History

The Lafayette United Methodist Church was established in 1855, but the Christian community that became this congregation was active long before that time. Tradition tells us that Sunday School classes were held in the home of Elam Brown, the city of Lafayette’s founder. By 1857 the first church building was erected and was located on what is now Golden Gate Way. In these early days, services were probably led by laymen on most Sundays with a visiting minister officiating occasionally. In 1868 a new circuit was established called the Lafayette and Livermore circuit and Reverend Richard Kernick was appointed to begin his work that fall. In May of 1880, the small building housing the church was moved to the site on Mt. Diablo Boulevard presently occupied by the Clock Tower Building. Services continued in this location until 1886 when the Good Templars Hall became available for the use of the church. Once again the church moved to a new building. This building werved the congregation for many years and was affectionately known at the Church on the Hill.

In 1927 it was decided to make another move. This time the old school house, built in 1892, was available and the church was moved to what continues to be our location. A new sanctuary was constructed and dedicated in 1943, followed by the Sunday School building and the Social Hall. In 1984 the old school and the sanctuary were joined together to create one large structure. Many changes have taken place over the years, but the old school building can still be detected at the rear of our present sanctuary and is easily identified by the bell tower which was part of the school. This portion of the building has been designated an historical landmark by the Lafayette Historical Society and the children still ring the bell each Sunday morning to call the people to worship.

The church has gone through many transitions over the years. It has been served by many ministers and congregants have come and gone. Services, meetings and pot luck dinners have continued for over 140 years. The buildings now house many services used by the Lafayette community including Joyful Beginnings Preschool, the Jr. High After-School Mentor Center, ESL classes, Senior Citizens luncheons, as well as two Sunday morning worship services, Wednesday evening Bible classes, Sunday evening youth programs. Look for the coming events of the church in the calendar.

Go to our Sesquicentennial page to learn about upcoming events surrounding our church's 150th birthday!