January 2024

1973. The United States ended its involvement in the Vietnam War after signing the Paris Peace Accords. The agreement was signed between North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Viet Cong and the United States. Inflation in the United States was high at 6.16%. Average cost of a new house was $32,500.; Average yearly income was $12,900.; Average monthly rent was $175.; gas was $.40 per gallon and a dozen eggs cost $.25. Secretariat became the first horse to win the Triple Crown in U.S. horse racing since Citation in 1948. The Sears Tower, headquarters for Sears Roebuck & Co. in Chicago, Illinois, became the tallest building in the world at 1,729 feet, 108 floors. Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned as Vice President in October 1973, amid charges of tax evasion and receiving bribes. He was replaced by Gerald Ford.

March 13, 1973. Session Meeting. The Golden Anniversary Celebration of Presbyterian Affiliation will be held on March 18th. The Rev. John Irvine, former Pastor, will preach the sermon. The Rev. Henry B. MacFadden, former interim pastor will speak at the dinner. The Rev. Merrill Follansbee is to represent the Synod and Mrs. Franceyne Laney, Vice Moderator of Presbytery will be present. The Rev. Sam Holsinger lives in Luxembourg and cannot attend, but will visit in the spring and has been invited to preach at that time. Joe Bradshaw reported that he consulted with the Yolo County Assessor concerning the exemption of taxes on the church property. There is a lengthy form to be filled out and filed prior to April 15, 1973.

May 8, 1973. Session Meeting. Jean Errington presented an estimate from Cranston Bros. for $274.05 plus tax and freight, for paint to refinish the pews. Session approved the estimate and the paint will be ordered. The church received $2,500.00 from the Frank Nissen Estate. Mrs. Nissen thought Session could look into securing the Elsie Howard property next to the church for a future parking lot. No action was taken. Rev. Sam Holsinger accepted the invitation to preach on June 3, 1973. Cummings Studio will install the windows on May 10th. The balance of $1,650 will be paid at the installation. Session voted to pay an extra $100 to cover the windows with plexiglass for extra protection. Session voted to set the date of May 20th as the dedication for the two windows. The Session voted to have a memorial plaque to represent all the windows.

July 10, 1973. Session Meeting. Jean Errington is in charge of refinishing the pews. The church has been granted tax free status. Joe Bradshaw will take care of the paperwork required for the Internal Revenue Service for Peter Porterfield. The Session voted to purchase 100 copies of the HYMNBOOk (red book), with the name printed on them and 25 copies without printing to be sold to those desiring a copy. The HYMNBOOKs will be a memorial to Annette Forbes. The funds will come from the Memorial Fund.

November 20, 1973. Special Session Meeting. Visitors from the Sacramento Presbytery were Dr. Harold Englund, Mrs. Pauline Paulucci, and the Rev. David Tritenbash. The purpose of this committee meeting was to help the leaders of the church with suggestions on attendance at church, session meetings and general concern for the church.The State Board of Equalization informed us that the church is ineligible for the welfare exemption because of nonconformance with Section 214.01 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. Section 214.01 states in part that: “For the purpose of Section 214, property shall be deemed irrevocably dedicated to religious, charitable, purposes only if a statement of irrevocable dedication to only these purposes is found in the Articles of Incorporation of the corporation, chartered by the act of Congress, as determined by the State Board of Equalization.” The church has until March 1, 1974 to amend the bylaws of the Articles of Corporation and send a copy of amendment to the Secretary of State stating the above purpose of this corporation. The church will then be eligible for exemption. Session voted to amend the Articles of Corporation to conform with Section 214.01 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

November 25, 1973. Special Session Meeting. Moderator the Rev. William Gearhart presented Mrs. Mary Ellen Lewis for examination by the Session for membership in her profession of faith and baptism. Session voted to receive her. The Rev. William Gearhart presented Gretchen Marie Rooney, an infant daughter of Stanley L. and Mary Anne Rooney, born July 17, 1973 for Baptism. Session voted approval of the Baptism.

December 11, 1973. Session Meeting. A letter of resignation of Eleanor Durst as Ruling Elder was received and accepted with deep regret. Rev. Gearhart will write a letter of regret and thanking her for her many services to the church over the years. Session voted approval to allow the Senior Citizens to use the Church premises for meetings, serving meals and social gatherings. The serving of meals would be a five-day a week basic to be served at mid-day. Meals would be prepared in Davis and transported to Esparto. It was also noted that Rev. Gearhart, our pastor, was appointed to the Yolo County Commission on Aging for a two-year term by the Yolo County Board of Supervisors. Session voted to have a Church dinner Christmas program on Friday, December 21 at 6:00pm. The Christmas program will be directed by Mrs. E. Lisle and the church school children will present the Christmas story. A potluck dinner will precede the program. Mr. Bradshaw and Mr. Gearhart reported on how the Headstart Program is funded and that there are no funds available to pay utilities to the church. Mrs. Leidke had made an official visit to the Session on November 23 to report on the Headstart Program, but since there was not a quorum of the Session, no official meeting was held.