The First Presbyterian Church of Santa Paula was organized on Sunday, May 13, 1883, in connection with the
Presbytery of Los Angeles and the Synod of the Pacific. There were 21 charter members, who elected three elders to
serve on the first session. In the fall of 1886, the congregation decided to build a sanctuary at the corner of Main
and Davis Streets (above). The cornerstone for the church was laid in 1887 and the dedicatory service held in
1889. The total building cost being $13,500. In 1895, it was voted to move the frame structure to the rear of
the lot (where the existing stone sanctuary now stands) and the frontage on Main Street was sold. Santa Clara Valley
Bank now occupies that location.
The building that was so closely associated with the early history of the church was destroyed by fire on June 7, 1932,
but services continued in the Sunday School annex until the completion of the present beautiful stone edifice, which was
dedicated on November 5, 1933. The total cost of the building and furnishings was approximately $30,000. A new
Kilgen pipe organ replaced the old church organ lost in the fire and has enriched the worship services, as has the carillon
given during the 75th anniversary celebration in 1958.
27 installed pastors have served the congregation since 1883 and over 3,500 individuals' at one time or another, have
joined into the active ranks of the disciples of Jesus Christ. The congregation has given a vital witness in the
local community and in the total mission of the church both here and abroad.
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