Our History
1876
Established
Elk Grove District Methodist-Episcopal Church was organized in 1858. The church and Parsonage were built in 1876 on Elk Grove Blvd. opposite Derr Street, at a cost of $3,400.
1877
Organized
The Elk Grove Presbyterian church was organized on February 12, 1877, although the first services were held as early as 1856. Many years later, members of the Methodist and Presbyterian churches, realizing the need for united strength, decided to combine. In the early 1900’s the Bruceville Methodist–Episcopal Church was built. It was dedicated on August 31, 1902. L.P. Walker was the pastor. As the years went by, families moved away, and the little church was no longer used.
1920
Joining & Moving
In 1920, the Methodists and Presbyterians joined together to form the Federated Community Church of Elk Grove. The Bruceville Methodist–Episcopal church was sold and the monies invested in the Federated Community Church of Elk Grove.
1923
Current Church Location Established
A new church building was erected on the present site where the Presbyterian Church had been (8986 Elk Grove Boulevard) and was dedicated on February 4, 1923, for $18,400.00 minus the plumbing, heating, and electrical work. It is a theatre-like auditorium and movies were shown on Friday nights. In 1925, a Pipe Organ was purchased from the First Methodist Church of Sacramento, located at 6th and L streets in Sacramento, and was installed. In 1938, the church was remodeled again to celebrate its 25th Anniversary.
1951
Separation & Building
The Methodists and Presbyterians voted to separate in 1951, and the Elk Grove Community Church (Methodist) was born. The Presbyterians moved to the Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church in Fair Oaks. In 1952, the church was remodeled again, and in 1957, the Education Building was constructed.
1976, 2002-2010
Expansion of Property
In 1976, the 100th Anniversary of the church was celebrated. The “Frame” property was bought to become a parking lot (property behind/south of the church). In 1988, the church decided to remain in “Old Town” Elk Grove and began to plan for expansion at the current site. In 2001, building began, and the parking lot was started and completed. From 2002-2010, Capital Campaigns funded many more projects.
2010
The Beginning of the Meal Ministry
In 2010, a “Get-to-Know-Your-Neighbor” Saturday breakfast was initiated, which has the dual purpose of building community in our part of Elk Grove and helping those who may be hungry. In 2012, a “Get-to-Know-Your-Neighbor” Sunday lunch was added.
2014
Beginning of Winter Shelter
In 2014, we joined with other churches and community groups to provide winter shelter to the homeless in a program known as EGWINS, and we served as the Intake Site. In 2021, we partnered and participated in the first year of the City of Elk Grove’s O.W.L. – Overnight Warming Location program. We were the overnight shelter for the month of December.