First Nazarene Church of Ontario, 126 East C Street, Ontario, San Bernardino County, CA

Significance: Like many other early Southern California towns, in Ontario, California churches were very important in establishing a sense of community. Most of Ontario's early churches were built on corners in the center of town and became landmarks in the community. The First Church of the Nazarene is one of Ontario's landmarks. It was the second home for the church having replaced a temporary wooden structure on West "C" Street. The church represents one of the best examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the city. The windows in the church are also significant. The glass, particularly the several shades of green, and design are very compatible with the concrete block and simple lines of the Gothic Revival architecture. The church building served one of the large church populations in Ontario from 1908 until 1968. The denomination now worships on Fifth Street in Upland. The parsonage for the church was built behind the church with similar block architecture in 1910. Both buildings occupied a prominent corner in Ontario. From 1968 until 1972 several other denominations such as Christ Fellowship Foundation worshiped in the church. In 1972 The Gallery Theatre Group of Upland, California converted the church, parsonage, and classroom building to community theater use. The company of players, active from 1967-89 has had many players go on to show business careers.
Survey number: HABS CA-2343