Brief History
Our beginnings as a local church find their roots when the Presbytery of Los Angeles organized First Presbyterian Church of Guadalupe on August 6, 1876 under the leadership of Rev. Thomas Fraser, Missionary Agent of the Synod of the Pacific. It wasn't long before the church moved to Santa Maria when the church bought its current property in 1911 on the corner of Cook and Lincoln. The sanctuary built on this corner was dedicated in March 1913 and remained in use until April 1961.
Our present sanctuary was built in 1961 and was dedicated in February 1962. It's a strikingly modern, foursquare design with 75 feet on each side. This design recalls the description of the new city of Jerusalem out of heaven (Revelation 21:16). The foursquare design is symbolic of perfection in Jewish and Christian theology. The arrangement of the pews to the chancel area in semi-circular fashion emphasizes the importance of the preaching of the Word of God and the fellowship of God's people around the Lord's Table.
Visiting preachers and a long list of former pastors and worship leaders can attest that the best view by far in worship is reserved for those who look out into the congregation as the story of God's creation and redemption is unfolded by a marvelous array of stained glass.
We give thanks to God for the incredible honor of serving the Santa Maria Valley these many years. Since the beginning of this Reformed outpost of the kingdom of God, 35 pastors (including assistants and associates) have served here. The witness and ministry continues to this day in a newlywed church.
After sharing space as two distinct churches for over 5 years, First Presbyterian Church of Santa Maria and New Covenant Presbyterian Church (a New Church Development of the Presbytery of Santa Barbara) became Santa Maria Presbyterian Church on January 21, 2007. This was the result of much prayer, reconciliation, and passion for God to move within and beyond our combined efforts. We thank God for making us a "new wineskin" for "new wine", to embrace change not for the sake of survival but for the sake of God's name, story, and mission of glorifying Jesus, God's only Son, here in Santa Maria and beyond.