The First Quarter Century 1960 - 1985

Publication

Church of the Red Rocks Historical Archives

Name/Title

Entry/Object ID

1985-004-A

Description

The Church of the Red Rocks originated from a meeting on February 9, 1960, where twenty-two individuals gathered with the intent of organizing a new church in Sedona, Arizona. The founding group, primarily consisting of former members of Wayside Chapel, sought to establish a fellowship farther from Sedona’s business district and to affiliate with a national denomination. Despite early opposition to affiliation from local leadership and the absence of a permanent building or site, the group formally applied for membership in the Arizona Association of Congregational Churches on May 31, 1960. The church's first twenty-five years is characterized by a "Decade of Struggle" that eventually gave way to stability and growth. The early years were defined by uncertainty, lack of funds, and a series of temporary meeting locations, including the back room of the Chanticleer Restaurant. Through significant lay leadership and financial support from the Southern California Conference and the Board of Homeland Ministries, the congregation eventually secured its own land and constructed a permanent facility. By its Silver Anniversary in 1985, the church had transitioned from a small, homeless group of 22 to a robust community of over 700 members

Event

Stained-Glass Lighting Fixtures

Web Links and URLs

The First Quarter Century 1960 - 1985, The First Quarter Century Abstract