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.