The DCC Sanctuary at 100 years  -  from Dennis Dahlin, Church and Community

On the evening of January 15, 1924, a defective stove flue resulted in a fire in the second sanctuary, and the building was destroyed after only a decade of use. 

Fortunately, Rev. Nathan Fiske was on hand to lead the effort for a new and larger interdenominational church. The tireless Rev. Fiske traveled far and wide to New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago, seeking donations.  Several state and national church boards committed funds for the new sanctuary, with local contributions as well. 

A building committee was formed, including past and future Mayor Calvin Covell. A larger property was purchased at the present corner of Fourth and C Streets. The site included the former home of Mrs. Gavino Peña, a descendent of early Mexican settlers in the area.

The pastor’s goal of a nondenominational church was soon realized by the congregation.  In 1925, the name of the church was changed from Davis Presbyterian Church to Davis Community Church. Representatives of four major denominations gathered to lay the cornerstone, including Congregational, Methodist Episcopal, and Baptist clergy as well as the Presbyterian Rev. Fiske. 

The small-town congregation also had lofty aspirations for the design of the new sanctuary. The prominent Los Angeles firm of Allison & Allison was selected as the architectural firm. The Allisons belonged to a generation of architects described by historian Richard Guy Wilson as the "romantic imagists."

The firm was best known for its role in the development of the UCLA campus in Southern California, including Royce Hall. Historian Kevin Starr has observed that a significant percentage of state residents have attended school, college or university in Allison & Allison buildings or worshipped in the architectural firm’s creations.