First Christian Spiritualist Church

It was back on April 23, 1883 when the first spiritualist church meeting was held in National City. Frank Kimball mentions it in his memoirs, “Attended Spiritualist meeting in Grange Hall, Bishop Beale.” They continued their meetings, either in Grange or Vaughn’s Hall. On July 17, 1886 Uncle Josh, of the National City Record announced the meeting, gave the time and place then added, “They can always materialize a good time.”

In 1889, the widow of Silas Field gave land to the Spiritualists for a church on the southwest corner of 12th street and 3rd avenue (Coolidge). The financial depression of 1893 was already being felt and the group had no funds to build a church. In 1895 the group acquired the Giles Block on 7th and National Avenue where they held interesting dances and entertainments.

Mrs. Mary Groghan, a ninety-year-old retired telephone operator, still recalls those popular entertainments of the Spiritualists. The center of population was east of National Avenue by that time.

As Granger Hall had not been built, the Spiritualists Hall was the principle meeting place in National City. Their activities brought results and on July 13, 1899, “The lumber for the building of Spiritualists Hall on 3rd Avenue is on the ground and work will begin next week.”

August 9, 1900, “The Spiritualists meeting will be in the new hall on Third Avenue: The Temple of Truth.” Sarah Kimball, whose acquaintances were legion but whose close friends were few found a kindred soul in Lou Blackmer. Lou had been the first wife of Levi Kimball. After several years of close association, Lou passed away and was buried up in the ‘Resting Ground’ where a memorial stone from the Kimball Marble Quarry, near Victorville, marks her grave.

Lou was a member of the Spiritualist church and gave Frank new views on her religion. At her death he wrote this tribute, “Lou Blackmer. She looked upon death as the gateway to a higher and more perfect life.”

After the death of his wife in 1912 Frank Kimball attempted to bridge the chasm to his loved one and attended several lectures given by John Slater in San Diego. The First Spiritualist Church is at 1206 Coolidge on it original location. Rev Georgia Hunter is the Pastor.

National City Pioneer Town
Irene Phillips Copyright 1960
The Star News D2 Thursday July 10, 1980
D2 Thursday July 23, 1980