This book describes, in essay form, the founding of thirty-one churches in Santa Maria, California, and its surrounding area. The first known church established in Santa Maria was the First United Methodist Church, which was established May 7, 1873, with construction on their first building completed in 1878. By the end of the nineteenth century, four additional churches had been organized, with many more to come. Journey of Faith in Santa Maria, California, summarizes the history, ministries, programs, and activities of thirty-one churches in the Santa Maria area. The volume is organized by church, with the history and information on each church contained in a single chapter. The author has also, to the extent possible, arranged the chapters in the order in which the church was founded. For example, five churches were established in the 1800s, so they comprise the first five chapters of the book. Hardbound, 2011, 8.5 in. x 11 in., Illus., 138 p.