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Building History

Ohio-born banker and real estate investor Chauncey Hatch Phillips (1837–1902), who subdivided Early California ranchos in San Luis Obispo County, CA, purchased a portion of the Rancho Ojo de Agua de la Coche--the Mexican land grant estate on which Morgan Hill was platted-- from the Murphy Family in 1892. Phillips set about developing the land and creating a town with urban amenities.

In order to attract stable, church-going people, Phillips's West Coast Land Company provided the local Methodist and Baptist congregations in Morgan Hill three lots and $50 for the construction of a church. Located on Monterey Road, the building has been centrally located in Morgan Hill since the beginning. In its first years the two denominations shared the church, hearing a Methodist or Baptist minister on alternating weeks. For the year 1893-1894, the local school met in the building. Alterations have occurred to the building over time, but it has remained in use since 1894.

Alteration

In 1913, the congregation added to the sanctuary's length and appended a kitchen to the building. A $400 pipe organ was added to the small church in 1921. The church's social hall was enlarged in 1935.

Using its own funds and those given by the City of Morgan Hill, the congregation undertook a thorough church renovation in 1987. According to the history page of the church's web site, the following was undertaken: "Repairs to the bell tower, foundation, and roof imporve structural integrity. Painting, landscaping, and interior remodeling enhance the church's appearance." (See United Methodist Church, Morgan Hill, "Church History," accessed 04/07/2016.)

PCAD id: 1618