Our Story

• 2024 - Work begins to replace the century+ old roof on the College Avenue campus and install a solar system to ensure we are sustainable for generations to come.

• 2011 - The Rev. Monte McClain is called to fulfill the Spirit’s further work of fashioning the current congregation to respond to today’s population and issues, that bridges can continue to be built to those whom our Lord is calling to “drop those nets” that keep us from participating in the movement of God, where we’re called to be transformed to “the heart and mind of God,” where we are called to begin living even “now as it is in heaven.”

• 1975 - Rev. Bill Beatty is installed as Pastor. Understanding the church would need to see itself as a laboratory for the movement of God, connecting CAPC to the surrounding, cross-cultural community alongside concerns for economic development, public education, and international outreach were the focuses nurtured in the context of calling people to a love for God, Self and Neighbor by emphasizing God’s love for them, in Christ, where empathy for others is generated.

• 1971 - The Senior Activity Center is launched by Patt Schroeder with over 200+ seniors participating. The Sesame Street Parents Co-op begins and grows as well.

• 1970 Rev. Everett Hemzall is installed as Pastor. Assessing the changes in the neighborhood as well as the congregation, he concludes that the church could respond to two critical needs - an outreach to senior and to pre-school parents.

• 1960 (approx.) - church membership peaks at over 500 members, with an equal number of participants in the Sunday School.

• 1958 - Excavation under the sanctuary begins, providing needed space for large group activities.

• 1947 - Rev. Lloyd O. Gaut was called to become the next pastor. The church continues to expand with youth activities increasing, requiring an Asst. Pastor to lead this program. A full-time church secretary is also hired during this time.

• 1943-44 - The gymnasium was constructed on the church’s north side, made possible through the efforts of E.M. Walters and other trustees. A service Center ministry to servicemen during WWII saw outreach to over 7,000 men in uniform, bedded and boarded at the church by members. Ms. Naomi Van Cleave served as the Director and Hostess of the Center.

• 1938 - The Sunday School wing is added to the church’s south side - a two-story structure costing around $30,000.

• 1937 - Rev. G. Raymond White was called from Bellaire, OH, an the church begins to experience growth in numbers.

• 1927 -The church becomes self-sustaining 36 years after its founding. During this time, the Board of Church Extension and Home Missions spent $23,307.

• 1917 - Believing the church could do the most good in a residential area, the church is moved to its present day location on September 23rd, followed by a dedication ceremony on November 4th, 4 years after work on the building was begun.

• 1913 - Dr. James Francis Ross comes to pastor Hanna Memorial Church. A new lot is purchased in the Claremont-Rockridge District and Julia Morgan is contracted for the architectural design.

• 1894 - the church moves to 18th and Castro and the new church building is dedicated as the Hanna Memorial Church in honor of the founding pastor. This name persists through 1933..

• 1890 - First United Presbyterian Church of Oakland organized as a mission church with 27 charter members. Dr. MM Gibson preaches the first sermon. Rev. Charles Hanna is named the founding pastor.