California Office of Historic Preservation

NPS Form 10-900 0MB No.
1024-0018
(Rev: 10-90)
United States Department of the Interior

National Park Service
NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES

REGISTRATION FORM
This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual

properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National
Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A).
Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by entering the
information requested. If any item does not apply to the property being
documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural
classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and
subcategories from the instructions. Place additional entries and narrative items
on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or
computer, to complete all items.
1. Name of Property
historic name ____First Christian Church of Rialto_________________
other names/site number ________________________________________
2. Location
street & number _201 N. Riverside Avenue____________ not for publication N/A
city or town __Rialto_____________________________ vicinity _N/A
state __California code _CA_ county San Bernardino code 071 zip code 92376
3. State/Federal Agency Certification
As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1986,
as amended, I hereby certify that this x nomination ___ request for
determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering
properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and
professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property
X meets ___ does not meet the National Register Criteria. I recommend that this
property be considered significant __ nationally __ statewide X locally. ( __
See continuation sheet .for additional comments.)
/ . ->
Signab^re of certifying official Date
California Office of Historic Preservation
State or Federal agency and bureau
USDI/NPS NRHP Registration Form
First Christian Church of Rialto
San Bernardino, CA (Page 2)
In my opinion, the property _____ meets ___ does not meet the National Register
criteria. ( See continuation sheet for additional comments.)
Signature of commenting or other official Date
State or Federal agency and bureau
4. National Park Service Certification
I, hereby certify that this property is:
entered in the National Register

__ See continuation sheet,
determined eligible for the
National Register
__ See continuation sheet,
determined not eligible for the
National Register
removed from the National Register
other (explain): ______________
Signature of Keeper Date of Action

____________________ ^i_______________________________________
——„_-.—,—_——.—______—,—_—-._——_.—,—,__-__aj_^..—.—__.__-—-.—.___——
__.—.———___,——__—_—.—,____,_-,___———.___—,—„_»,_— ,—_
5. Classification
Ownership of Property (Check as many boxes as apply)

__ private
X public-local
__ public-State
__ public-Federal
Category of Property (Check only one box)

X building(s)
__ district
__ site
__ structure
__ object
Number of Resources within Property

Contributing Noncontributing
1 ____ buildings
____ ____ sites
____ ____ structures
____ ____ objects
10 Total
Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register 0
Name of related multiple property listing (Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a
multiple property listing.) _____N/A_____________________________________
6. Function or Use
Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions)

Cat: Religion_________________ Sub: Religious Facility
Current Functions (Enter categories from instructionsi

Cat: Recreation and Culture Sub: Museum
7. Description
Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions

Late 19 th Century Revival: Late Gothic Revival
Materials (Enter categories from instructions

foundation Concrete
roof Composition Shingle
walls Wood; Shingle
Stucco
other Stained Glass
Narrative Description (Describe the historic and current condition of the property
on one or more continuation sheets.)
8. Statement of Significance
Applicable National Register Criteria (Mark "x" in one or more boxes for the
criteria qualifying the property for National Register listing)
___ A Property is associated with events that have made a significant

contribution to the broad patterns of our history.
___ B Property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our

past.
X C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period,

or method of construction or represents the work of a master, or
possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and
distinguishable entity whose components lack individual distinction.
____ D Property has yielded, or is likely to yield information important
in prehistory or history.
Criteria Considerations (Mark "X" in all the boxes that apply.)
X A owned by a religious institution or used for religious purposes.
___ B removed from its original location.
___ C a birthplace or a grave.
___ D a cemetery.
___ E a reconstructed building, object, or structure.
___ F a commemorative property.
___ G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within the past
50 years.
Areas of Significance (Enter categories from instructions)

Architecture
Period of Significance 1907
Significant Dates 1907
Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked abovei

N/A_____________________
Cultural Affiliation N/A
Architect/Builder Patterson, H.M.

