Let’s go back to 1962. Tustin's growth had begun in earnest during the previous decade, and the many beautiful orange groves were being quickly replaced by freeways, schools, and the post-war industrial boom. It was as if the fertile soil was flowering with a new type of foliage: lush and verdant.

There was one thing missing, however; a professionally-operated, full-service funeral home to serve the growing population. Up to that pivotal year, many families in Tustin chose to travel to other communities to care for their loved ones who had passed away.  A group of community-minded leaders wanted to change that, so they brought the Saddleback Chapel into existence.

The past forty years has brought significant changes to our city. Tustin, known by some as the “City of the Trees” continued to grow by leaps and bounds; by 1970 the population had jumped to 32,000. Forty years later the population has doubled, and broadened in ethnic diversity.

Saddleback Chapel has kept pace with these changes and remains family-owned, independent and deeply committed to a tradition of service to the residents of Tustin and the surrounding area.