About Us
Our congregation was established with 25 members in 1899 by the Rev. John McLoid Gardniner. He was one of many ministers referred to as circuit riders who preached to small gatherings of people and served local communities. Rev. Gardiner helped organize a local mission church under the Presbyterian Board of National Mission. This mission status lasted until 1942.
The first building on Virginia Street was exchanged with the Christian Church for their facility on Ohio and 11th Street in 1914. Our present facility was built in 1958 and remodeled in 1979. The stained glass windows were added in 1996. In 1999 we did a hundred year time capsule that is buried in the patio memorial rose garden.
The membership of this church has always been a mobile one, with both a transient and a retirement community. All have contributed to a diverse, constantly changing congregation. Today we are a small, close-knit church family in which Christian worship, fellowship, and mission are a priority. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we will continue to express the love of God found in Jesus Christ as expressed in the reformed faith of our heritage.
OUR PASTOR
Reverand James Baylor comes to us from Los Angeles, CA. He is happily married to his wife Morgan, together they have two children, and two dogs. Ever since he was a kid, James felt called to be a pastor, and serve God
by proclaiming the Word. James is passionate about preaching, teaching and providing pastoral care. When he’s not in his office you can find him reading about theology, philosophy and science, and being with his family. James loves to talk about theology and how to make sense of God in everyday life. More than anything James enjoys helping people find their purpose and
meaning in Christ. Along with his family and ministry experience James brings with him a B.A from UCSB and a MDiv. from Princeton Theological Seminary. More than anything James has a love for God and Holy Scripture, and is dedicated to proclaiming the message of Christ.
STAFF & LEADERSHIP
ADMINISTRATOR
Donna Hoidahl
TREASURER
Marsha Slane
SESSION
As described in the Book of Order, Elders on the session may make numerous decisions, such as: direct the evangelism program of the church; receive or transfer members; lead the congregation in mission; direct the circumstances of worship (including the development of new technology used in music, sermons, and the sharing of Scripture); provide for church growth; develop and supervise the church school; develop principles and programs of stewardship; establish and finalize the church budget and function as financial officers; lead the church in its mission to the world; participate in ecumenical and interfaith activities; instruct, examine, ordain, and install new elders and deacons; direct the employment policies of the church; provide for the management of the church; maintain relationships with higher governing bodies of the church and churches in other denominations; and keep an accurate roll of the membership of the church.
Elders are elected to serve on the session for three-year terms, with the possibility of reelection to a second term, provided that the time of service does not exceed six years. The title of elder is retained even when a man or woman is no longer serving on the session. Therefore it is possible for one congregation to have many elders in the church, including those who were ordained in other congregations within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
SESSION ELDERS
Patrick Devine
Kathy Duncan
Donna Hoidahl
James Rethmel
Marsha Slane