Haven’t you heard? First United Methodist Church of Escondido has been around for quite a while. It is the oldest Protestant church in Escondido. The church’s story starts back in November 1886. It was first known as Methodist Episcopal Church of Escondido.
The Escondido Land & Town Co. wanted to help the town grow. So, they gave free land to any church that wanted to settle there. Impressively, the Methodist-related University of Southern California got 1,000 lots. These lots were worth $100,000. The university sold most of them. With the money, they built a church and a seminary. The seminary closed in 1894. But its building became Escondido High School until the late 1920s.
The first real church building for the Methodist Episcopal Church was dedicated on August 21, 1887. It stood at Grand Avenue and Ivy Street. Back then, the San Diego Union described it as a handsome brick building. It could seat about 250 people. The whole thing cost about $4,000.
Harriett Church remembered the original church well. She was the congregation’s longest-serving member. She even helped write a book about the church’s history. Harriett recalled ringing the church bell as a child. The sexton let her do it. She loved it. The bell’s wheel lifted her off her feet a bit. But she held on tight and got back down safely.
Some people came to church in horse-drawn carriages. They tied their horses to rings at the curb. Sometimes, the horses got restless. They pulled away and wandered down the street. After the service, people followed the sound of the carriages to find their horses.
Nathan M. Wheeler was the first pastor. He served from May to August 1886. He built a parsonage and raised money for the first church building. Amos Martin Ogburn, his replacement, helped build the first church building. John Neil Turrentine followed Ogburn in October 1887. Later, he became a city clerk, postmaster, and newspaper editor in Escondido.
The church hosted community events because it was one of the largest buildings in Escondido. In early 1888, the crowds celebrating the railroad’s arrival spilled over from the Escondido Hotel to the church.
By 1920, the congregation had grown too big for the church. So, a new Greek-style building was built at Kalmia and Illinois Streets. It was dedicated in December 1921. The old church at Grand and Ivy became a Lutheran church. Later, it was a dance studio. It was torn down in 1964.
In 1939, the church merged with others and became First Methodist Church. The church kept growing. By the mid-1950s, it had a social hall, an education building, and two parsonages. Expansion continued. In 1964, the old church was torn down. A new one was built at the same spot.
After more mergers in 1968, First Methodist Church became First United Methodist Church. Today, the First United Methodist Church of Escondido at 341 S Kalmia Street, welcomes everyone. They aim to share the enriching messages of hope from Jesus Christ. You are welcome no matter your age or background.