History of United Church of Montbello
In the fall of 1968, the United States, in the midst of turmoil, civil unrest and an unpopular, unwinnable war was weeks away from nomination a new president. Still trudging through the heartache of the civil rights movement and the devastating loss of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Bobby Kennedy, individuals who worked to foment the dream long fought for - bridging the racial divide.
And in September of 1968, the United Church of Montbello (then called the United Parish of Montbello) was chartered under the leadership of Reverend G. Kent Keller, a Yale Divinity School trained Presbyterian Minister. Founded by the four denominations, our church decided to be a "United" church that would express the best of what each of the four denominations believed without bringing along the baggage of "competing" to save souls. The United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ and the Presbyterian Church USA continue as partners in ministry here. The fourth partner, the Reformed Church of American decided against continuing in the partnership.
The church building was erected and opened for worship in 1973. The congregation continues to worship at this location, atop the Hill on Crown and Andrews.