First Presbyterian Church

The First Presbyterian Church in Santa Ana wasn’t always directly across Sycamore St. from the Old Orange County Courthouse. The Missionary and Aide Society came into being almost immediately after the church was chartered in November, 1882. Their efforts led to the purchase of the first plot of ground on the southeast corner of 6th (now Santa Ana Blvd) and Sycamore in 1884 for $600. The first church building was dedicated in September 1885. By 1902, growth engendered a need for a new, larger building. The property and building on the southeast corner were traded for 3 lots on the northeast corner for $1500. The second church building was completed in 1906. The 1933 Long Beach earthquake destroyed portions of that building. The old building was gutted to its foundation and a few outer walls. The present church building was dedicated on January 30, 1938.

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Santa Ana, Orange County
Photographer: Andrew Schmidt