June 2023

1963. Was the year Beatlemania began, push button telephones were introduced and 1st class postage cost 5 cents. Small portable TV sets were not too popular in the U.S., but in Japan, where they were first developed, viewers took them everywhere they went. American presence in Vietnam was steadily growing.  

The Mercury Atlas 9 rocket with astronaut Gordon Cooper on board was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, spending 1 day 10 hours and 19 minutes in space.  He was the first person to spend an overnight in space. It was the final manned space mission of the U.S. Mercury program completing 22 orbits. 

The Rev. Martin Luther King conducted the “March on Washington”. Civil rights activists and those who opposed them dominated the news. 

President John F. Kennedy visited West Berlin and delivered his famous “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech to a cheering crowd of more than 250,000 people (about half the population of Wyoming). On November 22, 1963 President Kennedy was  assassinated during a parade in Dallas, Texas. Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson was administered the oath of office by Federal Judge Sarah Hughes, as he assumed the presidency of the United States on that same day. Lee Harvey  Oswald was arrested for the assassination. Two days later he was shot and killed by Jack Ruby. 

On January 20, 1963, Pastor John Irvine submitted his resignation effective July  1963. He received a call from Memorial Bidwell Church in Chico California to be  an associate pastor. The resignation was received with sadness by all members. 

A Congregational meeting was called for April 21, 1963, to hear the report of the  Pastor Seeking Committee and proceed to the election of a new Pastor and matters pertaining hereto. Terms of the call to be: 1. Salary set at $5000 with housing allowance up to $100 per month; 2. Continue full pension (13%); 3.  Retain milage at $600 and one month vacation each year. 

Ordination and Installation of the Rev. Don Smith was held July 5, 1963, with approximately 90 people present.  

November 1963, approval of a “Well Baby Clinic” will be held in rooms of the  Christian Education Building once a month under the supervision of a Public 

Health Nurse and sponsored by the Parent Teacher Association, starting in  January 1964. 

A Special Session Meeting on November 24, 1963 was held. The Pastor asked approval for a Memorial Service commemorating our President. The Session voted to have a Memorial Service and Communion, Monday, November 25, 1963,  at 8 o’clock in the morning. Ruling Elders Roy Emmerton, Don Warren, Sadie  Tadlock and Ruth McGinnis will help with Communion. 

A letter was received from St. John’s United Church of Christ addressed to the  Board of Directors of Woodland Memorial Hospital, asking them to consider including a chaplaincy program in the administration of the new hospital. A  second letter to our session asking if we would like to join in this request. March  1964 the Session voted to concur with the invitation presented in the letter and a  letter was sent stating the same. The hospital is scheduled to open in 1965. 

In July, Session voted to approve a request of the ladies of the Church to host a  Teacher’s Reception in September and the Founder’s Day Dinner on October 11,  1964. The Stewardship Committee will be in charge of planning the program. September 14th, the Teacher’s Reception was a big success with 155 people attending. The guest speaker for Founder’s Day dinner will be Rev. Ray Squire. 

A first, “Graduates and Parents Dinner”: hosted by the Churches of the community was held in the Alice Marsh Hall on June 5, 1965. 50% of the graduates attended. The churches participating were Countryside, Guinda  Methodist Church, St. Martin’s Catholic Church, with verbal support from the  Free Will Baptist of Esparto. 

August 1965, Session voted to donate the church bell, that has been inactive and in storage for many years, to the Presbyterian Pines Conference Grounds. They need a bell. 

September 1965, the Building Fund Committee planned a campaign for the third pledge period to finish off the building debt. $16,371.12 is the remaining balance.  The Founder’s Day Dinner will be the kickoff, October 10th. The slogan is: All The  Way In “65”. 

The Teachers' Reception was a success in September with 75 – 80 people attending. About 50% of the teachers attended. Douglas Oglesby was the guest speaker. The session voted to hold next year's Teachers Reception on September  28, 1966. 

