History of Crystal Springs United Methodist Church

The Peninsula Church Extension Society purchased the 4.68 acres of land for our church in the early 1950's, realizing at that time a church would be needed in our area. The setting in a small wooded valley is ideal. Deer and raccoons may be seen strolling across the grounds. Jays, quails and coyotes can be heard calling. The parsonage at 2193 Bunker Hill Drive was purchased by the same body in 1959.

The first pastor, Ivan Ball, was appointed in 1959 to establish the church. The first service with 56 charter members was held in the parsonage garage on November 15th, 1959 with an overflow congregation sitting in the driveway.

Architect Neal Lindstrom of Palo Alto drew up the plans for our unique 125-seat chapel with a lower level. A large part of the interior finishing was done by church members: the floors laid, the pews finished, the pulpit and altar built from scratch, and all interior painting. The design makes the church particularly attractive for small weddings and a theatre in-the-round.

The first service in the new chapel was held on Maundy Thursday evening, 1962. The first major service was held the following Easter Sunday with the chapel filled to overflowing for two services. In 1964 the seasonal creek was rerouted and a wing was added containing six classrooms plus the workroom and Fireside room.