History of UCC

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I am Welcome Here, You are Welcome Here, We are Welcome Here!


1906

 Central Christian Church purchased a triangular lot on what is now the corner of Richmond and Cleveland to establish University Heights Christian Church.  Several Central members already lived within walking distance, which made for a critical mass for a new congregation, even though some felt that University Heights was too “too far out in the country.” They proceeded with faith and built a small mission style building on the lot. It was 45 ft x 30 ft., but amazingly could fit 200 people.  The total cost of the building was $1,400 including all the furnishings and by  the dedication on Sept. 30 1906, enough money had been raised to cover all the debt.

1911

On Nov. 1 1911, the congregation’s name was officially changed to University Christian Church.

1920

On Dec. 5, 1920, a new sanctuary building that could accommodate 800 worshippers was dedicated to replace the original building.  

1952

On May 4, 1952 our current sanctuary and the adjoining Friendship Hall were dedicated.  The new sanctuary included stained glass windows and beautiful woodwork by Glenn Miller, whose work can be seen in Buckingham Palace, the Riverside Church in NYC, and Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

1967

In 1967, a new education building, church office, and chapel were completed.

1999

In 1999, University Christian Church became the first Open & Affirming congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Southern California.

2019

In 2019, University Christian Church became dually affiliated with the both the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ.

1906 Spanish Style Building
1920 Sanctuary
Construction of our current Sanctuary in 1952.

Quick History

1906
1911
1920
1952
1967
1999
2019
1906

 Central Christian Church purchased a triangular lot on what is now the corner of Richmond and Cleveland to establish University Heights Christian Church.  Several Central members already lived within walking distance, which made for a critical mass for a new congregation, even though some felt that University Heights was too “too far out in the country.” They proceeded with faith and built a small mission style building on the lot. It was 45 ft x 30 ft., but amazingly could fit 200 people.  The total cost of the building was $1,400 including all the furnishings and by  the dedication on Sept. 30 1906, enough money had been raised to cover all the debt.

1911

On Nov. 1 1911, the congregation’s name was officially changed to University Christian Church.

1920

On Dec. 5, 1920, a new sanctuary building that could accommodate 800 worshippers was dedicated to replace the original building.  

1952

On May 4, 1952 our current sanctuary and the adjoining Friendship Hall were dedicated.  The new sanctuary included stained glass windows and beautiful woodwork by Glenn Miller, whose work can be seen in Buckingham Palace, the Riverside Church in NYC, and Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

1967

In 1967, a new education building, church office, and chapel were completed.

1999

In 1999, University Christian Church became the first Open & Affirming congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Southern California.

2019

In 2019, University Christian Church became dually affiliated with the both the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ.

1906 Spanish Style Building
1920 Sanctuary
Construction of our current Sanctuary in 1952.