The Session voted Miss Sally Oliver delegate to attend the Church Vocations  Conference at Yosemite, November 6 – 7, 1965. Bill Rominger is the first alternate and Deborah Durst is the second alternate. Elder Robert Hayes will donate registration fee of $15.00 and transportation. The Session voted approval and appreciation. Because the Conference had room for extra delegates and because neither alternate could attend, Jim Durst and Sally Olliver will attend.

May 2023

1960. John F. Kennedy was president and Lyndon B. Johnson was vice president.  Edmund G. “Pat” Brown was Governor. 

The 1960 Winter Olympics were held at Squaw Valley, California. The chairman of the Pageantry Committee was Walt Disney, who was responsible for producing both the opening and closing ceremonies. The opening ceremony was during a  blizzard and included 5,000 entertainers, the release of 2,000 pigeons, and a  military gun salute of eight shots, one for each of the previous Winter Olympic  Winter Games.  

The Organizing Committee decided to sell television broadcast rights to CBS for  $50,000. During the Games, CBS broadcast 15 and ¼ hours of television focusing on ice hockey, speed skating, figure skating, alpine skiing, and ski jumping. During the men’s slalom event, officials who were unsure if a skier had missed a gate asked CBS if they could review a tape of the event. This request gave CBS the idea for what is now known as “instant replay”.  

The 1960 Summer Olympics were held in Rome. These Games were the first to be televised, the first to have the Olympic Anthem, the first to have an Olympic champion run in bare feet, the first commercial endorsement, and the first doping scandal.  

1959 and 1960 were years of excitement at Countryside Community Church, for fundraising, discussion and approval of architectural plans, consideration of the  purchase of the Howard property to the west of the church for the placement of the new building. It was decided not to purchase the property for $7,500.00  which included a house. A new proposal to move the Howard house to another lot, then enabling the church to have the additional property for less money. The  Howards agreed and a new lot was found for the house. However, the County  Building Department would not approve the move because of inadequate construction. Instead, it was decided to build a two-story building on the existing church property. Mr. Nicholson, the architect, explained the building is to be of wood construction with steel girder support. The exterior of the building will be finished with stucco and the interior with sheetrock. All the rooms will be insulated, a restroom between the kindergarten and nursery will be installed and water will be piped upstairs for a sink. When the construction bids were opened,  they ranged from $71,811 to $72,444, all too high. It was decided to contact retired contractor, John Knapp from Sacramento, who had done a great deal of church construction. Mr. Knapp’s bid was $62,506, close to the Architect’s estimate. The committee awarded the contract to Knapp.  

A Congregational Meeting was held on May 8th to borrow money for the Education Building and again on September 4, 1960. The Congregation gave approval to borrow up to $45,000.00 for the Education building.  

May 28, 1961, was the date set for the dedication services for the new Education  Building. Invited to speak were: Dr. E.G. Williams, Dr. Davis, Richard Penalung,  Mr. Follansbee, Ray Squire, and Jack Thomas. A $15.00 honorarium and 5 cents per mile would be given to each speaker. 

May 15, 1961, Session met in the Fireside Room of the new Christian Education Building, for the first time. 

January 28, 1962. “Mr. Irvine reviewed moral developments in the community.  He read a letter from Mr. Kennedy, superintendent of schools, reviewing a morals committee action and requesting a resident county deputy sheriff. Everett Parker moved that the clerk draft a letter to the Board of Supervisors requesting a full time resident deputy sheriff for the Esparto area. It was seconded by Roy Wyatt  and carried, unanimously.”  

February 25, 1962, the treasurer of the building campaign reported that there is still $32,000.00 owing on the new building loan. After a long discussion, elder  Schaupp moved a three-year pledge campaign to pay off the indebtedness. The motion was seconded and carried. A committee was formed with Paul Stephens as chairman and elders Schaupp and Emmerton members as well as deacons and committee members to conduct the campaign. Three months later $12,000 had been raised and pledged. 

April 8, 1962, Mr. Irvine reported that Wyatt’s General Store wanted to loan the church a color television set, and asked that Session approve the purchase of an antenna for $20.00 and an additional $10.00 for the installation material. Motion carried.

April 2023

1958 saw the merger of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America and the United Presbyterian Church in North America, establishing the fourth largest Protestant denomination in America known as the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America. 

