First Church of Christ Scientist

First Church of Christ Scientist. Heritage Square Hall. , Original - Earlier Names: (1) Christian Church. (2) First Church of Christ Scientist. , Original - Earlier Locations: (1) Corner of C and 6th Streets. (2) Corner of D and 2nd Streets. , Construction Date: Summer 1902. Architect and Builder: E. E. Pinkley. Cost: $3,176 for Church and Lot. , The History , The Christian Church is said to have been convened in 1899 with only 14 members. Its first minister was Reverend H. E. Wilhite, a former store-keeper-turned-preacher from Visalia who conducted regular revival meetings wherever folks could gather, adding members to his flock with on-the-spot conversions. , Services were often held in the Baptist Church on A Street, with the full approval of the Baptist leadership. Relations between the two denominations fell apart, however, when Rev. Wilhite and his Baptist counterpart actually merged the two churches into one new denomination with "Evangelist Wilhite” preaching the opening sermon in September 1901. The Baptist Convention quickly dissolved the union and Wilhite went on to build this place of worship. , Originally located at the corner of C and 6th Streets, within a few years of construction the church was moved to D and 2nd Streets. It was later purchased by T. A. Rice as a meeting place for the First Church of Christ, Scientist. Today known as Heritage Square Hall it serves as a wedding chapel and cultural event center. , The Design , This serviceable little building is a good example of vernacular style architecture. The spartan use of Carpenter Gothic and Mission Revival elements probably attest to the haste - and low cost – with which the church was built. It is the only wooden church that remains from the period of Oxnard's founding. Carpenter Gothic elements are seen in the high pitched roof and scroll work. The lancet stained glass window is typical of Gothic buildings. The plentiful use of well milled lumber is also typical. The parapet over this entrance is Mission Revival in style. , Restored by the City of Oxnard.