Our History

14 Decades of Community and Faith

Union Church of Cupertino is proud to be one of the oldest congregations in the Santa Clara Valley. For over 140 years, we have been deeply rooted in this community—evolving alongside the city itself while remaining entirely true to the independent, welcoming spirit of our founders.

Humble Beginnings in the Orchards (1850s–1880s)

​

In the late 1850s, the quiet expanse now known as Cupertino was called the "West Side"—a rural landscape of vineyards, fruit orchards, and dirt roads. Before any formal schools or church buildings existed in the area, a small group of pioneer families, orchardists, and retired sea captains sought a way to worship together.

In 1860, they began holding Sunday afternoon prayer meetings in their homes. These early gatherings were hosted by the McClellan family at their pioneer ranch, located near what is today McClellan Road. Led by passionate laypeople and occasional visiting ministers from the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in San Jose, congregants traveled miles by horse, wagon, and foot over dirt roads to attend.

Foundation and Innovation (1884–1900)

​

As the community grew, so did the need for a permanent spiritual home. In 1884, the congregation formally established itself as a Presbyterian Mission known as the Cupertino Union Parish. The very first physical church building was constructed on donated land at the southwest corner of the town's central crossroads—the intersection of modern-day Stevens Creek and De Anza boulevards.

However, the community’s diverse religious backgrounds quickly sparked a unique vision. Realizing that their varied heritages did not require adherence to a single, strict denomination to walk in faith together, the members chose a path of independent covenant. In 1888, they officially incorporated as an independent, inter-denominational church. Their visionary intent was captured beautifully in the original 1888 Articles of Incorporation:

"Said church… is to be used and enjoyed alike by the disciples of all Christian denominations, it being the intention to allow the members of all religious creeds to participate in and share in the advantages."

Historical Note: In 1900, the church was re-incorporated to update its official title. The State of California no longer recognized the word "Parish" for independent bodies, prompting the transition to fully embrace the name Union Church.

The Crossroads Land Swap and Growth (1950s–1960s)

​

For nearly 70 years, the original church building sat at the heart of Cupertino's central crossroads. In the late 1950s, as the valley began its transition into a suburban hub, the church entered into a strategic "land swap" deal. Union Church moved down the road to its current home at 20900 Stevens Creek Blvd, while the historic original site was transformed into what is now the Crossroads Shopping Center.

Following the relocation, Union Church experienced a historic surge in attendance, reaching its peak membership in the 1960s as it expanded its ministries to serve the rapidly growing West Valley population.

Carrying Our Legacy into the Next Era

​

Today, the sea captains and early orchard workers are part of our history, but the Union Church continues to draw people from miles away. We remain fiercely true to the independent and diverse spirit of our founding:

• Independent Stewardship: We maintain no denominational affiliations and receive no outside denominational funding. Our ministries are entirely self-sustained through the joyful stewardship God has entrusted to our hands.

• Diverse Pastoral Traditions: Operating with "Christ as the head," our members democratically call our own pastors. Our ministers historically bring a rich variety of perspectives, drawing primarily from Methodist, United Church of Christ, and Presbyterian backgrounds.

• A Modern Community Hub: Reflecting the rich multicultural diversity of modern Cupertino, our campus serves as a vibrant neighborhood center. We proudly share our property with the Christian Righteous Education Center (a Chinese Montessori school), a local debate school, a robotics program, and summer STEM camps.

• Collaborative Partnerships: Our newest facility—built in a collaborative partnership with the Crystal Children’s Choir, which has rehearsed in our halls for over 30 years—serves as a vital daily resource. It is used extensively by both the choir and the Senior Indian Activity Group through the India Community Center.

From an intimate 1860 home Bible study to a dynamic, modern multi-generational ministry, Union Church of Cupertino stands as a lasting beacon of light, built on deep roots and ready for the future.