First Unitarian Church of San Jose facts for kids
Quick facts for kids First Unitarian Church of San Jose |
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View of the front of the church, facing southeast.
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| Location | 160 N. Third Street San Jose, California, USA |
| Built | 1892 |
| Governing body | First Unitarian Church of San Jose |
| Official name: First Unitarian Universalist Church | |
| Reference no. | 77000343 |
| Reference no. | 902 |
The First Unitarian Church of San Jose is a historic building in downtown San Jose, California. It is located at 160 North Third Street, right across from St. James Park. The church was designed in a special style called "Richardsonian Romanesque" by architect George Page. He also designed the famous Hayes Mansion in San Jose.
This church is quite unique. It has a large stained glass window with three arches on the front. You can also see multiple domes, cupolas, and both round and square towers. The church building was finished in 1892. It is recognized as an important historical site. It is listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the list of California Historical Landmarks. The church is part of The Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA). It also works with a group called "People Acting in Community Together."
Church History
Unitarian services first began in San José in November 1865. About 100 people attended the first meeting at City Hall. Mr. and Mrs. B.F. Watkins, who were members of the San Francisco Unitarian Church, helped start these services. They strongly supported the women's suffrage movement, which worked for women's right to vote. They also helped the U.S. Sanitary Commission, a group that helped Civil War victims. This group later became the Red Cross.
The Watkins believed San José needed a more open-minded religious group. So, they invited Reverend Charles Gordon Ames to speak. He had traveled through the South after the Civil War. His first sermon was about freedom and dignity for all people. This idea has been very important to the First Unitarian Church ever since. Sometimes, this led the church to take stands that were not popular with everyone. In 2016, the church celebrated its 150th anniversary.
The 1995 Fire
On October 16, 1995, a big fire badly damaged the church. It happened while the building was being renovated. The fire was so large it needed six alarms! For three years, the church members met at a community center nearby. The main church building was finally ready for services again in 1998.
Restoring and renovating the church cost a lot of money. Work and fundraising continued until 2001. A famous actor, Dustin Hoffman, even helped raise money. He was filming a movie called Mad City next door in 1996.
Third Street Community Center
As part of the church's renovation, new classrooms and office spaces were added in the basement. This allowed the church to open the Third Street Community Center in 1998. This center is a separate, non-religious non-profit organization.
The center helps the community in many ways. It has the Don Edwards Computer Learning Academy. This program teaches computer skills. It also offers an after-school program for kids. Additionally, the center provides ESL classes, which help people learn English. These programs serve low-income families and immigrant neighbors in the area.