Plans for a new education building were developed and a gift of $1000.00 a year was pledged by the Auxiliary. A building committee was appointed to take care of all matters pertaining to planning and financing the project. Paul Stephens, Jr. was the Trustee chosen as chairman. 

Most women did not work outside of the home and were very active in volunteer work, including the following: 

The Auxiliary. Met four times a year and all women of the church were invited.  Luncheon was served by one of the Women’s circles. They would hold a rummage sale and participate in the annual Bazaar and dinner. Money was given for the upkeep of the Scout Cabin and for a nursery for small children that was held there every Sunday morning. Angela Small was President for 1959. 

The Naomi Circle. For three months of the year they were responsible for decorating the church. Their meetings were held on Monday afternoons and were devoted mainly to quilting. They served one Auxiliary luncheon during the year and all other suppers. They enjoyed a covered dish luncheon on the first Monday of each month. Helene Rominger was Chairman in 1959. 

The Martha Circle. They would meet every Tuesday afternoon to quilt. They were responsible for decorating the church for three months of the year. They served one Auxiliary luncheon during the year and on other lunches. They donated their proceeds to the Benevolence Fund. Marion Blakeway was Chairman in 1959. 

The Ruth Circle. They met every Wednesday with devotional readings and a luncheon every third Wednesday. One member was an officer of the Auxiliary, two worked in the Sunday School, three members were Trustees of the church. The organist and assistant organist were also members. They decorated the church three months of the year, served a Jitney dinner, held a picnic for members and families in the park and participated at the Bazaar and donated a food box at Christmastime. Fern Jager was Secretary in 1959.

The Priscilla Circle. Their main activity was the National and Foreign Missions Program. For the National mission, they took a sewing quota from the loyal Presbyterial, which included material for layettes and blankets for the Embudo Presbyterian Hospital in New Mexico. The Foreign Mission project was for the Cebu Hospital in the Philippine Islands. They also helped with Jitney suppers, decorating the church, rummage sales and the Bazaar. Rosy Wanshop was Chairman in 1959.  

The Missionary Guild. The members were the older women of the church. They met on the first Friday of each month and making money was not the primary aim; however, they pledged $40.00 to the General Mission budget of the church. Each meeting a hostess would provide a luncheon, after which a business session would be called. Favorite scripture verses were read, a lesson study and a  devotional followed. They worked on bedding for the Home of Faith and were interested in this type of work for children. They contributed to the Benevolence fund to support the Winships, the church’s missionaries. Ruth Wyatt, Chairman. 

January 18, 1959. “A meeting of the Congregation and Corporation of the  Countryside Community Church is called for January 25, 1959, immediately  following the morning worship service for the purpose of considering the  requesting of aid of the Board of National Missions of the United Presbyterian  Church in the United States of America in the securing of funds for the proposed  Christian Education Building.” It was moved by Roy Wyatt, seconded by Joe Bradshaw to issue the call at the morning Worship service. The motion carried. 

The Building Committee members were: Paul Stephens, Jr., Joseph Bradshaw,  Eleanor Durst, Millie Giguiere, Chester Parker, Anna Louise Stephens, Kris  Giguiere, Elsie Rominger and Clarence Schaupp. 

The Building Fund Campaign Committee members were: Paul Stephens, Chairman, Lloyd Rominger, Melvin Durst, Joseph Bradshaw, Jim Hansen, Chester  Parker and Robert Lewis.  

Christian Education Buildings were being visited for ideas. Letters were being prepared telling of the need for a new building and about the need for funding.

March 2023

In the 1920’s airplanes were first used for orchard spraying, crop dusting, rice seeding and spraying.

1922, agricultural clubs for boys were organized at most Yolo County schools, before they became co-educational and were called 4-H clubs.  A few years later, extension programs and the agricultural clubs for boys and girls were expanded through grammar and high school agricultural classes and some were sponsored by the Farm Bureau centers, which became known as 4-H clubs.  The first annual County Achievement Show of 1924 grew to a popular event in 1929 when 200 children and 200 adults filled the Willow Oak Park Hall.  Records from 1929 show that 72 of the 147 4-H club members were girls.

