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TIME LINE HISTORY
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF UPLAND
Thanks to Jack Atwood for his work in researching the following information.
- 1887 January 2. "Euclid Avenue Presbyterian Church" founded by Presbytery of Los Angeles. 39 members. Organizing pastor was Rev. John A. Merrill. September 27. Cornerstone laid for new church building at north-east corner of Euclid Ave and 9th St. This would be the first church built in what would become Upland.
- 1888 May 6. Church dedicated. Spire rose 100' high. Total cost $7600 of which $2100 was still unpledged. At the dedication service it was proposed that a special collection be taken and the $2100 was pledged. During the year new pastor, Rev. Charles Merrill was welcomed, Ladies Aid society was formed, Sunday School with 40 children was started. Christian Endeavor was formed. First session had three members. The Church was renamed "First Presbyterian Church of Ontario"
- 1891 December 10. Final mortgage payment made, burning ceremony held. December 11. Santa Ana windstorm hit community, church utterly destroyed. December 12. Entire community offered help and plans made to rebuild immediately.
- 1892 December 11. One year to the day after destruction of first church, new one dedicated, building and furnishings fully paid for. Savings had been effected by using some of old lumber and using plans from Scientific American magazine.
- 1895 At their own request, 50 members dismissed to form Westminster Presbyterian in Ontario. Name of church changed to "First Presbyterian Church of North Ontario".
- 1903 The Rev. Henry P. Lane began a service of eight years on June 14, 1903.
- 1906 Frances Paul Girls organized with Mrs. James Paul as teacher. Organization continued as study/social service group until 1957.
- 1909 Work started on new, third, church on same site. Completed two years later.
- 1911 Dedication of the third church building on April 16, 1911.
- 1912 Dr. Robert C. Stone called as pastor. He served for 25 years, until 1937.
- 1919 Passing of offering plates was discontinued. A box was placed in narthex for contributions. Passing of collection plate was resumed in 1945.
- 1920 Review of membership resulted in removal of names of 52 Koreans who had joined the church in previous years but were no longer working in citrus groves.
- 1932 Manse built on vacant lot north of church. Moved in 1957 to N. Euclid Ave.
- 1937-1951. Church continued to grow under leadership of Rev. Rex Lawhead, Dr. Donald E. Stewart and Dr. Rufus Oakey. Duplicate worship and Christian Education classes required to meet needs.
- 1951 Rev. Trusten A. "Tut" Hart called to pastorate
- 1954 Congregation acknowledged need for larger facilities, voted to acquire property north of 11th St. on Euclid, at that time a citrus grove.
- 1956 Campaign launched for new church. Goal of $250,000 was passed a week before end of campaign. Total pledges were $307.000.
- 1957 Church constructed with many walls of granite carried from San Antonio Canyon my members and built by retired 78 year old stonemason, Aaron Brest.
- 1958 January 12. Last service in old church and dedicatory service in new church. During the year plans laid to build fellowship hall, later named "Hart Hall".
- 1960 Rev. Hart resigned, replaced by Rev. Richard C. Mitchell following year.
- 1966 Nursery, or Pre-School, established with Mary Harrison as Director.
- 1970 Dr. Robert R. Gillogly called the pastorate
- 1972 Sparked by Dr. Gillogly's concern for children, a house in Alta Loma was purchased by the church and established as "The Alta Loma Home. for Girls". Functions as home for homeless, abused and at-risk girls.
- 1974 "The Inn" established in a home in Ontario. Shelter for abused and abandoned children from 6 mo. To 18 years. Both homes operated by the church under supervision by County Social Services Authority.
- 1976 Dr. Gillogly resigned.
- 1977 Rev. Richard Bunce called to pastorate
- 1978 October 8, 1978 . Ground breaking for "Sycamore Terrace" developed through efforts of Senior Housing Task Force. To be operated by Southern California Presbyterian Homes
- 1987 May 17. Centennial Celebration of church's founding. Alta Loma Girls' Home renamed in honor of Robert R. Gillogly. Rev. Richard Bunce resigned pastorate. Rev. Dale Kraai, Associate Pastor acts as temporary head of staff.
- 1988 Dr. Gary Hindman called to pastorate
- 1990 Under leadership of church, the "West End Hunger Program-SOVA" established in Ontario, to be operated as food bank by Pomona Inland Council of Churches.
- 1996 Upland Taiwanese Church organized and provided facilities on campus of First Presbyterian Church.
- 1998 "The Inn" rededicated as "Esther Brewster Home"
- 1999 Rev. David Peters called as Associate Pastor.
First Presbyterian Church of Upland
869 North Euclid Avenue
Upland, California 91786
909.982.8811
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