October 2022

One hundred years ago, October 1922, Woodrow Wilson was President and William D. Stephens was Governor of California.  World War 1 ended in 1918 and in June of 1922, a Memorial was established at the Yolo Fliers Club for the 32 County residents who died in the war, including Harmon R. Taber and Elmer E. Van Lew.

In October 1922, a group of people gathered to consider the advisability of starting a new community Sunday School for children, in Esparto.  The plan was, after the Sunday School was established they would work on building a Church.  The first Sunday School officers were, Mrs. H.F. Grothe, Superintendent, Mr. Roy Wyatt, Asst. Superintendent, Mrs. V.F. Viera, Secretary, and Mrs. A.H. Fredson, Treasurer.  The first Sunday school session was held in that October and forty-five children were present.   

A second executive meeting was held and the following people were elected to the Executive Board:  Mr. Joseph Sener, Mrs. Don Russell, Mrs. F.P. McManus, and Mrs. Roy Wyatt.  

In December, another meeting was held and it was decided to organize a community church under Presbyterian leadership.  The organization was completed at the meeting of March 18, 1923.  The Reverend N.M. Fiske of Davis Community Church presided.  At that time, forty members were received, making a charter membership of seventy.  The first Elders were:  Mr. James Knox, Mr. Roy F. Wyatt, Mr. Joseph Sener and Dr. E.R. Fletcher.  The first Trustees were:  Mr. D.D. Russell, Mr. V.F. Vieira, Mr. Frank Nissen, Mr. Paul Stephens, Mr. H.F. Grothe, Mr. Walter A. Bauer, and Mr. Fred C. Wyatt.

The first Christian Endeavor Society was organized in January 1923.

In February 1923, the first Women’s Auxiliary was organized to meet on each Tuesday.  The organization was to be a general auxiliary and to work in four groups: Priscilla, Ruth, Esther, Naomi.

A church choir was composed of the following:   Mrs. Frank P. McManus, Choir Director,  Mrs. Carl Nichols, Organist,  Mrs. Alice Marsh, contralto,  Mrs. Roy F. Wyatt, mezzo-soprano,  Mr. H.A. Sawyer, tenor,  Mr. Carl Nichols, basso,  Mr. A.H. Binde, basso.

The Bluebird Organization of Junior Girls was organized in April of 1923 directed by Miss Helen Rudolph.

The first pastor, Mr. Samuel J. Holsinger, began work on May 3, 1923, held in the Auditorium of the Esparto High School.

The first Boy Scout Troop under the leadership of Mr. S.J. Holsinger was organized May 7, 1923.

On May 18, 1923, Mr. Gould, architect, presented the sketch of the church.  Articles of Incorporation were filed in the County of Yolo.  In October of 1923 the first financial campaign was conducted and $15,800 was raised.  The Presbyterian Church gave a grant of $2,000, and a loan of $4,000 for ten years without interest.