The Community Church of Atascadero began as the Federated Church of Atascadero July 18, 1915, with five people in attendance. Over the next several decades the church changed names and location several times, but the original concept of an active, community-oriented church still was part of the day-to-day life of the congregation. The Atascadero Federated Church was founded as a single church to serve all. This was the popular wish of those residing in the colony, regardless of what their affiliation may have been. In this way, all could assemble in common inspiration: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Luke 10:27)
The first services were held on a platform under an enormous oak tree at the foot of Pine Mountain (now known as Stadium Park). In 1915 there were 120 members. Less than a year later the Federated Church had 250 members, representing 20 denominations. Soon they moved to a tent that had been used in the colony's original tent city. There were several other moves to more servicable quarters. By 1929 overwhelming debts had taken their toll and plans were formulated to start a new church. On December 8,1929 the Community Church of Atascadero was chartered with 74 members. In 1930 the church moved to its present location on the corner of Palma and Rosario Avenues. The current Fellowship Hall of the church was the original sanctuary, built in only 60 days by the men of the church and dedicated in May of 1931.
In 1949 the church purchased an Army Chapel from Camp San Luis Obispo for $1,190. Plans were made for a basement on which to set the church, and again, much of the time, materials and labor were donated by church members and people of the community. The current sanctuary where services are held today was completed in June of 1950.
Since moving into the new sanctuary in 1950 the church has been a busy place of worship in addition to being a very socially-active church in the community. For almost 30 years the Fellowship Hall was the site of Red Cross Blood drives until the blood bank stopped being a non-profit organization and could no longer be housed in a church building. The church basement is currently the meeting place for Alcoholics Anonymous (three groups per week), and a local homeless shelter (one month a year for the past five years).
Over the past years, many improvements have taken place, including two auxiliary Sunday school rooms, landscaping, a paved parking lot, our beautiful stained glass windows along with normal updates and maintenance to the property. In 1961 members voted to become affiliated with the United Church of Christ.
Over the years, the following ministers have served this congregation: Dr. W.R. Richards, Rev. Robert Palmer, Rev. Mel Schroer, Rev. Larry Etter, Rev. Chuck Arnold (interim on two occasions), Rev. Wr'near Wilcox, and now Rev. Susan Brecht.
Today we are both a Peace with Justice Movement church as well as an Open and Affirming church. We have an active fellowship of people dedicated to living the Word of Christ. Join us in the excitement this year as we celebrate our 90th year as a thriving congregation on the Central Coast!
