History

The First Christian Church of Chico, California was founded on March 21, 1883 under the leadership of the Evangelist, J.B. McCorcle. There were 21 charter members. In the first ten years, the church had seven different ministers. There was no record as to the place of meeting until February 1884 when they met in Miss White's Academy at the corner of 7th and Salem Streets. In 1885, the new church was opened at 412 Hazel Street with a membership of 56.The bell, which tolls in our church today, was hung in the belfry.

In the early 1900's, with expansion in Butte County, our church grew too. Membership was now over 300 and the old church was torn down and rebuilt in 1908 to accommodate growth. During World War I, the church worked with the Red Cross to support the "boys over there." In the 1920's, the Ladies Aid Society activated a system of Systematic Calling wherein six geographical "circles" might make as many as 57 house calls in a month's time. The church had a fine orchestra, the Sunday School grew and the "Loyal Bereans" were an active, fun, contributing group to the life of the church.

In the 1930's, the effects of the Great Depression were felt in Butte County, and the need for assistance to the community was well-responded to by the Ladies Aid Society and the newly formed youth group, Christian Endeavor. The 1940's brought about more wartime response by our congregation. Under the pastorate of Rev. Henry L. Searle, the filing of our Articles of Incorporation and the start of a new building fund were initiated. In 1949, the National Church established the observance of the Week of Compassion.

In May of 1950, plans were drafted for a new church building to be located on the corner of First Avenue and Mangrove, but undesirable aspects of locating at such a busy intersection prompted the acquisition of the current property on East Washington and Laburnum. During this time, the Social Circles reorganized into what is known as the Christian Women's Fellowship. In 1955, ground was broken for the new First Christian Church and in 1956, the Sanctuary was dedicated. Glenn E. Riddell was the pastor at this time. He had a strong influence in the development of several community entities such as the Family Service Association and the Chico Area Council of Churches.

The turmoil of the 1960's had its influence on our congregation. Many new programs were developed such as Schools of World Outreach, women were first elected as elders and lay people became integral members of worship services. In 1966, the then-new Wicks Pipe Organ was installed following a fundraising campaign. In 1967, Wendell G. Pew was called to serve as pastor and the motto "Agreed to Differ, Resolved to Love, United to Serve" was adopted.

The 1970's witnessed the "burning of the church mortgage following the pay-off of a $325,000 debt without a single late payment. It was also a time of more community action in the form of the development of a food cupboard and home missions funds used for the needy. Christian faith and growth groups, a prayer chain and "secret pals" were initiated by CWF and the men's group was also meeting regularly.

In the 1980's, this church celebrated its Centennial with much fanfare and reminiscence of a century of incredible change. This was the decade in which Rev. Carolyn Casey-Reed was called to serve as Associate Pastor and then subsequently named as Co-Pastor. In the last decade of the 20th Century, many service and fellowship groups flourished - such as the youth groups and the senior adult program. Following the retirement of Rev. Pew in 1993, after 26 years of service, Rev. David L. Debow was called to serve as co-pastor along with Pastor Reed (in 1994).In September, 2000, the Rev. Sue Bowman was called to be the Interim Pastor. Two months later the Rev. Dr. Jim Bradford was called to assist her and now served as Interim Pastor until the arrival of Dr. Tom Shifflet.

First Christian Church has been blessed in many ways over its history. People who dedicated themselves to this church over the years have brought us to where we are. Our doors have been open to welcoming others for over 117 years. Countless hands and hearts have contributed time, energy, and their resources to the presence of God as manifest through this congregation. We, who are a part of this church today, are grateful for all that has come before us.

Today our congregation is engaged in countless ministries and missions. We provide many opportunities for faith development and Christian growth through programs such as: Sunday School, youth groups, People of the Covenant groups, prayer groups, Bible study groups, choir, two services of worship and spirituality groups. We also minister to the many needs in our congregation through Chico Community of Caring, the Elders, our visitation groups, and the senior telephone ministries. We also have a lot of fun - Senior travel group, weekly fellowship hour, church picnics, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, Burger Bashes and pot-luck meals. We serve the community in many ways. We give both time and financial resources to places such as: Habitat for Humanity, Esplanade House, Jesus Center, Parent Education Network, Catalyst, Rape Crisis, and Wings of Eagles. Our youth have gone on mission trips. We also contribute to the Christian Church general ministries which provides hope and healing, compassion and love, for people in the United States and around the world. We are a busy people!