Our History
In 1961, the Spirit made it clear the need of Christian ministry for the people in North Phoenix. As a result, land was purchased and Rev. James Jacob Jacobson was appointed as founding pastor to serve this area. Westown Church, as the church was initially known, held their first meeting in the parlor of Trinity Methodist Church on March 18, 1962 with 130 people attending.
On June 10, 1962, Shepherd of the Valley United Methodist Church was chartered with The United Methodist Church and 153 names were listed as charter members. Services were held at Sahuaro Elementary School until the building was finished.
Our current sanctuary was completed in 1971, with the first worship service being held on Thanksgiving Day. It takes many dedicated people working hard and giving of their resources, time and talents to build, maintain, and increase the outreach of a church. We have been richly blessed, throughout the years with many of such members.
There is a place for each of us in the ministry of Shepherd of the Valley United Methodist Church, and this truly is one of the most important and worthwhile challenges we have. Working together in His name, great things lie in store for us all.
On June 10, 1962, Shepherd of the Valley United Methodist Church was chartered with The United Methodist Church and 153 names were listed as charter members. Services were held at Sahuaro Elementary School until the building was finished.
Our current sanctuary was completed in 1971, with the first worship service being held on Thanksgiving Day. It takes many dedicated people working hard and giving of their resources, time and talents to build, maintain, and increase the outreach of a church. We have been richly blessed, throughout the years with many of such members.
There is a place for each of us in the ministry of Shepherd of the Valley United Methodist Church, and this truly is one of the most important and worthwhile challenges we have. Working together in His name, great things lie in store for us all.