Narrative Statement of Significance (Explain the significance of the property on

one or more continuation sheets.)
9. Major Bibliographical References
(Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this form on one or
more continuation sheets.)
Previous documentation on file (NPS)

__ preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) has been
requested.
__ previously listed in the National Register
__ previously determined eligible by the National Register
__ designated a National Historic Landmark
__ recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey # ________
__ recorded by Historic American Engineering Record # ________
Primary Location of Additional Data

__ State Historic Preservation Office
__ Other State agency
__ Federal agency
__ Local government
__ University
X Other
Name of repository: Rialto Historical Society, 201 N. Riverside Ave, Rialto
10. Geographical Data
Acreage of Property .13_____
UTM References (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet)
Zone Easting Northing Zone Easting Northing

1 V\ 465960 3773405 3 _ ____ _____
2 _ _____ ______ 4 _ _____ ______
See continuation sheet.
Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property on a

continuation sheet.)
Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation

sheet.)
11. Form Prepared By
name/title Janet Hansen, M.A.
organization Hansen Historic Resources Consulting date September 21, 2002
street & number 1328 La Loma Drive_____________ telephone (909) 793-8583
city or town Redlands____________________ state CA zip code 92373_____
Additional Documentation
Submit the following items with the completed form:
Continuation Sheets
Maps
A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location,
A sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage
or numerous resources.
Photographs
Representative black and white photographs of the property.
Additional items (Check with the SHPO or FPO for any additional items)
Property Owner
(Complete this item at the request of the SHPO or FPO.)

name ____Grace Vargas, Mayor, Rialto City Hall, City of Rialto______________
street & number 150 S. Palm Street_____________ telephone (909) 820-2689
city or town____Rialto_________________________ state CA zip code 92376
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for

applications to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate properties for
listing or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend
existing listings. Response to this request is required to obtain a benefit in
accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. 470
et seq.).
Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for this form is estimated to
average 18.1 hours per response including the time for reviewing instructions,
gathering and maintaining data, and completing and reviewing the form. Direct
comments regarding this burden estimate or any aspect of this form to the Chief,
Administrative Services Division, National Park Service, P.O. Box 37127,
Washington, DC 20013-7127; and the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork
Reductions Project (1024-0018), Washington, DC 20503.
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Section 7___ Page 1 First Christian Church of Rialto

name of property
San Bernardino, CA
county and State
Narrative Description:
Summary Paragraph
The First Christian Church building combines the late Gothic Revival style with
elements of the Craftsman style. It measures 37 x 70 feet and fills most of its .13
acre lot. The one-story wood frame church rests on a raised concrete foundation and
has a full basement and attic. The front gable roof is sheathed with composition
shingle and features two lower side gables. The raised foundation of the building
is finished with rough stucco, while the body of the building is sheathed with
redwood shingles. The entire building is painted white. The corner tower , pointed
arch windows and louvered vents, and stained glass characterize the Gothic Revival
style. Craftsman elements include the wood shingle exterior, overhanging roof eaves
with decorative brackets, and stickwork. The building was constructed on a
prominent corner within a residential neighborhood located two blocks north of the
community's downtown core. It faces west onto Riverside Avenue; this historic
avenue was laid out as part of the original town site and featured a "double drive"
and median. At the time the church was constructed the street was not paved. Today
Riverside Avenue has a turfed and landscaped median, parkways, mature trees,
sidewalks and curbs. The residential neighborhood immediately surrounding the
church is primarily developed with residences dating from ca. 1900-1930s. Just
north of the church is a Sunday School annex building (1955) which sits on a
separate parcel and is not part of this nomination. The two buildings share a
common parking lot which is located to the east and is paved with asphalt. With the
exception of a few small shrubs, landscaping on the property is minimal. The church
and Sunday School annex buildings are owned by the City of Rialto and leased and
operated by the Rialto Historical Society (since 1974). The church has had very
little alteration since its construction and retains a high degree of integrity.
Exterior
The most prominent feature of the church is the three-story square bell tower
located at the southwest corner. At the third story of the tower, louvered vents
terminate into four narrow pointed arch dormers. Decorative finials adorn the tower
roof apex and dormers as well as the other roof pitches of the church (rebuilt
and/or repaired in 1998). The main entrance to the church is recessed within the
first floor of the bell tower and is reached via an arched opening on the west
facade. A concrete stairway, which opens to the north and south, provides access to
the entrance. These stairs (ca. 1955) replaced the original wood porch, which faced
directly west. The porch features a wood floor and rough textured stucco walls and
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name of property
San Bernardino, CA
county and State
ceiling. The set of wooden entry doors is oriented northeast, on axis with the
church pulpit. To the right of the main entrance is a single door which opens into
a stairway that leads to the tower. A simple wooden railing was added to the first
story arched opening on the south side of the tower some time after 1930. A wooden
church sign is located just below this opening (ca. 1955).
Fenestration on the church building includes tall pointed arch louvered vents
beneath the roof gables on all elevations at the attic level. The north, south and
west facades include pointed arch stained glass windows at the main level. The
basement level, east (rear) elevation, and east end of both the north and south
side elevations feature both wood frame double hung and casement windows with
operable transoms. In 1979-80, basement windows on the south side of the tower and
north of the tower on the west facade were enclosed and finished with stucco.
At the east (rear) elevation of the church a set of concrete stairs leads down to
the basement. Sanborn maps from 1907 and 1911 indicate that a small one-story porch
was added to shelter the entrance to the basement. This porch was expanded (ca.
1955) to a covered walkway to connect the church with the Sunday School annex.
Entrance to the basement and open area between the buildings is secured with a
wrought iron fence (1973). A mechanical equipment enclosure is located south of the
stairs (date unknown).
The south side elevation features a porch which is sheltered by a sloping roof
extension. The wood stairs (rebuilt in 1998) open to the west and provide access
into the main level of the church. A set of concrete stairs beneath the porch leads
to the basement. The north side elevation features a brick chimney.
In 1998, the church building was re-roofed, carriage lights were added to the front
rear and south side entrances, and the redwood shingles were stripped and repainted
white. Physical evidence from that time, and historic photographs, indicate that
the church was always painted white.
Interior
The interior of the church is remarkably intact and appears to retain the original
floor plan. The full basement level includes a kitchen, pantry, and restrooms at
the east end and two rooms at the west end which originally functioned as the
secretary's room, library and reading room (now exhibit space for the Historical
Society). A large open room is located in the central area of the basement which
accommodated Sunday school classes and other church gatherings (now exhibit/meeting
space for the Historical Society).
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name of property
San Bernardino, CA
county and State
The church sanctuary measures 37 x 54 and accommodates approximately 150 people. It