In 1924, the potential of an epidemic of hoof and mouth disease was thwarted in Yolo County when Farm Bureau members assisted authorities with prevention and quarantine regulations.

1953 through 1957, Monticello Dam was constructed.  It is 304 feet high and has a crest length of 1,023 feet (about the height of the Empire State Building).  The dam impounded the town of Monticello and flooded Berryessa Valley, creating Lake Berryessa.  The dam is noted for its classic, uncontrolled morning-glory type spillway.  The spillway is the largest drain in the world.  The Glory Hole is 72 feet in diameter at lake level and narrows down to approximately 28 feet at the exit. The exit of the spillway is known as a full-pipe. At the lake’s peak level, the spillway can drain 48,400 cubic yards per second.  

April 10, 1955. Easter.   Countryside Church had three services for about 300 worshipers.  The early service included the baptism of Mary Louise and Margaret Elizabeth Stephens, and the dedication for Charles Eugene Schaupp, Bradley Edward Burris and Darlene Gail Ely.

October 14, 1956.  A special meeting of the session for two requests:  1. Authority was granted to the Ladies Auxiliary to proceed with their planned installation of equipment in the kitchen and overhaul the wiring as needed.  2. Accepted for the congregation, the gift of a memorial window from the family of Sister Mary Grace Mast as a memorial to the life and work for the church of the late Elder Vernon Mast.

November 19, 1956. Presbytery proposed a new policy concerning mortgaging all church property within the bounds of Sacramento Presbytery to aid the fund for church extension. It was moved, seconded and passed that this matter be presented to the congregation at the annual meeting and Dr. E.G. Williams be notified of the results.

January 9, 1957.  Annual Meeting.  The proposal to use a blanket mortgage covering all the property in Sacramento Presbytery to raise funds when needed for church extensions was explained but met with disapproval.  Further consideration was tabled to some future time to permit the congregation to make up their collective minds. Dr. Davis spoke expressing high regards for the people in our community.  He offered his resignation for health reasons effective February 1, 1957.  Brother Floris Mast voiced deep regret for the congregation.  Dr. Davis's request was approved.  Paul Stephens, Sr. was then chosen convener of a committee to seek a new pastor.

March 24, 1957.  The offer of Sister Edith Mast of Woodland to present a window memorializing the name of Brother Roy A. Mast was received.  A plan, or policy, for Session to adopt respecting windows was presented by Dr. Davis, somewhat as follows: 

1. A sequence in the life of Christ be depicted by means of future memorial windows.  

2. That the windows occupy the openings now in the south and west walls.           

3. The sequence be somewhat as follows:  a) the Nativity;  b) with the doctors at age 12; c) either at his baptism or temptation, the latter preferred;  d) his active ministry (as presently illustrated by the Vernon Mast memorial over the pulpit); e) the last supper;  f) the crucifixion;  g) the resurrection.  

4. That future Session adopt the idea of sequence rather than permitting individual fancies rule the choice of a subject.  It was moved by Brother Bradshaw and seconded by Brother Wyatt and passed that the above outline shall in a general way govern procedure in installing the windows in the recesses above mentioned.   Frank B. Hopkins, Clerk

May 19, 1957.  Congregational meeting.  Dr. R.M. Davis, Moderator.  A report of the pastor seeking committee was given in full by Elder Chester Parker, vice chairman, who moved the acceptance of the report.  The report had the unanimous concurrence of the members of said committee, recommended that a call be extended to Brother John Irvine of Lee Vining, California.  The motion was seconded by Deacon Peter Porterfield and the clerk of the session.  A rising vote was called for, and the motion was unanimously agreed to.  A count of members showed not less than 67 favorable, with none opposed.  Dr. Davis now stated that this was his last official act as our moderator and that Brother Henry McFadden of Vacaville would be ad interim moderator until Brother Irvine is installed.

February 2023

1923: President Harding mindful of the land’s conceivable petroleum value, set aside an area of approximately 23 million acres on Alaska’s North Slope as an emergency oil supply for the U.S. Navy. He established the first strategic petroleum reserve in the nation, Naval Petroleum Reserve #4 by Executive Order. In 1976, the administration of the reserve was transferred to the Bureau of Land Management and renamed the NPR-A.

