. Former barracks from Camp Callan became the temporary church. Finally, in 1959, the current sanctuary was built. Today, Pacific Beach United Methodist Church continues to serve the community. Hughes Hall, the former barracks, stands as a testament to its resilient journey.