The La Jolla Methodist Church was organized by Bishop Gerald Kennedy on May 28, 1953, with only seven members. For some time the congregation met in the old casa, and Dr. McFadden the Chaplain at the Casa de Manana was the interim pastor until Rev. Thomas H. Denman was appointed as resident pastor in October. At the time there were 13 active members and it was not until they became interested in purchasing property for a church that the group grew.
In November they undertook to purchase the old La Jolla Art School building as a place of worship. This building had originally been a depot on the San Diego Electric Railway. The purchase was completed in December.
The Sanctuary was first used Easter morning, April 18, 1954 with Dr. Maurice Ballenger, the district superintendent officiating. The membership grew rapidly and a conference was help in June with 127 full members.
