Ventura County Landmark No. 81: First Christian Church

Historical Background

The First Christian Church was built in 1900 entirely through congregation donations, under the leadership of Reverend James F. Stewart, who chaired the building and fundraising committee (Historical Marker Database, 2021). Members contributed time, labor, and materials, making it the only remaining wood-framed, Victorian-era church in Santa Paula (Historical Marker Database, 2021).

Architectural Features

Built in the Carpenter Gothic style, the church’s most striking feature is its square bell tower topped with a steep pyramidal roof. The tower’s open belfry showcases decorative brackets with cutout floral motifs that highlight the skilled craftsmanship of the period. Remarkably, the building has remained largely unaltered since its construction (Historical Marker Database, 2021).

Historic Highlights & Community Role

In November 1898, Rev. Stewart led a dinner meeting in a schoolhouse that led to the congregation’s decision to purchase land and build the church, which was completed less than two years later (Santa Paula Times, 2000).
Celebrating its centennial in 2000, the church hosted a “Miracle Day,” during which more than 100 volunteers restored historic stained-glass windows, repaired architectural details, and refurbished the pump organ and altar chairs donated by the First Christian Church of Los Angeles (Santa Paula Times, 2000).
The church has endured Santa Paula’s major disasters—including the 1928 St. Francis Dam collapse, a devastating downtown fire, and regional earthquakes—while continuing to serve the community (Santa Paula Times, 2000).
In the 1930s, the original bell was removed due to structural concerns. A replacement from the Boosey Ranch was later installed and is still hand-rung today (Santa Paula Times, 2000).

Property Today

Now located at the corner of Railroad Avenue and 9th Street, the First Christian Church remains an active congregation and beloved local landmark. It continues to host regular services, weddings, and community events. The church has also served as a backdrop for filmmakers and photographers exploring Santa Paula’s historic downtown, enhancing its role as both a spiritual and civic gathering place (Santa Paula Times, 2000).