Shown on the left is the first building for the congregation located on the corner of University and Waverley 1896-1907.

   


The second building, located at the corner of Waverley and Forest Avenue from 1907 - 1955.


The boy's choir 1967


The girl's choir 1967


1st Pres. Kids sing at peace rally in 2003

From the Palo Alto Times on February 9th, 1893:

On Monday afternoon, Feb 5th, the Palo Alto church was organized. Over fifty residents of Palo Alto and vicinity assembled at three o'clock, at Lirin Hall. The meeting was presided over by the Rev. Mr. Newell of Santa Clara, representing the Presbyterian denomination, and was opened by appropriate prayers, hymns, and an excellent sermon by him on "The Word of God." A resolution was then adopted calling for the formation of the church. Fully thirty handed in their names, agreeing to join the new church as communicants, either by letters from other churches or by confession of faith. The church meeting then adjourned until 3 P.M. Sunday, February 19th at the same place. During the interval those intending to join the church by letter are expected to obtain their letters, and arrangements will be made for reception of those coming on confession of faith, at the proper time.

After the adjournment of the church meeting, the assembly resolved itself into an association to organize a church corporation to look after the temporalities of the church just formed. Rev. Mr. Newell continued to preside. L.E. Rich was elected temporary secretary. Preliminary articles of association as a basis for the organization were presented and unanimously adopted. Thirty nine persons signed the articles of association. Election for trustees was then held, and the following named were elected for the first year and until their successors are elected and qualified; viz:

D.L. Sloan of Mayfield; Prof. Henry A. Todd of the Leland Stanford Junior University, Joseph Hutchinson of Palo Alto; Prof. James O. Griffin of the Leland Stanford Junior University; and G.W. Mosher of Palo Alto.

Articles of incorporation in due form were then presented and were signed and acknowledged by the organizers.

The articles of incorporation signed, the meeting adjourned until the same time and place as the adjourned church meeting, when organization will be completed.

Although this new Churh is organized under the auspices of the Presbyterian denomination, and its chief support comes at the onset from that quarter, its complexion will not be by any sense sectarian. Many Methodists, Congregationalists, even Episcopalians, and possibly members of other denominations joined in the organization. It will be a liberal and advanced church, within safe lines. Too large attendance at the meeting and the hearty interest shown by all in the congregation is more than encouraging; it assures the building up of a useful and strong church.

The Trustees will proceed immediately to erect the church building. The place and specifications have already been adopted; the builder decided upon; the contract already signed, and very possibly, before this issue of the paper, the ground will be broken for the foundations. Within ninety days, we may look for dedication.

The names of the organizers of the corporation are given below. Others who could not attend the first meeting will join at the earliest opportunity.

D.L. Sloan; L.E. Rreh; G.W. Mosher; O.G. Hopkins; Joseph Hutchinson; Willis Sanor; Frank O. Doty; A. McLachlan; W.W. Brown; James S. Irvine; Lewis H. Smith; John B. Cleveland; R.S. Thomas; J.E. Sloan; Paul A. Gilmore; James McIntosh; Charles McIntosh; Nellie D. Irvine; Anna P. Zachokke; Ella F. Doty; Harriet A. Mitchell; John B. Daley; Kate Daley; Olive M. Rich; Ella R. Horton; Catherine Horton; Mercy D.N. Brown; Alice Horton; Phebe Sanov; Kate K. Hutchinson; Lavina E. Sloan; Harriet O. Willant; Helena P. Mosher; Andrew Soennicksen; Helen Elliott; W.L. Johnson; R.K. Todd; Elizabeth Thomas; James O. Griffin; and Henry A. Todd.
   
 

History Stories:
   

 

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