We look back with pride at over 130 years of active service in our community. We are thankful for the visionaries who built the foundation for the congregation and campus we enjoy today. We look forward to continuing to carry out the good work and good ministry of this place with God’s guidance.
Our History
Early Days in Encinitas
Methodists have been gathering in Encinitas since as early as 1887. The Community Methodist Church of Encinitas was located at 3rd and D Streets.
Early Days in Cardiff
Methodists began gathering in Cardiff sometime before 1914. The Cardiff Community Methodist Church was at the corner of Manchester and Birmingham.
Growing Stronger Together
1968 – 1972
By the mid-1960’s, both congregations were feeling growing pains, and it became clear their interests would best be served by a merger. At a combined Easter sunrise service in 1968, it was announced that the two churches would become one.
Reverend Phillip Collin and Reverend Ronald Bobo were assigned to serve one church with two locations.
Moving to Calle Magdalena
In early 1968, a group purchased prime acreage at the corner of Encinitas Boulevard and Interstate 5. A choice parcel on Calle Magdalena was purchased by the church.
Two buildings from the Community Methodist Church of Encinitas were moved to the new site, enlarged and given a facelift.
Building the Sanctuary and Music Program
1973 – 1984
In 1973, Reverend Charles Boss was assigned as Senior Pastor and began the formidable task of planning construction of a new Sanctuary. Reverend Boss and his wife, Kathy, who served as organist for many years, helped build the music program that is now recognized as one of the best in the county.
The new Sanctuary was completed and dedicated in November 1980.
Updating the Campus and Expanding Programs
1985 – 2013
In 1985, Reverend James Dallas was appointed Senior Pastor and led the church to continue its expansion in many ways. New groups were formed, including a strong branch of United Methodist Men. During this time, the church was heavily involved in Migrant Ministries, the Community Resource Center, Interfaith Peacemakers and the Laubach Literacy.
In 1991, Reverend Charles Hoffman became the Senior Pastor and led for 15 years. Under his leadership, the church further extended its ministries to children, young people and their parents. The Lagos program was initiated, the North Coast Singers children’s community choir formed using our facilities and new social groups were organized for younger adults.
During these years, the campus facilities were all totally rebuilt or significantly renovated. Additions to the Sanctuary building included a new entrance and Narthex, a worship room for parents with young children, a spacious sacristy, a nursery and a memorial bell tower.
The old administrative, Sunday school and preschool buildings were demolished and replaced with new facilities including offices, classrooms, a music room, a youth center and a conference room.
In 2006, Reverend Mark Feldmeir was assigned as the Senior Pastor and the church continued to build on its strong traditions of community outreach and support of international humanitarian relief efforts. This era was the foundation for the church’s participation in the Light Your World Day of Service which has deployed thousands of volunteers in service to both local and global missions across its seven-year span.
Renovating the Sanctuary and Redefining our Mission
2014 – Present
Reverend John Shaver served as Senior Pastor from 2014 to 2023. He oversaw the renovation of the Sanctuary which was completed in December 2016.
He led the development of a new vision plan including a focus on deepening individual investment in both small group experiences as well as service to our local and global neighbors. Under his leadership, the Vision Team and Administrative Council drafted a new mission statement for the congregation which was adopted in 2016: Welcome all. Grow in Faith. Engage our Neighbors. Serve the World.
Reverend Shaver kept the congregation connected through the Covid-19 pandemic years, implementing state-of-the-art AV technology to stream worship services online and continue programs virtually. Through his leadership the congregation emerged even stronger with a full schedule of worship and events on campus, a vibrant youth program and community outreach events.
Reverend Dr. Mark Maddix began serving as Executive Pastor in July 2023 and now serves as our Senior Pastor. He brings a wealth of experience from 25 years in Christian higher education and 12 years of pastoral ministry. His leadership has revitalized The Forum lecture series and helped launch The Garden service, enriching our church’s ongoing ministries.