History of the East Palo Alto Seventh-day Adventist Church

In the mid-1950s, a small group of devoted women—Sister Mary Carter, Sister Barbara Hodges, Sister Ella Abney, Alice Percelle, and Sister Catherine Banks—gathered in prayer at noon, seeking a church home in the East Palo Alto/East Menlo Park area. Their faith and dedication laid the groundwork for a community that would grow and thrive in the coming years.

The Beginnings: 1960s Evangelism

In 1960, Pastor Ted Jones was assigned to the San Jose District and launched an evangelistic series in East Palo Alto, supported by community members like Bob Dent and Pastor Harvey Williams. Elder Canson arrived in 1962 and played a pivotal role in these efforts, leading to the transformation of the property at 994 Beech St. By the summer of 1964, the charter members had raised $7,000 toward building a place of worship.

A Transformative Journey

The Van Delaan family owned the property at 994 Beech St for over 40 years. Mary Carter and Elder Canson Sr. made several visits, expressing interest in purchasing the home. Despite their initial reluctance, the Van Delaans’ circumstances changed due to illness and age. Tragically, on the day that Mary and Elder Canson took their final tour of the property, Mrs. Van Delaan passed away from a heart attack; her husband followed just three months later.
With the passing of their parents, the Van Delaan daughters decided that there was no better use for the property than as a church. The old house, situated on two acres, sold for $37,500, with a monthly mortgage of $227.41. The charter members rallied together, selling vegetables from their gardens and creating a pledge board to track their fundraising efforts.

The Church's Dedication

Transforming the former home into a church required extensive work, but on March 9, 1968, the East Palo Alto Seventh-day Adventist Church opened its doors. Sister Carter, along with Brother Gordon, Brother and Sister Skipworth, and Brother Rhaming, approached newly elected Elder M.C. Torkelson with a petition to appoint Earl Canson as the church's first full-time pastor. Their request was granted, marking a pivotal moment in the church's history.

A Legacy of Faith

Over the past 63 years, the East Palo Alto Seventh-day Adventist Church has been blessed with inspirational leaders who have guided the congregation with unwavering faith. This journey, beginning with the prayers of five faithful women, is a testament to the power of community and divine guidance.

Join us in celebrating our past, honoring our present, and embracing a future filled with faith and fellowship!