History of the Property

Like the rest of Southern California, the land was first populated by local Indians.
During the period of Spanish colonization, missions and ranchos were built. Once
Mexico gained independence from Spain large portions of land were granted to
privileged individuals. Rancho Cucamonga was one of these land grants.

After California became one of the states of the United States in 1850, the rancho era
came to a close, and people were allowed to buy smaller portions of lands. They tended
to group together in colonies. In 1887 portions of two of these, called the Hermosa tract
and the Iowa tract were combined to form the community of Ioamosa.
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When the Pacific Electric Railway reached the area in 1913 the town became known as
Alta Loma (“High Hill”).

By this time citrus orchards were very prevalent in the area. The Citrus growers
represented a unique agricultural society that was neither rural nor urban. These
growers were very influential in the development of the area.

Ernest Goerlitz, the manager of the Metropolitan Opera Company in New York, moved
to this area, and in 1910 he bought a home on Hellman Avenue, now known as the
Goerlitz House. Mr. Goerlitz served on the committee which brought the Pacific Electric
Railroad to the area. He was also secretary of the Citizen’s League. He died in 1916.

By 1914 the community was known as Alta Loma. The name of the person who
proposed “Alta Loma” seems to have been lost to history.

In 1926 Goerlitz’ son, Herbert, purchased the 10 acre citrus grove at the top of Ramona
Ave., not far from the heart of the town. With the help of Charles Stoebe and his sons,
enough river rock was brought onto the property to build the house with concrete and
rock walls that were more than a foot thick. The building’s rare architectural style is
known as “Mission Revival Style.” (Some call it “Spanish Colonial Revival,”
“Cobblestone Craftsman Mission” or “Craftsman/California Rancho” architecture).
There was a small reservoir on the property that was emptied periodically to water the
citrus trees.
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In 1934 the house was sold to Ellen C. Van Every (Edwin and Ellen Loeb family). They
expanded the size of the house, skillfully matching materials and craftsmanship.

In the 1950’s Don and Myrta (Olmsted) Crilly bought the house. Previously, in 1932,
Myrta had been crowned queen of the Rose Parade. The Crillys planted rose bushes and
made other improvements. They converted the reservoir to a swimming pool. In those
days the property was called “Rancho del Passeo.”

In the 1970’s Richard and Freida Wilkins acquired the property. They used it as a
wedding facility. They called it “El Rancho Grande.” Hundreds of couples were married
there during the next two decades.

As the 210 Freeway was nearing construction, the last portion to be developed was
directly behind this property, and, of course, behind Solid Ground Brethren In Christ
Church where the Alta Loma Channel was buried 40 feet below ground!

The Goerlitz site was one of the properties identified in 1996 by the State Historical
Preservation Office (SHIPO), to receive protection during the building of the 210
Freeway. A preservation plan was devised that would place a road through the church’s
property. Over the course of the next several years, negotiations were carried on,
resulting in the acquisition of the property by the church.

On August 20th, 2003, The City of Rancho Cucamonga declared the land and buildings to
be an historical site. Later they also approved our new master plan which allows for
future expansion of the facilities.

Years before this time, Charles and Kathryn Engle, who had been missionaries to India,
and were charter members of the church, left a financial gift for the purpose of helping to
build a multi-purpose building. Their family decided that the restoration of the building
was a worthy project in keeping with their parents’ wishes. In that way, the Lord had not
only given us the property, but had also arranged for it to be repaired and put into His
service!