The Victoria United Presbyterian Church is the relocation of the First United Presbyterian Church of Riverside. This congregation was organized April 27, 1905. This new Church came into being as the result of prayer, labor, and the faithful stewardship of this congregation. The purpose of this Church shall be to provide the public worship of God; to preach the redeeming love of Christ and lead men to the Saviour; to welcome the strangers; to comfort the sorrowing and help the needy; to create the spirit of Christian Fellowship; to serve this community, the nation, and a needy world -- this is the mission of the Victoria United Presbyterian Church.
October 15, 1958, Ground-breaking dedication.
"As a new member I have found that at the church I am 'not just another nameless face in a large crowd' like I have experienced at other churches."
-Roberta Ross, member of Victoria Presbyterian Church
[From Allen Mills October 7 2009]
Dear friends of Victoria Church,
I agreed to write something about stewardship
But I cannot think of anything new to say.
Everyone knows
Good stewardship is using resources wisely
So that they multiply rather than divide.
I am not the One who can promise plenty
In return for generosity.
But perhaps the same attitude that inspires generosity
Attracts customers to a business,
Engenders ideas that increase productivity,
And encourages wiser behavior in general.
Earth shakes, mountain roars, and lava fills the air!
I AM: Hypocrite, you speak of stewardship?
I will have a contrite heart not incense,
A broken will rather than sacrifice.
Me: Thank you Lord Jesus, Thy will be done.
Giving money, I pay for what I get,
I help move the hands and feet of Jesus,
I witness my cash being sacrificed,
Reminder that I live on borrowed time.
Ocean rages and the sun is blotted out!
HE: What's it worth to you little sinner?
Me: Music, Poetry, the shared love of Christ;
Food for my anguished soul; Foolish hope that I
May see again those who have gone before.
Dew drops fall from a rose and a sparrow sings.
HE: My Grace is sufficient even for
Thee,
My little heretical minion.
Victoria Presbyterian Church nestles on rolling grounds in the Victoria neighborhood of Riverside. Our church is distinguished by the beautiful setting beside historic Victoria Avenue. The gentle hillside streets are lined with mature palm, magnolia and jacaranda trees, and feature bike lanes and sidewalks that are perfect for children at play.
Victoria has a history spanning over 100 years. An elegant memorial garden was constructed to commemorate the centennial.