is a version of the "Akron Plan," so named because it was first used at
the Methodist Episcopal Church (1870) in Akron, Ohio. Characteristic of the plan it
features a sloping floor and a semi-circular arrangement of curved pews (facing
northeast) which focus on the corner pulpit and choir alcove. To the rear of the
pulpit is the baptismal. A balcony is located in the southwest corner of the
sanctuary and follows the curve of the pews. (Note that is was also characteristic
of the Akron Plan to use roll up partitions to divide a large church auditorium
into classroom and sanctuary sections. The First Christian Church of Rialto did not
incorporate this features as the classes were held in the basement.)
Behind the balcony is the tower room. It was originally used as a classroom, but is
now storage space. Historically, the tower did not have a bell. The existing bell,
from the old Catholic Church in Bloomington, a nearby community, was donated to the
Rialto Historical Society and installed ca. 1997.
The ceiling of the sanctuary has a vaulted ceiling with decorative vents to allow
for air circulation. A row of metal rosettes with small lights circles the entire
sanctuary above the stained glass windows before getting to the line of vaulting.
Stained glass windows in groups of three are located on the north, south and west
walls, with a second grouping of two on the north wall. They represent "Christ in
the Temple" (north), "Christ in the Garden" (west) and "The Good Shepherd" (south).
Other smaller stained glass windows are located throughout the sanctuary. The
windows were apparently donated by various families of the church; historic
research did not determine the artist(s).
To the east of the sanctuary are numerous closets/storage rooms and two rooms which
originally served as the pastor's study and ladies' parlor (now used for weddings
as the groom's and bride 7 s rooms respectively) . Access to the unfinished attic is
via a built-in ladder in the hallway east of the sanctuary.
In 1979-80, the City of Rialto completed a restoration project of the church. The
original solid oak church pews and stained glass windows were removed, repaired,
and re-installed. Interior woodwork in the sanctuary was repaired or replaced in
kind. The original set of front doors was refinished. Electrical wiring and
plumbing were updated and heating, air conditioning, and fire sprinklers were
installed.
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name of property
San Bernardino, CA____________
county and State
Statement of Significance
The First Christian Church of Rialto, constructed in 1907, is eligible for

listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C as an
excellent example of a sophisticated architect designed building, and an excellent
example of the late Gothic Revival style in the City of Rialto. The property also
meets Criteria Consideration A: Religious Properties, because it is significant for
its architectural and design qualities and not for religious doctrine. This
nomination is for the church building only and does not include the Sunday School
annex building which is located on a separate parcel to the north.
The First Christian Church building was owned by the church from its
construction until 1964. At that time, Dr. and Mrs. Merlin Hendrickson, long time
residents of Rialto, purchased the church and adjacent Sunday School annex to save
them from pending demolition. Protecting the church became a major concern of
preservation minded Rialto residents. In July 1971, Dorothy C. Galley approached
the City to see if they would partner in these efforts. That same year Ms. Galley
organized the Rialto Historical Society, the main purpose of which was to preserve
the church. Dr. and Mrs. Hendrickson donated the buildings-to the historical
society. In order to fund the needed restoration, in 1974 the City of Rialto
accepted the buildings as a gift and then leased them back to the Historical
Society. In 1979-80, the church building was restored using Community Development
Block Grant Funds. On October 21, 1980 the Rialto City Council unanimously voted to
rename the church the "Kristina Dana Hendrickson Cultural Center" in honor of Dr.
Henrickson's daughter who died in 1967 of leukemia. The buildings now function as
the Historical Society Museum. The church is also used as meeting space and for
weddings.
Background
As part of the Southern California land boom of the 1880s, the Semi-Tropic
Land and Water Company was organized in 1887 by officers of the Los Angeles
National Bank, when the Santa Fe Railroad made plans to build a line connecting San
Bernardino and Los Angeles by way of Pasadena. Rialto was among the many new town
sites laid out along the track. That same year, a group of Kansas Methodists came
to Southern California looking for a location for a Methodist college and chose
Rialto. Several of the Methodist families settled in the town site. Although the
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Section Page First Christian Church of Rialto

name of property
San Bernardino, CA______________
county and State
Methodist college was never established, Rialto quickly became one of the boomtowns
of the decade and was advertised throughout the country by the Semi-Tropic Land and
Water Company. By 1904 Rialto had a population of about 1,000 and boasted its tree
lined streets, a large hotel, several business blocks, fine residences, a grammar
school, five packing houses, fraternal lodges, and two churches.(1)
The town's third church, the First Christian Church, was organized on October
8, 1905 under the leadership of H.E. Wilhite, pastor of the First Christian Church
of San Bernardino. The twenty-six member congregation quickly moved to incorporate
and make plans for construction of a church. In March 1906, they purchased a lot on
the corner of Second and Riverside Avenue for the church site.(2) The next month,
on April 5, an eight-member board of trustees was formed and officers were elected,
with J.R. McKinley serving as the chair.(3) At that same meeting, a building
committee was formed to help select plans for the church. On May 15, the Articles
of Incorporation were drafted.
Newspaper articles regarding construction of the new church began on May 29,
1906 with coverage of the groundbreaking, and continued through July 7, 1907 when
the church was formally dedicated.(4) During the early months of the church's
history, and until the church was completed, services were held in the Loyal Mystic
Legion Association Hall (commonly known as the L.M.L.A. Hall) on Riverside Avenue.
This was the lodge of the Order of the Mystic Legion, a fraternal organization.
Visiting ministers from surrounding cities came to preach to the congregation until
August 31, 1906, when the church board extended an invitation to Oscar Sweeney of
Ord, Nebraska to serve as reverend. Within a month Reverend Sweeney accepted the
call and he and his wife arrived in Rialto in late October - in time to help with
plans for the new church.(5)
Construction of the church began on November 12, 1906 as reported in the

