Ripon First Christian Reformed

First Church strives to provide a welcoming church home for the Ripon, California community—a place for people to come together to worship and serve. As the congregation grows, the church invests in improvements to the congregational home to help members of all ages flourish.

Situated amidst a residential neighborhood and park setting, the WMB team master planned the original site, including a sanctuary-focused structure with a large worship space supported by a fellowship area and kitchen, administrative offices, and classrooms. The exterior features a palette of stucco, stone, and wood siding with gabled roof structures to complement the surrounding residential architecture. A shed roof rising from west to east highlights the sanctuary with clerestory windows to filter natural light into the chancel below. WMB has been a long-term trusted architectural partner, adapting the building to serve the evolving needs of the congregation. First, the team reallocated space to support the cadet program, including a wood and metal shop for hobby projects and an instructional area for Christian education. Later, further enhancements to this area included a counseling space with a dedicated entry. The plan was further modified by enclosing an outdoor area to accommodate additional activity and classroom space. Part of the church’s mission is to have one worship service for all members. Redesigning the lobby area to double as a fellowship hall provided a flexible design to expand the sanctuary seating and address growing programmatic needs. This redesign also included an addition near the entrance to support an expanded nursery and childcare.

With each project, First Church enhances its congregational home, clearly demonstrating a commitment to the needs of every church member, from young families to long-time worshippers.