Our Journey to Today
Asbury’s roots date to 1867 when a group of seven Christian Methodists worshipped together at the home of T. H. Tooker. In 1870 Mr. William Martin Mendenhall donated a large lot at Third and I Streets for the church building and parsonage. However, it wasn’t until August 14, 1883 that the church chose the name Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church and proceeded with plans to build a church on the property. On September 17, 1885, the members voted to build a parsonage next to the church. In the 1920s Sunday school rooms and a social hall were added.
During World War II Asbury grew considerably in contrast to the late 1930s when attendance averaged 15 to 18 people. The 1950s brought Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratory to Livermore and with them rapid growth for the town and also the church.
With growth came the need for a new site and larger church facility. The Third and I St. property was sold and the 10 acre property on East Avenue was purchased in June 1961. The bell tower from the downtown church was brought to the new church site and can be found on the North side of the Chapel.
During World War II Asbury grew considerably in contrast to the late 1930s when attendance averaged 15 to 18 people. The 1950s brought Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratory to Livermore and with them rapid growth for the town and also the church.
With growth came the need for a new site and larger church facility. The Third and I St. property was sold and the 10 acre property on East Avenue was purchased in June 1961. The bell tower from the downtown church was brought to the new church site and can be found on the North side of the Chapel.
A metal building, called the Butler Building, was erected on the East Avenue property and used for worship services while a chapel was being built. The Chapel with a wing for office space and classrooms was dedicated in 1963. The Butler Building then became the Fellowship Hall.
Additions and improvements to the campus have continued over the years: an administration building with office space and conference room (1978), educational building (1967), two Sunday School buildings (1989), a new Sanctuary (dedicated in 1991), a new Fellowship Hall (dedicated in 2011), and in 2021 a new office building was dedicated.
Many pastors have guided Asbury over the years. The dedication of the congregation through their faith along with worship, music, fund raising, spiritual growth groups, helping each other and others in the community of Livermore, committee work, and providing labor to maintain the campus landscape and buildings are just a sample of how the church has sustained itself from its simple beginnings.
Additions and improvements to the campus have continued over the years: an administration building with office space and conference room (1978), educational building (1967), two Sunday School buildings (1989), a new Sanctuary (dedicated in 1991), a new Fellowship Hall (dedicated in 2011), and in 2021 a new office building was dedicated.
Many pastors have guided Asbury over the years. The dedication of the congregation through their faith along with worship, music, fund raising, spiritual growth groups, helping each other and others in the community of Livermore, committee work, and providing labor to maintain the campus landscape and buildings are just a sample of how the church has sustained itself from its simple beginnings.
For a deeper and more detailed history, download the "Asbury United Methodist Church: A History" PDF!