newspaper, " a force of men started at work today on the concrete wall and basement
of the new Christian Church." (6) A brief history of the church, written on the
occasion of its 50 th anniversary, indicates that most of the labor and materials
were donated by parishioners and members of Rialto's other churches. While
newspaper accounts did not confirm this, they did identify Ed Barnard as the
supervising carpenter. (7)
By late January of 1907 the foundation and basement were completed and the
framework of the building was started. During the same month, J.R. McKinley,
Oscar Sweeney and Ed Barnard made a trip to Riverside to contract for furnishings
for the church including door and window casings.(8) The church history includes
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name of property
San Bernardino, CA____________
county and State
the recollections of one church member who hauled chairs and the pulpit by horse
and wagon from the Cresmer Manufacturing Company of Riverside.(9)
The church was completed in early July 1907 with the dedication ceremony held
on July 7. A full-page column appeared in the San Bernardino Sun the day before
describing the church interior in detail. This same article identified the
architect as H.M. Patterson of Los Angeles.
The dedication ceremony was a day-long event which drew parishioners from all
three of Rialto's churches as well as from neighboring communities. Three services
were held during the day, and lunch and dinner were served. The morning service was
presented by Charles C. Chapman, pioneer orange grower of Fullerton and President
of the California Christian Missionary Society.(10) The evening service was held by
Harold Bell Wright, reverend of the First Christian Church of Redlands and well-
known best selling author.(11) By the end of the day $4,500 had been raised to pay
off the remaining debt on the church construction, which reached approximately
$9,000.
Architectural Significance
The First Christian Church of Rialto is an excellent' example of a

sophisticated architect designed building in Rialto. It is interesting to note that
neither A History of Rialto (1999, 3 rd ed.) nor the City's Historic Resources Survey
(1990) include a discussion of, or identify architects working in the area.
However, historic photographs of buildings dating from circa the 1880s through the
1930s indicate a level of sophistication of design to suggest some were architect
designed; this is particularly true of civic and public buildings. Commercial and
retail buildings tended to be modest in scale and design. This is also generally
true of residential development although some larger homes were built, particularly
before the turn of the century. It is important to note that Rialto remained a
small town until the post World War II Period. The population in 1950 was only
3,156, while today it is over 80,000. As the older civic and public buildings
outgrew their usefulness, new buildings were constructed and the historic ones were
demolished. The First Christian church now remains as the most outstanding
architect designed building from the City's early years of development.
Rialto developed like many Southern California towns during and immediately after
the boom of the 1880s. In these early years, buildings were constructed to attract
new residents and house settlers from the Midwest. Development occurred primarily
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name of property
San Bernardino, CA_________________
county and State
along and adjacent to Riverside Avenue, the main access street through the
town.(12) Designs for the early buildings followed the prevailing styles of the
period and ranged from Queen Anne to Gothic Revival. The grand three story, 42-room
Queen Anne style Hotel Del Rialto was built in the late 1880s (burned 1907). North
of the hotel the two story office of the Semi-Tropic Land and Water Company was
constructed (demolished). The wood frame Gothic Revival style Rialto School was
constructed in 1890 (remodeled). In 1892 two churches were built: the Romanesque
Revival Congregational church (demolished) and the Gothic Revival Methodist Church
(still in use). By 1898 there were 35 residences in Rialto, including cottages and
two-story homes in the Queen Anne and Folk Victorian styles.
After the turn of the century Rialto's architecture reflected the aesthetics
of the Arts and Crafts period. The most notable public buildings constructed at
this time were the Prairie style Rialto Grammar School (1907; demolished, 1953) and
the Late Gothic Revival First Christian Church (1907). The church was unique for
its incorporation of Craftsman elements. Residential development continued both to
the east and west of Riverside avenue and numerous modest Craftsman residences were
built alongside Victorian era cottages.
By the 1920s the Spanish Colonial Revival style gained immense popularity in
Southern California and was used in the design of the Rialto Junior High School
(1923; demolished, 1970) and City Hall (1929; demolished, ca. 1961). The Craftsman
style continued to be popular into the 1920s and was the favored style for
residential construction. The Craftsman Rialto Woman's Club (1925, still in use)
was also built in 1925. This clubhouse, along with the First Christian Church,
appear to be the only two public buildings in Rialto which utilized the Craftsman
style.
The architect for the First Christian Church was H.M. Patterson of Los
Angeles.(13) Patterson was born in Ashland, Ohio and opened a practice in Butte,
Montana in 1880. Early in his career he moved to Los Angeles and continued working
there as an architect until his death in 1928. According to his obituary in
Architect and Engineer, Patterson was a specialist in church design. Among his most
noted works are the imposing Gothic Revival style Immanuel Presbyterian Church at
3300 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, the Romanesque Revival First African
Methodist Church (1930) at 1449 West Adams Street in Los Angeles, and the Italian
Romanesque Revival First Congregational Church (1914) at Cedar and Third Streets in
Long Beach. Patterson also apparently designed buildings in the Town of Pony,
Montana, listed as a National Register Historic District (1987) . (14)
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name of property
San Bernardino, CA________________
county and State
In Patterson's First Christian Church of Rialto, he combined the late Gothic

