History Mural in Courtyard.

The Christian faith of a small group of immigrant farmers from Japan brought them together to form a Bible Study and Prayer Group in 1903. Because the social, economic and political climates were not supportive of this immigrant population, they were forced to look inward and to support themselves during difficult times.

Their numbers began to grow as more immigrants joined them. They saved their money, bought farms, brought over their wives and families, and expanded their little fellowship. The congregation met in the old Guild Hall in Loomis and in 1911 was recognized as the Loomis Japanese Methodist Episcopal Church.

In 1913, with money raised from the local community, ten acres on the corner of what is now Brace and Barton Roads were purchased. A chapel and parsonage were completed in 1916. Church members planted a vineyard and strawberry farm to provide operating funds, working in their free time to care for and harvest the crops. From 1911 to 1942, the church grew and prospered as it served this Japanese-American community.

The church experienced a time of great sadness and loss as the world became embroiled in war. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, all persons of Japanese ancestry along the West Coast were forced into internment camps. Church members were ordered to leave behind the fruits of a lifetime of hard work, frugal living and good citizenship. Many families sent their sons off to serve in the United States military including young men from the Japanese community in and arund Loomis and elsewhere who willingly volunteered to serve their country, some fighting gallantly in the Army's famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team. From May of 1942 until the end of the war, the church doors were sealed shut.