By Aiko Hill

Looking Back, Moving Forward

The development of the Bay Area came about as the Spanish missionaries worked their way north up the coast from Mexico. Led by Father Junipero Serra, missions were established and Catholicism was introduced throughout the region. Over the past 100 years many other religions have established themselves in Los Altos, providing an answer to our wide range of spiritual needs.

In 1908, the Methodists sent Rev. Oliver Hister to Los Altos. There was no church upon his arrival so he delivered services in the Shoup Building. Six years later the first true church building was constructed by the Episcopalians on Orange Avenue. It still stands and is known as the Foothill’s Congregational Church. Also in 1914 came the establishment of the Union Church on San Antonio Road, led by Rev. George Hunter. Prior to arrving in Los Altos, Rev. Hunter had served as the Protestant chaplain at San Quentin, so this assignment must have surely been a blessing!

In 1924 the Catholic church began a search for property in the Santa Clara Valley on which they could build a retreat. A delegation of three - Fathers Joseph Piet, the provincial of the California Jesuits; Joseph Stack; and Zacheus Maher - made the journey to the area. There were two properties in the Los Altos area under consideration, but Father Piet, in a conversation with the office manager of the water company, learned of a third that might meet their needs, the Wellman estate off University Avenue. By 1925, the property was in the hands of the Jesuits and the first retreats were being conducted.

The Baptists arrived in the area in 1940, in the form of two missionaries, Mr. and Mrs. Rupert Peterson. In 1945 their dedication was rewarded as the First Baptist Church of Los Altos was officially chartered. Two years later construction began on their church at 140 Main Street. This building is now the Masonic Lodge.

One of the largest facilities in our area is Congregation Beth Am, on Arastradero Road in Los Altos Hills. Although the Jewish faith had been represented in the area for many years, the construction of this temple was only begun in 1967 under the leadership of Rabbi Sidney Akselrad.

While just a few of our religious organizations are featured in this article, there are many others in Los Altos, each meeting the specific needs of our ever-expanding spiritual diversity.

Send comments and suggestions to aikohill@aol.com.