The Christian Church of Santa Clara began in 1954 as a Bible study in the home of Leonard Perkins, a student at San Jose Bible College. On Easter Sunday, 1955, the little congregation of 15 met as a church for its first worship service. Leonard Perkins served as the part-time minister. The infant church received guidance from the Board of Elders of Los Gatos Christian Church. In late 1955, the church met in a store right next to the Cinderella Motel on El Camino Real, where the Bank of America is now located. Leola Bragg, an early member of the church, owned the motel. In 1960, the present property was purchased, strictly by faith. There were two homes on the land; one was remodeled into a sanctuary and is now the fellowship hall, and the other was the first parsonage. On August 14, 1964, the first full-time pastor, Dr. Dewey Kooy, presided at the ground breaking for our present sanctuary and classrooms. Later, the Kennedy house and property were purchased. That house was demolished in 1995 to provide for more parking. The parsonage on Barkley Avenue was purchased in 1975. Pastor Gene Feaster served as the full-time minister from 1982 to 1999. In 1986, a group of Korean Christians joined Santa Clara Christian, and Pastor Chae later joined the staff. Pastor Glen McWherter was our Youth Pastor from 1990 to 1993. Pastor Bob Garcia served as Associate Pastor from 1994 to 1996. Pastor Chuck Fairbrother has ministered here since May, 2000.
There have been many victories for our Lord in the last 50 years. Through regular tithing from our annual budget, our giving to missions has expanded to help spread the gospel on almost every continent. For about 20 years, the Bread Ministry distributed free food to many people every week here in Santa Clara. Lives have been changed as new believers have been baptized into Christ and discipled into mature Christians. Although our surrounding community has changed dramatically from orchards to computers in the past half century, the Christian Church of Santa Clara continues to press on to the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
To God be the glory now and forever!
There have been many victories for our Lord in the last 50 years. Through regular tithing from our annual budget, our giving to missions has expanded to help spread the gospel on almost every continent. For about 20 years, the Bread Ministry distributed free food to many people every week here in Santa Clara. Lives have been changed as new believers have been baptized into Christ and discipled into mature Christians. Although our surrounding community has changed dramatically from orchards to computers in the past half century, the Christian Church of Santa Clara continues to press on to the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
To God be the glory now and forever!
