My recent blog post featuring the history of Petaluma Christian Church, aka Polly Hannah Klaas Performing Arts Center at 417 Western Avenue, generated comments about there having once been a roadhouse on the site. I don’t believe there ever was a roadhouse, but there was an earlier church on the property.
In July of 1885, Dryden & Wilson obtained the contract to build the first Petaluma Christian Church for $2,200. The dedication occurred on October 18, 1885. The building served the congregation well, but as their numbers grew, so did the need for a larger church, and by 1910, construction of the second Petaluma Christian Church was well underway. Contractor Frank Lepley and his assistants began tearing down the “old” church in the winter of 1910. The new church was dedicated on March 12, 1911. Ironically the building was too small to accommodate all who sought admission, and many were turned away.
In 1971 a third Petaluma Christian Church was built on Schuman Lane.
Former Petaluma Christian Church to be Rehabilitated for Use as Community Arts Center
The old church building was beautiful. My sister and I were both baptised in the baptismal in 1972. Lots of very happy memories. Thank you for sharing!
You’re most welcome!