It began in 1957 with a dream and those willing to Canvas the neighborhood
The Founding of Granger Community Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
The roots of Granger Community Christian Church trace back to a warm summer evening on July 23, 1957, when Reverend Lynn Lyons, minister of Central Christian Church in Salt Lake City, gathered with 16 community members at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Victor Hoopes, located at 3228 Cantwell Street in Granger. Their shared hope was to establish the first Protestant church west of the Jordan River.
In August, excitement grew. A community-wide survey, supported by the Utah Council of Churches, confirmed that many Granger residents desired a local Protestant congregation. A house-to-house canvass followed, and the Utah State Christian Missionary Society (Disciples of Christ) soon held title to the land intended for the new church. The Central Christian Church in Salt Lake City provided essential organizational help, and plans began to take shape rapidly.
A temporary organizing committee was formed. M.L. Rogers of 3179 Tess Avenue was named temporary chairman, and Mrs. Charles W. Brown of 3736 Market Street (2820 West) was appointed temporary secretary. Meetings were held weekly, including one at the Brown home where the community was invited to further plan the new congregation. A tentative name was adopted: Granger Community (Christian) Church, affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Soon after, the home of John and Charlotte Wendell, located at 2284 West 3500 South, was purchased. The five-room house, situated on 2¾ acres of land, became the first meeting place for the congregation. Church services officially began on September 8, 1957, led by Reverends Lloyd Balfour, Lynn Lyons, and other supporting ministers. The church’s doctrine would reflect the inclusive and New Testament-centered teachings of the Disciples of Christ.
As interest and attendance grew, Reverend Warren Sechler was called as the first full-time minister. He and his wife moved to Granger with their children and became deeply rooted in the life of the church and the community. The congregation quickly flourished.
The original Steering Committee included:
Naomi Wright
Maynard Rogers
Millard Pope
Donald Young
Victor Hoopes
Dale Fenton
Geraldine Leslie (also a Bible School teacher)
Rev. Warren Sechler
In March 1958, the original church building was officially dedicated. At that time, the church had 35 members. Just one year later, membership had tripled to over 100, and by 1960, double services were required each Sunday to accommodate the growing congregation.
Recognizing the need for a larger facility, the church purchased land at 2600 West 3800 South and began plans for the construction of a new sanctuary to better serve the expanding community.
2nd location: 2600 W 3800 S
