In the Beginning…

            In the early seventies, the ministers of the Central Coast Cluster began discussion about the feasibility of starting a new United Methodist Church in the City of Atascadero.  The Reverends Dudley Johnson of Morro Bay and David Richardson of Los Osos carried the conversation into an independent study and came to the conclusion that a small congregation could be begun if it were tied to one of the nearby churches.

            The Atascadero project was placed on the Conference “wish list”  and funds were approved to purchase a site once a minister could be appointed and an organizing congregation formed.

            Such an opportunity was to take place at the Annual Conference of 1979.  After much discussion, the Bishop and the Cabinet accepted the voluntary request of a veteran minister, the Rev. Rollin Dexter, to be appointed to the new project.

            “I am going to hit the ground running like a hungry politician looking for votes.”  declared the newly appointed pastor to the City of Atascadero.

            Within a very short time, an organizing congregation was formed.  Lamon Colvin made the Chapel of the Roses available to the young congregation for worship and a limited Sunday School program.

            A small two-bedroom house on Santa Ysabel was rented jointly by the church and pastor “Dex” to serve as a temporary church office and “parsonage.” 

            Churches of the Santa Barbara District helped augment the limited income of the fledgling congregation.  Church members of other United Methodist congregations were encouraged to become a part of this new adventure.  On August 12, 1979, the first service of worship saw twenty-two new members courageously place their memberships in the United Methodist Church of Atascadero.

            On Pentecost Sunday, May 25, 1980, just less than one year since the project begun, the membership had grown to 85 charter members.  The Rev.  Fr. Harry Freiermuth, Pastor of St. Williams Catholic church, was a most gracious host to the two hundred or more worshippers who gave formal approval as they attended the formal organization, which took place in the sanctuary of the Catholic Church.

            Ground breaking for the first unit of the new church took place on Sunday, May 30, 1982, with Bishop Jack Tuell presiding. 

            After many volunteer hours, days, weeks and months, an excited congregation began it’s worship at the Chapel of the Roses on Palm Sunday, 1983.  After gathering up all of their belongings, they began their journey from the Chapel to the new multipurpose building on South El Camino Real.  The Chief of Police and two police units escorted the procession.

            “Dex” retired at Conference of 1986, and was followed in the Atascadero appointment by Dr. James Beebe, 1986-1990;  Rev. Edward Martin, 1990-1994;  Rev. Myron Wingfield, 1994-2001 and by our current pastor, Cherie Jones in 2001.  In 1998, Rev. Rollin Dexter became Pastor Emeritus to this congregation he founded.  In 2000, Rev. Martha Wingfield was appointed as Associate Minister, for the years 2000-2001.

            As the church family has grown, the buildings have expanded twice to accommodate activities.   A Church School wing with 6 classrooms was added in the late 80’s and in Spring 2000 the congregation took part in the ground breaking for the present sanctuary.  This was first used on December 17, 2000 and dedicated in Spring of 2001.  It is used frequently as a venue for area concerts and similar gatherings. 

            In early 2003 the congregation decided to add a full time Family Ministries Director to the staff to address the needs of children and youth.  Vicky Terhune served in this position for 1 ½ years.  She was followed by Linda Preston and Stacy Young who took positions as Director of Children’s Ministries and Director of Youth Ministries respectively.  In late 2006 Margie Orchard came to UMCA as Director of Youth Ministries.   In September of 2007 Melinda Teter began her work here as an educational Intern.  

            As it always has, the church welcomes all who enter its doors.   It is a dynamic fellowship of widely diverse persons united in serving God in one another and in our community and world.