Our History

Saisie and Mel Pratt

In July of 1953, Rev. Ed Cunningham contacted the Ladera Community Association about interest in starting a Community Church in Ladera. There was clearly some interest. In January of 1954, Rennie Wilsnack, Frances Gibbs and Ruth Crittenden conducted a survey of the Ladera community to find out if there was enough interest to launch a church program. Apparently there was. The first worship service was held on the patio of Phyllis & Bill Levers' home on Easter Sunday, April 18, 1954, with Mel Pratt as pro-tem minister.

Groundbreaking for the Sanctuary

When the originally chosen lot for the church became unavailable, a new lot was chosen with a gorgeous 300+ year oak tree. The Sanctuary was designed to incorporate the view of that magnificent tree. The groundbreaking for the Sanctuary was April 20, 1958. Victor Thompson, Professor of Architecture at Stanford University, was the architect. His wife, Marianne, was our first pianist. The first Worship service in the new Sanctuary was held Sunday, November 23, 1958.

Building the Congregation

The church held its first Annual Meeting January 17, 1956, at Ladera School to adopt a Constitution and By-Laws. Bill Levers, as chairman of the Steering Committee, directed the meeting. With the election of the first permanent officers, the Steering  Committee was dissolved. Joseph Pettit became Ladera Community Church's first moderator.

These Charter Members gather on the 45th Anniversary of the first worship service held in the sanctuary of the church.

Front Row: Rev. Mel Pratt, Vic Thompson, Ruth Kennedy
Middle Row: Frances Gibbs, Doris Abbott Nall, Marianne Thompson, Lindy Gardiner, Ann Roselle
Back Row: Ruth Coale, George de Lannoy, Frona de Lannoy, Saisie Pratt, Ken Gardiner