First Presbyterian Church

Old Presby Days For June 22, 2008 to June 21, 2009

Old Presby Days For May 3, 2009

Celebrating 140th Anniversary of First Presbyterian Church, Santa Barbara

Featuring:   VII.  Modernization Era,  1964 to 1985

 This is the seventh historical era and it began in 1964 when an engineer’s report stated that both the sanctuary and social hall buildings on Anapamu Street were no longer earthquake safe according to modern standards.  The engineer’s study had been ordered to provide space for a new organ, since the old 1918-vintage organ was no longer able to be repaired.  We would need to do a lot of strengthening and rebuilding to stay at that site long term.  The City wanted to buy our parking lot and social hall to add to its new parking structure behind the Granada Theater, which was in the early planning stage.  The Session had been discussing opening a child day care center but there was no space.  The congregation finally decided after much discussion of the options, to seek a new site, and after extensive search, a vacant 4.3 acre site was purchased in1966 on the northwest corner of State Street and Constance Avenue.  

This major modernization and relocation project was envisioned to be completed in phases, and as funds were available.  Much study and planning was needed along with agreements and permits.  The architectural firm of Inslee and Senefeld of Pasadena was selected.  The general contractor was Theilmann Construction Co.  Laymen leaders were Don Welch, Richard Nelson, Harold Vaile, Peter Ehlen, and Bruce O’Neal, to name only a few.  Important to the success of the building program was the volunteer work of overseeing it by Ron Hin, a retired building contractor and member of the church.  Rev. Walter Ray, ThD, was hired as Assistant Pastor when Rev. Dean Ellern resigned in 1967.

The country was entering the space age with the walk on the moon in 1968.  The offerings of the church continued to expand as Santa Barbara continued its growth.  A Fish Class was offered to both youth and adults who have disabilities on Saturdays starting in 1970, under the leadership of Mrs. H. E. Henderson.  All the Church organizations pitched in to assist the Session in planning, raising funds, and enabling the new facilities.  This included taking on “Cargo” by three Mariners Clubs, the Presbyterian Women, the Mens’ Bible Study Group, and those in the Church School.  Patti Jacquemain, a young artist in the congregation, made a Christ Mosaic for the patio of the new buildings.

The new Church Office, including the pastors’ studies, and the Church School classrooms and play area along with appropriate parking were completed in 1971 on the new site.  This had been necessitated because the City Parking Authority wanted to tear down our old social hall for a parking lot.  So for two years our church activities were taking place at two sites.  During this time the congregation voted “no” on the controversial support grant of funds to Angela Davis by the national denomination.  Dr Walter Buchanan, Choir Director, resigned after 31 years of service and became a missionary in Japan. 

Finally on December 23, 1973, the congregation met at the old site and symbolically marched (or rode) to the new sanctuary to dedicate and worship in the new edifice.  The new sanctuary seats 800 and contains a magnificent new Casavant organ with an antiphonal unit in the balcony.  Behind the alter is the stunning “Christ Risen” stained glass window from the Willett’s Studio of Philadelphia.  Above the choir seating area and just beneath the organ openings are located the 16 carved wood shields symbolizing the apostles, done by Admiral Clarence Burmister, a dedicated member of the church.  Above the side aisles are, four on each side, stained glass windows, with six small stained glass windows in the narthex, all created by the Willett’s Studio.  The ceiling design of the sanctuary appears to be held up by a giant Celtic Cross, inspired by Richard Nelson, an architect member of our church.  In the building are a spacious sacritry, a Session room, storage rooms, and choir robbing and practice rooms.

Rev. John Harris served as an Assistant Pastor for two years starting in 1974, and Dorothy Johnson was named Director of Christian Education.  The Hand Bell Choir was organized in 1976.  Rev. Lawrence Fisher retired in 1980 after 24 years of service.  Also retiring after 42 years was Emma Lou O’Brien, Organist.  Rev. Fred Christian, DD, served as Interim, and along with his wife, began the Annual International Gift Sale, benefiting overseas missions. 

Rev. Robert Pryor was called late in 1981 as our new pastor and late in 1982 Rev. Robert Miller retired after 19 year of service.  The Rev. Judith Muller was hired to replace him in 1983 and continues to serve at present.   Also in 1983 the Infant Day Care Center was opened on the new campus to better serve the community.