Highlights from the first 20(+) years
The church of Christ in Livermore held its first service on Mother's Day, May 6, 1950, in Forester Hall. Some of the earliest members of the congregation were the Charlie Blair family, Arvel Williford family, Clio Zearing family, and Frank Bennett family. Others in the earlier days included Dixie Eckert, Cora Hendrix, Marguerite Gardner, and Gladys Gardner.
In 1955, with a membership of 51, land was purchased and a building was built at 976 Walnut Street. (The street number was later changed to 2346 Walnut.) During that early period, the congregation had had four full-time pulpit ministers: Lyle McCollum, Hollis D. Harper, Roy Woods, and Frank Curtis. In 1955 a minister's home at 2765 Kennedy Street was purchased.
By October, 1963, the membership of the congregation stood at 111. A building committee was formed and charged with the task of selling the now "old" building and finding a new site. In May of 1964 the congregation purchased 3 1/2 acres and a house on the corner of East and Almond Avenues. On August 2, 1964, two elders were appointed shepherds of the congregation: Tom House and James Martin. Four deacons were installed at that time as well: Don Benton, Dale Irving, Bob Jackson, and Tom Jenkins. By May 1965, the membership of the congregation had grown to 130.
In July of 1965, the property at 2346 Walnut was sold to a Baptist Church and construction was started on the new building at 4481 East Avenue. Seven months later, under the supervision of J.O. Key (who was employed for that purpose), the building was completed with the volunteer labor of the church. The congregation held the first service in the new building on February 20, 1966. At that time the membership was 160.
In November 1969, work was started on a new multipurpose building. The work was completed in 1970.
By this time, the youth group of the congregation had grown, and was participating in various activities, such as: Sierra Bible Camp (Lake Almanor), food collections for Sierra Children's home, and roller skating parties.
On January 23, 1972, Don Benton and Nick Roberts were appointed as elders, bringing the total eldership to four. Membership stood at 214. Ministries at the time included: missionary support to Taiwan, assisting Frank Butler with his ministry at San Quentin, and help for Sierra Children's Home.
In 1973, the Joy Bus ministry began in Livermore, and grew to eight routes. The children's ministry exploded during this period, with two morning worship services, two morning class periods, and Children's Bible Hour programs (ages 4 - 5th grade) on Sunday morning and Tuesday & Thursday evenings.