"The City Council hereby finds and determines that ... the Seventh-day Adventist Church located at 360 W. Third Street ... meets the following criteria for designation as a Historic Landmark:

“It exemplifies or reflects special elements of the city of Pomona’s social, economic, cultural ... aesthetic, architectural or natural history.

“It embodies distinctive characteristics of a style, type period or method of construction, or is a valuable example of the use of indigenous materials or craftsmanship.

“…the City Council hereby approves the designation of the Seventh-day Adventist Church ... as a single historic landmark.”Excerpted from Resolution No. 2004-205 approved by the City of Pomona on Nov. 1, 2004.

The Pomona church is well over 100 years old, having been built in stages between 1877 and 1909. Its historic landmark designation was approved due to its age as well as its role in meeting religious needs of local believers over the years and for its distinctive architecture.

“The structure is an integral part of the growth and development of the city’s cultural history. The church grew along with the city to meet the religious needs of the Methodist and, subsequently, Seventh-day Adventist population.

“In addition, the city found that the church’s rare Victorian Stick architecture represents a short-lived style quickly replaced by the more popular Queen Anne Victorian style. “As an important example of the Stick style, the church is a valuable resource to the city and the Southern California region as a whole” (Resolution 2004-205).

Current pastor Vasco Brown announced the newly-voted designation to the church on his first Sabbath as pastor of the congregation. “Church members seemed pleased to learn of the new designation,” Brown noted. “Soon after, developing preparation and planning for an evangelistic series were the priorities.”

Being affirmed in the city’s resolution for serving the religious needs of its members was received as good news, but Pomona members are continuing to focus on outreach to help meet the community’s spiritual needs. Former Pomona pastor Mike Elias initiated the designation-application process.