DCC's unique History
Davis' oldest protestant congregation
1869
early davis
Local residents started the Davisville Presbyterian
Church in 1869. Services were held in the blacksmith shop of Charles
Harwood. “The front part of the shop was curtained off, and a bench or
nail keg served as a pulpit. Meanwhile, from the rear of the shop could
be heard the clink of the anvil and the hissing of steam.”
1870
first church building
The church was built in 1870 and the pews
added in 1871 and a stove in 1872. It was located at the corner of 4th
and E Streets. Later, the building was moved to the current location of
the fraternity house south of the church.
1884
First Manse
The house for the church minister was built in 1884 at 619 Fourth
Street. Later it became a community center for students and a City
Landmark.
1915
second church building
By 1911 the church had 83 members and 173 in Sunday School. Plans begun
for second church building. The Old building was moved to the fraternity
house location across the street. The new church was completed in 1915.
It was designed by Edwin McBride and had similarities to the Unity
Temple in Chicago, pictured here.
1924-1927
Third church building
After the second building burned down in 1924 (due to a defective flue) big changes began. Rev. Nathan Milo Fiske, pastor from 1920 to 1933, served earlier as a
home missionary in lumber camps of the Pacific Northwest. “A cheerful
man of tremendous energy.” He spearheaded Davis’ first sewer system. He
was a tireless promoter of the rebuilding of the church and spent a
great deal of time and energy seeking donations. He collected over $100k
in donations. He promoted the new church as nondenominational.
1932
An interior picture
Note the height of the choir loft compared with today!
1930s
the great depression
The Church as seen from 4th and C St. while Pastor W. Irving Williams was serving (1933-39). In the photo, the young Redwood tree can be seen, planted in the late '20s.
1937
Fire
The sanctuary and choir loft were severely damaged by a fire.
1942
DCC in Wartime
A small crowd gathers for the Bentley baptism. Bentley ran a grocery store in town. Note the Gethsemane tree.
1961
DCC expansion
With 1300 members, the Office and Christian Education wings were added.
Early 1990s
fellowship hall
During construction a fire caused significant damage, and rebuilding was required.
early 2010s
Church renovation
The main building underwent a significant renovation which included a
seismic retrofit, significant sanctuary modernization, and new roofs for
the main building and Christian Education buildings, plus major renovation in the nursery wing.
