Bardsdale United Methodist Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bardsdale Methodist Episcopal Church
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 Location in California
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| Location | 1498 Bardsdale Ave., Bardsdale, California |
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| Built | 1898 |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 86001986 |
| Added to NRHP | August 28, 1986 |
The Bardsdale United Methodist Church is a historic building located in the small community of Bardsdale, California. It's in Ventura County, about 3 miles from Fillmore. This beautiful church has been an important part of the Bardsdale community for a long time.
A Historic Building
The church was built in 1898 and was first known as the Bardsdale Methodist Episcopal Church. It's a great example of a style called carpenter Gothic. This means it looks like a grand Gothic church, but it's made mostly of wood.
The church has a tall bell tower that stands 60 feet high. It also features high, pointed arches, which are typical of Gothic design. The land for the church was given by Thomas R. Bard, who the town is named after. He also helped pay for two large stained glass windows that are still in the church today.
When the church first opened in April 1898, it was a big event. The Los Angeles Times newspaper reported on its dedication. The building cost $2,550 to build and could seat 350 people. It even had a basement for social gatherings!
A New Name
Over the years, the church's name changed. On April 23, 1968, the Methodist Church joined with another church group, the Evangelical United Brethren Church. They formed the United Methodist Church. Because of this, the church in Bardsdale changed its name to Bardsdale United Methodist Church.
A Special Renovation
In 1982, a piece of the ceiling fell during a church service. This led to a big project to fix and restore the church. During this renovation, many special items were brought in from another church in Los Angeles that had closed.
These salvaged items included beautiful stained-glass windows and an oak chancel (the area around the altar). They also added new chandeliers, pews (church benches), and marble around the doors. Even the pulpit (where the minister speaks) and the communion rail were hand-carved and brought from the other church.
Music and Milestones
The church is also home to a special Schoenstein pipe organ. This organ was bought in 1986 with $60,000 donated by people who attended the church. Since the mid-1960s, the Bardsdale Chancel Choir has performed a free holiday concert during the Christmas season. It's a wonderful tradition for the community.
The Bardsdale United Methodist Church is recognized as an important historical building. In 1979, the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board named it County Landmark #50. They called it the only example of carpenter Gothic style in the Fillmore-Bardsdale area. Later, in 1986, this unique Gothic church was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's officially recognized as a significant historical place in the United States.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Ventura County, California
- Ventura County Historic Landmarks & Points of Interest
- First Baptist Church of Ventura