Revival style with elements of the Craftsman aesthetic. The building, much more
modest in size and scale than his Los Angeles area churches, was designed for a
small but growing church population. Gothic Revival architecture in America was
aimed at reviving the spirit and forms of Gothic Architecture of the High Middle
Ages in Europe. The style was popular during the period from ca. 1830 to the 1880s,
and was primarily applied to residences and churches. The Gothic Revival style
appeared later on the West Coast, even early into the 20 th century. The construction
of the First Christian Church in 1907 coincides with the popularization of the
Craftsman style. The style was developed as a regional expression of the
architecture of the Arts and Crafts period (ca. 1895-1918) and was typically used
on residences and some public buildings. The style emphasized quality craftsmanship
both interior and exterior, the use of natural materials such as wood and stone,
and relating the building to the natural surroundings. Elements of the style
incorporated into the design of the First Christian Church include the wood shingle
exterior, overhanging eaves with decorative brackets, and stickwork.
At the time of the construction of the First Christian Church, Rialto had two
other buildings in the Gothic Revival style. The First Congregational Church (1892)
at 190 N. Olive Street (now Rialto Bible Fellowship) is simpler in design and
reflects the aesthetics of the Victorian era. A flat roofed addition was made to
the north elevation of the church sometime between 1911 and 1927, and the interior
has been extensively altered. The Rialto School (1890) was also of wood-frame
construction. The school featured a massive body, almost resembling a large
residence, with a three story Gothic tower. The tower was later removed and the
building was remodeled and relocated for use as apartment building.
At the time of construction of the First Christian Church, the San Bernardino
Sun described it as "one of the most complete church edifices to be found in any
community twice the size of Rialto."(15) It remains the most prominent historical
architect designed building in the city. In their well-known book A Guide to
Architecture in Los Angeles and Southern California, David Gebhard and Robert
Winter list the church among only four buildings recognized in Rialto, calling it,
"a fine Craftsman version of a wood Gothic Revival church/' (16)
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name of property
San Bernardino, CA________________
county and State
Notes:
1. Luther A. Ingersoll, Century Annals of San Bernardino County, 1769 to 1904 (Los
Angeles: L.A. Ingersoll, 1904), 619-622.
2. This date is taken from the Historical Society church files, which include the
original deeds. A San Bernardino Sun newspaper article from April 11, 1906
indicates that the church was originally planned to be built at Second and Olive
streets, on lots donated by church elder J.R. McKinley.
3. Board members included M. Wesley Smith, L.W. Klinker, Dr. D.B. Crediford, J.E.
Weller, Merton Brimmer, J.W. McKinley, Edward Slade, and A.R. Litts.
4. Rialto did not publish a local newspaper at that time, but the San Bernardino
Sun provided coverage of the town's events. A list of articles used is included
in the Major Bibliographical References section of this document.
5. San Bernardino Sun, 30 September 1906, Part 11:1; 31 August 1906, 5; 3 November
1906, 5.
6. San Bernardino Sun, 13 November 1906, Part II: 1.
7. First Christian Church, Rialto, California, "50 th Anniversary Service of
Rededication." Program, 18 May 1958; San Bernardino Sun, 25 January 1907, Part
II: 1.
8. San Bernardino Sun, 29 January 1907, Part II: 1.
9. The Cresmer Manufacturing Company worked as contractors for many buildings
within the City of Riverside including the First Congregational Church of
Riverside at 3504 Mission Inn Avenue, listed in the National Register of
Historic Places.
10. Chapman came to California by way of Austin Texas in 1894. He settled in Los
Angeles and then Fullerton, where he was one of the areas most successful and
well-known orange growers. His fruits were packaged under the prestigious Old
Mission brand. Chapman was active in numerous business, civic, social and
religious organizations in California. He apparently assisted with the
dedication of over forty churches.
11. Harold Bell Wright was the author of best selling books including The
Shepherd of the Hills (1907), The Winning of Barbara Worth, (1911) The Eyes of
the World (1916). For more information on Wright see: Lawrence V. Tagg, Harold
Bell Wright: Storyteller to America (Tucson: Arizona, Westernlore Press, 1986).
12. Development was primarily in the area between the Santa Fe tracks and
Foothill Boulevard (then San Bernardino Avenue) and between Sycamore and Willow
Avenues. The First Christian Church is within this area.
13. This architect has only recently been determined as a result of research to
prepare this nomination. Interestingly, an early newspaper article indicates
that the original plans for the church were discarded and new plans selected,
San Bernardino Sun, 4 October 1906: 8. A later article indicates that the
surface of the newly selected church was to be stucco, but after a meeting of
NFS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018
(8-86)