First proposed by the National Woman’s Political party in 1923, the Equal Rights Amendment was to provide for the legal equality of the sexes and prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex. On March 22, 1972, the Equal Rights Amendment was passed by the U.S. Senate and sent to the states for ratification.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs movie was released on February 4, 1938. Ruth Handler invented the Barbie Doll.

February 17, 1904 Madame Butterfly bombed and was closed on its premier night at Teatro alla Scala, Milan, Italy. Puccini reworked the play and 3months later it re-emerged as an astounding success.

February 17, 1801, there were 16 states in the nation. The House of Representatives balloted as states (one vote per state and an absolute majority of nine was required for victory) to determine whether Thomas Jefferson or Aaron Burr would become our third president. On the 36th ballot Jefferson was elected as our third president defeating Aaron Burr. Due to this experience, sentiment for a new way of selecting the president and vice president resulted in the 12th Amendment.

May 1954 a special meeting was called to request dissolution of pastorship between Countryside Church and Rev. Ray Squires. A motion was made by Elder Lloyd Rominger that an invitation be extended to Rev. Stewart Potter of Winters to be Countryside Church’s pulpit guest and to act as moderator. Motion carried. Rev. Potter would be paid $10.00 for filling the pulpit on May 16, 1954. A motion was also made to request Sacramento Presbytery to appoint an ad-interim pastor for Countryside. Motion carried.

July 20, 1954, Mrs. Lloyd Rominger, chairman of the Manse Committee, reported on the condition of the manse and the repairs necessary to make it ready for the next pastor. 1.No termites by dry rot under the house. 2. Living room needs retexturing and upgraded lighting. 3.Kitchen needs general overhaul. 4. Bathroom needs replastering, new lighting and a shower. 5. Back porch could be divided for storage room and bedroom or dining area. Needs sheet rock, new flooring and paint. A motion was made by Elder Robert Lewis that a contractor be asked to give an estimate of cost and report back to the session. Motion carried.

August 31, 1954, Mrs. Lloyd Rominger reported that according to estimates, the total cost of fixing the manse, (carpentry labor and material, new heating plant, material for electrical work with free labor, painting inside and out, indoor lighting, door chimes and outside lights, and moving some old plumbing plus new plumbing and fixtures) should cost approximately $4032.31. Action was taken to limit the cost to $4000.00. A motion was made by Elder Joseph Bradshaw to direct Floris Mast to borrow $4000.00 from the bank and a note for that amount would have to be signed by ten members. The motion was seconded by Lloyd Rominger and carried.

December 6, 1954, the Women’s Auxilliary requested permission in writing, to install a double sink in the kitchen of the church, at their expense. A motion was made by Elder Frank Nissen and was seconded and carried. The Women’s Auxilliary also requested in writing, permission to remove the chair cabinet in the downstairs hall and permission to have the wall space in the northwest corner of the basement closed in with shelves. A motion was made by Elder Peter Porterfield to request the Women’s Auxilliary for more details; seconded and carried.

December 28, 1954, a suggestion was made by Elder Vernon Mast that Elder Lloyd Rominger of the Pastor Relations Committee, be instructed to speak to Dr. Ralph Marshall Davis of the possibility of his serving as an ad-interim minister for two years at Countryside Church.

January 1955. A special meeting of the session opened with prayer by Rev. Stewart Potter. Elder Robert Lewis, chairman of the Pastoral Relations Committee, reported that the committee did not have any prospects for a new pastor. In view of the report, Elder Frank Nissen made a motion that the session ask the Sacramento Presbytery, through Ministerial Relations Committee, to appoint Dr. Ralph Marshall Davis as an ad-interim minister and moderator of the session at Countryside Church of Esparto. The vote, by show of hands, was unanimously for the motion. The minutes of this meeting were read and approved. Melvin Durst, Clerk.

January 2023

A New Year.

1923 was a part of the Jazz Age and it was a year of prosperity and bootleggers.  Warren G. Harding was President.  Calvin Coolidge was Vice President. The new California Governor was Friend Richardson.   

