Early History of FCCSB

The history of the First Congregationalist Church, UCC of Santa Barbara traces back to the 1850’s when a few pioneer Protestant families arrived in Santa Barbara and established the “Ecclesiastical Society and Church of the Congregational Faith and Order“, the first Protestant church in the area. The first minister arrived in 1866 and the church was formally organized with 12 members on September 6, 1867.

More history writeup coming soon …..

Santa Barbara in 1870 — Building #1 can be seen near center

Building #1

The first building — at the corner of Ortega and Santa Barbara St. — was dedicated on May 29, 1870. The 1870’s marked a period of rapid growth. The membership of the congregation had grown to 152. Articles of incorporation were filed in 1887 under the name of “The First Congregational Church of Santa Barbara” in October, 1887.

Building #2

The congregation had grown so much that a new building was necessary. Located at Figueroa and Anacapa, it was dedicated on October 6, 1889.