June 29, 1958.

In 1958, the largest Protestant church in Phoenix was Central Methodist Church. Its membership was so overwhelming, the Arizona Methodist Church Extension Society tasked Central Methodist with starting a new congregation. On June 29, 1958, Rev. Dr. Kermit Long asked for volunteers from Central Methodist to start what would become what we now know as Cross Roads United Methodist Church. Rev. William Smith was appointed to be the founding pastor. Central Methodist helped purchase the $75,000 citrus-covered site on Central and Northern Ave.

September 14, 1958.

Rev. Bill Smith quickly started spreading the good news of an emerging Methodist community in northern Phoenix.

Cross Roads held its first church service September 14, 1958 with over 300 people in attendance. The sermon topic was “Now In Orbit.” The congregation temporarily worshiped at Samuel Gompers Memorial Rehabilitation Center.

November 5, 1958.

Approximately 290 people officially organized Cross Roads on November 5, 1958. There were 170 adults and 122 children present. Rev. Bill Smith took the honors of naming the infant congregation.

“Cross Roads is a name that stirs the imagination. It bridges the sacred and the secular, which is what a church should do. Cross is the center of the Christian faith, and roads is the secular term.”

February – November 1961.

Ground broke to start construction of the present building on February 19, 1961.

The first worship service in the present edifice was held on October 22, 1961.

On November 5, 1961, Cross Roads’ 3rd anniversary, Bishop Gerald Kennedy consecrated the $350,000 building to the glory of God. There were nearly 900 people in attendance.

By this time, the congregation had grown to 650 members

Since 1965.

As the church grew, a Mother’s Day Out program was established. Mother’s Day Out provided half-day child care Monday thru Thursday. This program was the progenitor for the Cross Roads Preschool, established in 1965. The Cross Roads Preschool continues to operate as an autonomous early learning academy.

April 23, 1968

The Methodist Episcopal Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged to form the “United Methodist Church” in 1968. 

As part of this historic merger, key foundational resources of the church—namely the Methodist Hymnal and the Book of Discipline (the church’s official law and policy book)—underwent notable revisions to reflect the new identity and theological unity of the denomination.

The first two images are the Methodist Hymnal and Book of Discipline that Cross Roads used prior to 1968.

The two lower images showcase the post-1968 Methodist Hymnal and Book of Discipline.

1958 to 1973.

During Rev. Smith’s pastorate, Cross Roads grew to its highest level of membership: 1500. Late journalist Don Bowles best described Cross Roads under the leadership of Rev. Smith.

“Some churches are content to be social clubs. Others smugly decry the state of the world and morality, and leave it at that. Still others are “doers”- where parishioners set out to make a better world much as Jesus did. It was obvious to us that Cross Roads fit into the latter category.” 

From 1971

Seeds of Cross Roads being an open and affirming ministry were sown early in its history. Cross Roads welcomed interracial families into its membership during a time of significant miscegenation stigma.

The 1971 Cross Roads Currier reports that “great efforts [were] constantly being made by Cross Roads to overcome the dehumanization that is taking place in society. This church’s aim is to break down the barriers which divide people.”

Rev. Smith’s departure from Cross Roads was not an easy transition for the church. Significant numbers of members left and concerns grew about the future of the congregation.

Dr. Frank E. Butterworth came to Cross Roads in July 1973. When he arrived he faced the gigantic task of reorganizing Cross Roads, developing new leaders, establishing new programs, strengthening the finances, and growing the membership.

1977-1983

The Rev. Jacobson came to Cross Roads from Indio, California July 1977. Rev. Jacobson described Cross Roads this way, “Cross Roads is a unique church with several inter-racial families, including his own.

He said, “We believe that the Spirit of Christ transcends all differences. We hope to become a model of this kind of inclusive fellowship.” Under his leadership, in 1981 Cross Roads was recognized by the Board of Global Ministries for sponsoring refugees

Every United Methodist Church is a member of an Annual Conference.

Annual Conferences are regional configurations of churches headed by a bishop. When Southern California and the Pacific Islands became their own Annual Conference in 1985, Cross Roads UMC became a member of the newly formed Desert Southwest Conference.

That same year, Rev. Elias Galvan was the first Hispanic clergy person consecrated a United Methodist bishop. He was assigned to be the bishop of the newly formed Desert Southwest Conference.

1983 – 1989

Approximately 290 people officially organized Cross Roads on November 5, 1958. There were 170 adults and 122 children present. Rev. Bill Smith took the honors of naming the infant congregation.

“Cross Roads is a name that stirs the imagination. It bridges the sacred and the secular, which is what a church should do. Cross is the center of the Christian faith, and roads is the secular term.”

1989 – 2001. 

Missions were the defining characteristic that shaped this time period. Scores of youths and families traveled to Nogales, Mexico, repairing and building much needed homes.

Chaired by Carolyn Baker, The Mission Commission, as it was known, planned a celebration of Inclusiveness with the Ft. Yuma Indian Reservation. Agua Prieta was also a frequent missionary site.

1989 to 1992

During the period of 1989 to 1992, Cross Roads UMC was pastored by Reverend Stu Nelson.

1992 – 1998

During the period of 1992 to 1998, Cross Roads UMC was pastored by Reverend James (Jim) Wood.

1998 – 2001

During the period of 1998 to 2001, Cross Roads UMC was pastored by Reverend Andy Werft.

2001-2005

Rev. Cushman started the adult Sunday School Café, with Max McQueen as the instructor.

For over two decades, The Cross Roads Café has been an essential means for faith development.

2005 to 2014

In 2005, Cross Roads welcomed its first female and first Hispanic senior pastor, Rev. Dottie Escobedo-Frank.

During her tenure, the church completed major renovations to the sanctuary, constructed a new chapel, and reconfigured office spaces. Worship opportunities expanded to include both traditional and contemporary styles, along with hosted Spanish-language services.

Cross Roads also operated a homeless outreach ministry, which led to litigation with the City of Phoenix; however, the church remained steadfast in its commitment to serve the most vulnerable.

In 2014, Cross Roads received the Marshall Lindsay Award in recognition of vital and faithful church multiplication excellence.

Rev. Dottie later served as a District Superintendent and has since been consecrated as a Bishop, currently serving the California-Pacific Annual Conference. 

2014-2018

Rev. Javier Olivares (2014–2018) became the 10th senior pastor of Cross Roads in 2014. During his leadership, the church continued to strengthen its multicultural ministry focus and deepen its commitment to community outreach.
 

2018 – 2022

Cross Roads experienced another historic moment first four years later, with the appointment of Rev. Kimberly Scott (2018–2022).

Rev. Scott was not only the church’s first African American senior pastor, but also its first pastor who is a member of the LGBTQ community.

She led the congregation through the process of officially becoming a Reconciling Ministry—an affiliation within the Methodist tradition that is committed to being an open and affirming congregation for all people.

For more information about the Reconciling Ministries Network, visit: https://rmnetwork.org/

2022 – Present

Pastor Deontez Wimbley currently serves as the appointed senior pastor and has been leading Cross Roads since 2022.

Under his leadership, the church celebrated its 65th anniversary and affirmed its mission to be a community that witnesses to the truth that God is love, and that everyone deserves to be loved.

His tenure has emphasized spiritual growth, inclusive hospitality, and renewed community engagement, encouraging the congregation to deepen its presence both within the church walls and throughout the neighborhood.

Pastor Deontez continues to lead Cross Roads with energy, compassion, and a vision for a more connected and justice-centered future.