CONTINUATION SHEET
Section 8,9 Page 10 First Christian Church of Rialto

name of property
San Bernardino, CA ___ __
county and State
14. the building committee, the decision was made to use wood shingles, San
Bernardino Sun, 3 April, 1907, Part II: 1.
15. Henry F. Withey and Elsie Rathburn Withey, Biographical Dictionary of
American Architects (Deceased) (Los Angeles: Hennessey & Ingalls, 1970:reprint),
460. For information on the Pony Historic District see the National Register of
Historic Places web site, www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com.
16. San Bernardino Sun, 7 July 1907, Part II: 1.
David Gebhard and Robert Winter, A Guide to Architecture in Los Angeles & Southern
California (Santa Barbara: Peregrine Smith, Inc., 1977), 399.
Major Bibliographical References:
Brown, John Jr., and James Boyd. History of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties,
1922.
City of Rialto Dedication Ceremonies: Kristina Dana Hendrickson Cultural Center,

Thursday. Dedication Ceremony Program. 29 January, 1981.
First Christian Church, Rialto, California, 50 th Anniversary Service of

Rededication. 18 May 1958.
Galley, Dorothy. "Restoration-Preservation." San Bernardino County Museum

Commemorative Edition. Redlands, Ca: Allen-Greendale Publishers, 1974.
Gebhard, David and Robert Winter. A Guide to Architecture in Los Angeles & Southern
California. Santa Barbara: Peregrine Smith, Inc., 1977.
Hodges, Greta. "The History of the Kristina Dana Hendrickson Cultural Center/'
Phone Company Speech. 7 June 1982.
Ingersoll, Luther A. Century Annals of San Bernardino County, 1769 to 1904. Los
Angeles: L.A. Ingersoll, 1904.
Kennedy, Roger. American Churches. New York: Stewart, Tabori & Change, Publishers,
Inc., 1982.
Management Science Applications, Inc. Final Report: City of Rialto Historic

Resources Survey, December 1990.
"Old First Christian Church - The dream becomes reality." Rialto Record, 16 October
1980.
NFS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018
(8-86)


CONTINUATION SHEET
Section 9 Page 11 First Christian Church of Rialto

name of property
San Bernardino, CA___________
county and State
Rialto Historical Society. First Christian Church Collection.
Rialto Historical Society Newsletter, January 1999.
Rialto Historical Society. "Rialto Landmarks and Homes Prior to 1900", n.d.
Rinehard, Floyd. "Church restoration: a challenging job/' The Sun r 7 May 1980.
Withey, Henry F. and Elsie Rathburn Withey. Biographical Dictionary of American

Architects (Deceased). Los Angeles: Hennessey & Ingalls, 1970:reprint.
Rinehard, Floyd. "Council renames the old First Christian Church/' The Sun f 23
October 1980: B-2.
Rinehard, Floyd. "Restoration of church nearly complete." The Sun, 14 February

1980: C-2.
Sanborn Fire Insurance Company Maps, Rialto, California, 1907, 1911, 1929.
San Bernardino Sun (various untitled articles):

April 6, 1906, Part II: 1.
May 30, 1906, 8.
August 31, 1906, 5.
September 30, 1906, Part II: 1.
October 4, 1906, 8
November 13, 1906, 5
January 25, 1907, Part II: 1.
January 29, 1907, Part II: 1.
February 7, 1907, Part II: 1.
May 28, 1907, Part II: 1.
June 31, 1907, 15.
July 7, 1907, Part II: 1.
July 9, 1907, Part II: 1.
Stoebe, Martha. A History of Rialto. 3 rd ed. , Rialto: Rialto Historical Society,

