Our History
The “Brief History of Los Altos United Church” written around 1956-7.
“In the beginning…Even as Christianity was born in the simple setting of a stable; so this church had its humble beginning, symbolically, in a barn.
In 1949 Los Altos had no schools or buildings available for a meeting place. It was through the generosity of Mr. Lloyd Whaley that his big red barn, located on the west side of Bellflower Blvd. and south of Atherton was loaned for the use of the church. Actually, only a part of the building was hastily transformed into a worship center, the remaining portion was still a storage place for such items as doors, windows, bathtubs and other building materials belonging to Mr. Whaley.
First Service
In this way the stage was set for the first service which was held on Thanksgiving Sunday in 1949. The setting was complete with wooden pews and candlesticks made by the men, a piano sent from the Frist Congregational Church of Long Beach, pulpit furniture from the First Congregational Church of Hollywood, Hymn books from the Santa Ana Church and some donated blue drapes that served as a dossal cloth.
There were approximately 75 people present that morning and apart from the human element, there were the occasional stray dog and cat, the birds could fly freely in and out of worship and even a rat would scuttle across the rafters now and then.
The warmth was provided only by the enthusiasm and devotion of the minister and the congregation. A warmth, that in the minds of early members, is unforgettable. It recalls a certain nostalgia….the special emotional quality of being at the threshold of a great experience: witnessing the beginning of a new church.
And how did it begin?
The Congregational Church made a survey of Long Beach. This Los Altos location was considered to be the most promising and most ideal site for a new Congregational church. The First Church of Long Beach undertook the role of parent church and generously set aside $10,000 to help this church get started. Mr. L. Whaley provided the land. In this way the Congregational Conference, the First Congregational Church of Long Beach, the Home Missions Board and the donated land from Mr. Whaley made it possible to construct a beautiful Chapel and Social Hall in Monterey-Colonial Design.
Dedication
Within view of the barn, the new buildings on Atherton, east of Bellflower Blvd. were dedicated on November 4, 1951. The chapel unit seating 170 and a choir, a social room with large fireplace, kitchen, choir room and outside fireplace for outdoor events.
So it was in the pioneer spirit of our pilgrim fathers and the western saga, the church was built with unending help, imagination and the devotion of a group of visionary members of the Los Altos community and their pastor.”
Our Congregation
We as a congregation, wish to invite diversity into our church by embracing persons of all ethnicities, all genders and gender identities, all sexual orientations, all ages, all educational backgrounds, all faith backgrounds, all mental and physical abilities, and regardless of social or economic status.
We welcome all family structures and individuals to participate fully in the life, leadership, ministry, worship, service, mission, and any other responsibilities of this church as they feel called to do.
Through the guidance of God, we are committed to embrace all people and to celebrate the diversity in which God has created us.
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.