By Martha Glauthier
|
When the bell rang, the two boys came bursting out of class, full of rebellion and complaints about ‘those ol’ teachers’ and the homework assigned. They also resented the chores awaiting them at home, and griped to each other as they got their bikes and rode off. Then they had an idea: “Let’s run away!” They parked their books behind some bushes and rode off to Puddingstone and other wonderful places. However, when the sun went down, they began to wonder where they would spend the night and what they might find to eat. They thought of the basement of the First Christian Church where their Boy Scout Troops met — there were rugs and furniture there, and maybe some leftover snacks. They crawled in a basement window and made themselves comfortable, lighting the open gas heater and pulling the couch near, and went to sleep. When they woke about 2:30 in the morning ( Thursday, October 20, 1955), to find the church on fire, they made an effort to put the fire out, but when it was unsuccessful, climbed back out the window and ran away. In spite of the work of five fire companies, the Church burned to the ground, leaving only the front wall standing. The Fire Marshal at first thought that faulty wiring might have been the cause. The only item saved, was the bronze plaque, memorializing C. P. Teague’s gift of $10,000 used to build the church. |
The First Christian Church was formed in October of 1910 by the Rev. J. W. Utter and 12 members, who first met in a tent at the SW corner of First and Bank Streets (later Exchange Place). They later moved into the Hall upstairs in the Foresman & Hoke Building (now owned by Pat Meyers and occupied by QIP). Only two years after the formation of the Church, the beautiful 3-story building on the SW corner of First and Depot (now Monte Vista) was dedicated October 8, 1912. It was built on three lots at a cost of $30,000 or $35,000. The Sanctuary, Ladies’ Parlor, Office and Kitchen were on the main floor, the Social Hall in the basement and Sunday School rooms in the balcony. This was the most costly and elaborate church in any town of San Dimas’ size in this part of the country and had a sizable membership. The Men’s Club met weekly and most of the men in town (regardless of church membership) supported this. At the time of the fire, the church was insured for $50,000. It was estimated that it could not be replaced for less than $150,000. The pastor at the time was the Rev. Wm. J. Diehm. The congregation would have liked to rebuild on the same property, but building codes required more parking than space allowed. After much searching, property was located at the corner of Juanita and Ramona streets and a new church was dedicated September 5, 1957. And the runaway boys? Were found Saturday morning after being seen in a gully south of town with a camping outfit, and were promptly turned over to the County Juvenile authorities. Editors note: Due to the recent untimely passing of a dear friend and guest columnist we are saddened to inform our readers this will be the final column authored by Martha Glauthier. Although Martha passed away suddenly on April 10, her uncanny knack of organization prompted her to write her May and June columns well in advance. Her columns were widely read not only locally, but throughout the world on this publications website. She will certainly be missed. |