In a surprising about-face, First United Methodist Church’s council, on March 1, opted not to approve the sale of the former Point Loma United Methodist Church’s property in Ocean Beach to be developed for affordable housing.
Instead, the church council voted to relinquish the property to the control of the California-Pacific Conference, a regional body of the United Methodist Church. That organization is comprised of about 50,000 members in almost 350 local churches throughout Southern California and beyond.
The church council’s vote negated the prospective sale, at least for now, of the church complex at 1984 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., along with two adjacent cottages on Saratoga Avenue. That proposed transaction would have razed the church site to make way for an anticipated high-density housing project.
The news of the affordable housing option not being immediately exercised on the historic church property was joyfully received by a coalition of local leaders. The coalition, desiring to preserve the historic property threatened with replacement by affordable housing, has offered to find a way instead to preserve the OB church site as a community hub.
“Hallelujah,” reacted OB coalition spokesman Mike James, adding, “FUMC’s council meeting brought an unexpected and fantastic surprise — the motion to sell the Ocean Beach property to developers was withdrawn.”
James noted the abrupt change of plans on the future fate of PLUM followed a recent meeting between the FUMC task force overseeing the initiative and Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank, who represents the California-Pacific Conference (Cal-Pac) of the United Methodist Church.
“Bishop Escobedo-Frank formally requested that FUMC relinquish control of the Ocean Beach property to Cal-Pac, to restore a ministry presence in the community,” James said, while noting the coalition remains cautiously optimistic about the historic church ultimately being preserved.
“While this marks a major victory, our mission remains the same: to explore the potential of the Point Loma United Methodist Church site as a thriving community hub,” James said. “We must continue to build on the valuable programs already in place and advocate for special-needs housing on the Saratoga lot. Now, we move forward with a potential partner who may be willing to listen to our vision. There is much work ahead. But we can now proceed with renewed hope and purpose.”
James pointed out the ruling church council’s most recent decision “allows the Ocean Beach Community Hub Coalition to focus on our primary mission — supporting the vital programs and services already in place while exploring new initiatives to benefit the community.”
He added: “The property has incredible potential. It could serve as a meeting space for various groups, with the original upstairs sanctuary complete with a stage and full kitchen, hosting events and after-school programs. The site could also offer shared office space for multiple non-profits, while the spacious courtyard could become a beautiful venue for weddings and community gatherings.
“Additionally, we’d like to explore the feasibility of developing the adjacent lot on Saratoga Avenue for low-income or special-needs housing,” continued James, who talked about the coalition’s next move. “Our first step is to request a meeting with representatives from the California Pacific Conference to share the vision of the community and discuss the future of this invaluable community space.”
The Point Loma United Methodist Church congregation, founded in 1928, merged with First United Methodist Church in Mission Valley in 2017 due to declining membership. As part of the merger agreement, ownership of the entire PLUM property – including the church, two cottages, and a parsonage – was transferred to FUMC. By 2018, the site had become home to Water’s Edge Church, an alternative ministry of FUMC.
However, in 2023, citing financial difficulties exacerbated by the pandemic and the loss of a major tenant at their Mission Valley campus, FUMC leadership formed a Property Transition Task Force to evaluate the future of the Ocean Beach property. The result was the closure of Water’s Edge Church and a push toward selling the PLUM site for potential affordable housing development.
Church row: The many churches of Ocean Beach, including Point Loma United Methodist, have played a prominent role in the development of the community since its earliest days. Several churches originally held their meetings in tents on the beach. OB’s Church Row is a rare resource that has lasted over a century. Established in 1928 as the Ocean Beach Community Church, the property previously known as PLUM at 1984 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., has long been a beacon of fellowship and service.
