Santee United Methodist Church on Magnolia Avenue traces its founding to June 4, 1911, when the first Methodist service was held in the old Santee schoolhouse at Mission Gorge and Edgemoor Drive. Thirty-three charter members raised $4,100 to build the original sanctuary, dedicated January 12, 1912 — a history of campus investment that now extends to the Solid Start Academy childcare program operating at the same 8964 Magnolia Avenue address. As a member of the Reconciling Ministries Network, the church maintains an affirming stance that welcomes congregants of all backgrounds into its worship and service programs. Three vocal ensembles — a traditional choir, a contemporary praise team, and a country-music group — anchor a music ministry that pairs with community-service projects including donation drives coordinated with resale partners including Goodwill Retail Store & Donation Center on Mission Gorge Road. The congregation's 113-year presence on Magnolia Avenue makes it one of the oldest continuously operating institutions in the city of Santee.