Del Rosa United Methodist Church

DEL ROSA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
One Hundred Words About Our Hundred Years
At the turn of the century Del Rosa was a rural community located in fertile area of fine citrus, olives and grapes. Santa Fe Railroad had a station nearby for tourist excursions.
In 1891 Methodist meetings were held in the old frame school house at Dcl Rosa and Lynnwood Avenues. In 1896 the Methodist Episcopal Church was formed. The first pastor, Rev. D. L. McCarty was appointed in 1899.
In 1912 the first church building was erected on the corner of Del Rosa Avenue and Date Street.
In the 1920’s fundraising, plays, and games figured prominently at the “Little Brown Church in the Vale”.
A choir was born in 1932, and the church was painted white. A crisis in the 1940’s threatened to move the church to Baseline, but the members rallied to save it.
In 1952 the church was no longer a missionary church; they were ready to grow. Land was purchased at the corner of Del Rosa and Eureka Avenues. In 1956 the present sanctuary, chapel, offices and kitchen were completed. Other buildings quickly followed.
In 1966 the church reached 1,000 members. In 1968 the church name was changed to Del Rosa United Methodist Church..
In 1972 the DRUM Preschool was organized for outreach and evangelism.
In the 1980’s the chapel was renovated and renamed “Memorial Cliapel”. In 1989 a new Galanti Preludiumi II organ enriched a fine music ministry.
In the 1990’s the “Church of the ROSE” extends Christ’s love through the DRUM Children’s Center, Scouting programs, United Methodist Women, the United Methodist Youth Fellowship, Sunday School, prayer groups, home Bible studies, music, and foreign missionary support. We look forward to our next 100 years.
Information provided by Marie Moreland, church historian