1999.
NFS Form 10-900-a 0MB No. 1024-0018
(8-86)


CONTINUATION SHEET
Section 10 Page _12_ _First Christian Church of Rialto.

name of property
__San Bernardino, CA___________
county and State
Geographical Data
Boundary Description
Lot numbered twenty four (24) in Block numbered Two (2) according to MAP OF TOWN OF
RIALTO, as per plat recorded in Book 4 of Maps, Page 10 of' records of San
Bernardino County.
Boundary Justification
The boundary includes the entire lot, which has been historically associated with
the First Christian Church building.
NFS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018
(8-86)


CONTINUATION SHEET
Section ____ Page 11 First Christian Church of Rialto

name of property
San Bernardino, CA__________
county and State
Additional Information: Photographs
Name of Property: First Christian Church of Rialto

City & State: Rialto, California
Photographer: Charles McLaughlin
Date of Photograph: ca. 1910
Location of Original Negative: Rialto Historical Society
View of photograph: West (main) facade and south side elevation looking northeast
Photograph Number: 1

Photographer: Charles McLaughlin
Date of Photograph: 1930

Photographer: Janet Hansen
Date of Photograph: July 6, 2002

View of photograph: West (main) facade looking east.

View of photograph: West (main) facade and north side elevation looking southeast.
NFS Form 10-900-a OMB No. 1024-0018
(8-86)


CONTINUATION SHEET
Section ____ Page 12 First Christian Church of Rialto

name of property
San Bernardino, CA__________
county and State

View of photograph: Close up of tower on south side elevation, looking west.

View of photograph: North side elevation looking east.

View of photograph: South side and east elevations looking northwest.

View of photograph: East (rear) elevation looking west.

Photographer: Robert Hughbanks
Date of Photograph: ca. 1985
View of photograph: Interior of sanctuary looking northeast at the pulpit and choir
alcove from the balcony.
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NPS Form 10-900 0MB No.

United States Department of the Interior

NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES

This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual

historic name ____First Christian Church of Rialto_________________

other names/site number ________________________________________

3. State/Federal Agency Certification

Signature of commenting or other official Date

State or Federal agency and bureau

4. National Park Service Certification

I, hereby certify that this property is:

entered in the National Register

other (explain): ______________

Signature of Keeper Date of Action

Ownership of Property (Check as many boxes as apply)

Category of Property (Check only one box)

Number of Resources within Property

Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions)

Current Functions (Enter categories from instructionsi

Architectural Classification (Enter categories from instructions

Materials (Enter categories from instructions

___ A Property is associated with events that have made a significant

___ B Property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our

X C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period,

Criteria Considerations (Mark "X" in all the boxes that apply.)

X A owned by a religious institution or used for religious purposes.

___ B removed from its original location.

___ C a birthplace or a grave.

___ E a reconstructed building, object, or structure.

___ F a commemorative property.

Areas of Significance (Enter categories from instructions)

Period of Significance 1907

Significant Dates 1907

Significant Person (Complete if Criterion B is marked abovei

Architect/Builder Patterson, H.M.

Narrative Statement of Significance (Explain the significance of the property on

9. Major Bibliographical References

Previous documentation on file (NPS)

Primary Location of Additional Data

10. Geographical Data

Acreage of Property .13_____

UTM References (Place additional UTM references on a continuation sheet)

Zone Easting Northing Zone Easting Northing

Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property on a

Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected on a continuation

11. Form Prepared By

name/title Janet Hansen, M.A.

organization Hansen Historic Resources Consulting date September 21, 2002

street & number 1328 La Loma Drive_____________ telephone (909) 793-8583

city or town Redlands____________________ state CA zip code 92373_____

Submit the following items with the completed form:

(Complete this item at the request of the SHPO or FPO.)

street & number 150 S. Palm Street_____________ telephone (909) 820-2689

city or town____Rialto_________________________ state CA zip code 92376

Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This information is being collected for

United States Department of the Interior

NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES

Section 7___ Page 1 First Christian Church of Rialto

United States Department of the Interior

historic name First Christian Church of Rialto_____________

city or town Redlands________________ state CA zip code 92373_

city or townRialto_____________________ state CA zip code 92376