A few miles east of Highway 101 in the community of Estrella, is the first Protestant church in northern San Luis Obispo County. The nondenominational Estrella Adobe Church was built in 1878-9 by early settlers but fell into disuse as various denominations built their own churches. On August 20, 1887, John McMillan, a circuit preacher, arrived from Cambria to bring Christianity to the local settlers. The community built the church. John Fortney, F.M. Stovall, John Marden, William Guffy, J.P. Moody, and Dwight Reynolds provided most of the funds. By 1898, a Mennonite group remained as the only resident, but they laft after five years.
The Paso Robles Women's Club History and Landmarks Committee restored and rededicated the ruins in 1952 with help from Paso Robles School for Boys.
The church now sites on a small quiet piece of land along
Airport Road in Paso Robles, a few miles north of Highway 46. The church is not usually open, but the grounds are usually accessible. The adobe is open on Memorial day for a service, or by special request.
California Registered Historic Landmark Number 542. Plaque placed on June 14, 1981.
Address:
542 Airport Road
Paso Robles, CA 93446
Friends of the Adobes at 805.467.3357.
|
