La Mesa First United Methodist Church Celebrates 130 Years of Community Impact

La Mesa First United Methodist Church recently celebrated a significant milestone, commemorating 130 years of community service and engagement. Founded in 1894, this historic church has evolved from its humble beginnings in a packing plant into a vibrant hub for local action and support.

The church marked its anniversary not merely as an acknowledgment of its architectural heritage, characterized by colonial Spanish-style design, but as a celebration of the enduring community it has fostered over the years. Reverend Christian DeMent, who has led the congregation since 2020, emphasized that the church aims to be more than just a physical structure. “This church has always sought to not be just a building in the community, but an actual example of what that world could look like,” he stated.

Building Community from the Ground Up

La Mesa First United Methodist Church holds the distinction of being the first congregation in La Mesa. Early residents gathered there because the nearest church in San Diego was a two-hour buggy ride away. This foundational spirit of community persists today, shaping the church’s mission and actions.

Reverend DeMent noted that the church remains active every day, with numerous programs designed to support and engage the local population. One notable initiative is the monthly Fresh Start program, where congregation members join forces with local residents to prepare meals for 180 unhoused individuals. This effort is about much more than just providing food; it seeks to foster connections between people. “It’s not an us and them… We’ll sit down and eat with all of our guests,” DeMent explained.

Among the volunteers are Jim and Wendy Tepner, who joined the church a year and a half ago. Their involvement quickly deepened as they became part of the planning committee for the anniversary celebration. “This church does so much real boots-on-the-ground actual work, it makes my head spin,” Jim remarked.

A Hub of Activity and Inclusion

The church is a dynamic environment, with activities ranging from Bible studies and choir rehearsals to sewing circles where volunteers create prayer quilts. Foster youth also benefit from cooking classes held in the church kitchen, while shower facilities are available for those experiencing homelessness.

The church’s preschool program adds to the vibrant atmosphere, with 75 children filling the grounds with laughter each day. Reverend DeMent, who attended the preschool himself, reflected on the importance of nurturing the next generation. “This is a place where children are celebrated and really are as much a part of the community as the adults are,” he said.

Longtime church member Mary Earnest, aged 73, highlighted the significance of intergenerational connections within the congregation. She initially joined the church when her children were young, seeking a supportive environment beyond her immediate family. “I’ve just always felt that it’s important to give your children strong communities to grow up in that are just beyond the immediate family itself,” she noted.

Earnest also praised the church’s commitment to social justice, particularly its inclusive stance towards LGBTQ members. “I had always believed very strongly that one needs to love one’s neighbors and not just tolerate them,” she said, emphasizing the community’s welcoming nature.

For Eric Dewey-Hoffman, who became a member 51 years ago while studying at San Diego State University, the church has been a place of acceptance and belonging. “It’s about being with other people for a common purpose,” he stated, highlighting the sense of community that has developed over the decades.

As La Mesa First United Methodist Church looks forward, Reverend DeMent hopes to maintain its role as a welcoming space for all. He envisions a future where individuals can feel connected regardless of their beliefs. “I want it to continue to be a church where people can say, I’m not a Methodist, but that’s my church,” he said.

After 130 years, the heart of the church remains anchored in the community, continuing its mission of building a better world through shared meals, open doors, and an inviting spirit.