The Congregational Society of Benicia was founded in 1866 and ministered by Justin P. Moore. The First Congregational Church was built in 1868 on West J Street in the style of Gothic Revival. Its minister, Charles Pope, was also the principal of the Young Ladies’ Seminary. The Minister from 1880-1888, Dr. Samuel H. Willey, helped to establish the University of California. In 1893, the church created the first free reading room, precursor of the Benicia Library. In 1896 its minister, Samuel Weyler, founded Benicia High School, holding classes in the newly created Social Hall. On August 28, 1923, a lightning bolt destroyed the main steeple. Luckily, the rain saved the church from an ensuing fire. In 1962, the church sold its building and moved to its new location at 1305 West Second Street. The 2300 pound bronze bell (cast at the Pacific Mail Steamship Works), the oak pews that arrived during the gold rush from around the horn and two stained glass windows were all transferred to the new church. More recently, the structure was the home and gallery of renown local artist, Manuel Neri. This mural shows the church nestled among the houses and the rolling hills of Benicia.