The El Montecito Presbyterian Church community started in the 1870′s from a Sunday school held in an old Montecito schoolhouse. On November 13, 1877, twenty-five people entered into a solemn covenant as the First Presbyterian Church of Montecito. A typical country church was built in 1888 at the present site. The Congregationalists and the Presbyterian shared the same premises for worship.

Architectural Features

  • Sanctuary seats 235, including the choir.
  • Church hall (now the library) was completed and dedicated in 1932.
  • The Aeolian pipe organ in the gallery was given by Mrs. Robert Bliss in 1931.
  • 1956 – the Deagon Trinity Chimes were dedicated in memory of servicemen.
  • 1958 – Sunday school rooms and a library were added.
  • 1962 – Max Fleischmann Aeolian organ was given by Mrs. Fleischmann.

History of Previous Structures
Samuel Wyant and his son, Louis, were the local carpenters and builders responsible for much of the work. Their craftsmanship can be seen in some of the finest interior wood detailing around Montecito. Years later, Master woodcarver Louis Wyant created El Montecito’s distinctive pulpit.

When the congregation grew and a larger church was needed, the “New England” look was replaced by the Spanish architecture prevalent in public buildings. The new (current) church was built on the same site by architect Russell Ray. Throughout the years, to accommodate larger congregations, the core church structure has been enlarged, reconfigured, and transformed into a complex that includes educational buildings, a children’s playground, and gardens.

Special Features
The Bell Tower remained empty for five years until 1893, when the congregation purchased a $116 bell from the Buckeye Bell Foundry in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Governance and Staffing

“El Montecito Presbyterian Church, with approximately 520 members, has a Session (board of elders), consisting of 15 lay men and women elders, who govern our church. In addition, our Board of Trustees (12 men and women) are responsible for the finances and property of the church. A Board of Deacons (18 men and women) carries out the ministry of lay pastoral care to the congregation. We also have a staff of two pastors and many other professionals who work in ministry to children, youth and adults, music ministries and outreach ministries.”

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