On January 1, 1923 playing in the 9th Rose Bowl, Southern California beat Penn State, 14 – 3.

In early 1923, the Eli Lilly Company made a breakthrough in the mass production of highly refined insulin and offered it for sale to the public to treat diabetes, a disorder that had been previously thought of as fatal.

A whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine was developed.

The first home game was played at the new Yankee Stadium home of the New York Yankees, between the NY Yankees and the Boston Red Sox.  The 1st game ended with the Yankees beating the Red Sox by 4-1, with Babe Ruth hitting a three-run home run into right field.

Pulitzer Prize winner for fiction was: “One of Ours” by Willa Cather (America), and for Literature:  William B. Yeats (Ireland).

The Annual Meeting in January 1952 minutes include a report by the Marthas Woman’s group. It reads, “Quilting is still the principal occupation of the group, and as we stitch, stitch, stitch around the quilt, we assure you all is not work and no play.  One of our younger members, wiping her eyes from laughter after an especially hilarious afternoon remarked, “one does not really feel the need of a Movie in Esparto.  Just join the Marthas!’”   Ray Squires was Student Pastor.

The Annual Meeting, January 7, 1953, opened with prayer by Rev. Raymond P. Squires.  Mrs. Melvin Durst reported on improvements made in the church in the past year:  tile was installed on the floor of the social hall; acoustic tile on the ceiling; folding doors both down stairs and in the sanctuary.  She reported a collection of $503.30; $400.07 of which was paid on the folding doors.  The balance was for miscellaneous supplies for the door's installation.  The bill was paid in full.     The Auxiliary report was given by Mrs. R.R. Emmerton.  The Auxiliary consists of four circles, a new one having been organized this past year, the Priscillas.  They meet four times per year.  They sponsored a cooking school for the P.G.&E.  About 90 ladies attended and they received 25 cents for each person present.  On election day the Priscillas had a food sale in front of Wyatt’s store.  They made $103.00.  The largest project of the Auxiliary was the purchase of Modern Fold Doors for the social hall and the Sanctuary.  With the combined efforts and many generous gifts, the bill was paid in full. Gratitude was expressed from the Auxiliary to the church members and friends who contributed their time and money, for putting down the tile floor and the insulation on the ceiling as well the clean-up and painting.

December 2022

December 1923 Friend Richardson was governor of California. It was also the first year of a “National” Christmas Tree in Washington D.C.  Calvin Coolidge was President and he walked from the Elipse to light a 48-foot fir tree with 2,500 electric lights of red, white and green. Radios were popular gifts and broadcasted concerts and performances were the center of many parties.

December of 1943 Earl Warren was Governor.  Franklin D. Roosevelt was President.  Christmas was very creative because of continuing rationing for the war effort.  Turkeys were particularly hard to find and alternative ingredients were used many times in cooking with traditional recipes. New recipes and methods were being developed as women were working outside of the house to fill positions vacated as more men were deployed.  Traveling was difficult with gas and tire rationing and a 35-mph speed limit.  Many gifts were handmade and mailed to loved ones across the nation and the world. The government encouraged war bonds as gifts.

On December 26, 1923, the lots for the site of the new church (corner of Grafton and Fremont Streets) were purchased from Chris Sieber.   On January 27, 1924, the contract for the building of the church was given to K.C. Hinkle, contractor and builder, at a figure of $16,000, for the building material for the main building.   Work was to be done at contract prices, and labor to be donated on the basement building.  Sub-contracts were presented and accepted.  Actual cost of the building was approximately $30,000 to be paid by pledges, subscriptions and donation of labor.

In December 1948, with acting Pastor Raymond Squires presiding, the following nine people were received for baptism: Raymond and Dorothy Emery, Mary Ann Taber, Everett F.  and Ronald Parker, Ross and Diana Parker, Mabel Wright and Daniel McCampbell.  Those nine people plus Alfred E. and Betty Jane Story, Vernon Korstad, Dustin L. and Naomi C. Hayes, Jack D. and Charlotte H. Mast were received into membership.    The matter pertaining to the removal of the baptistry was introduced.  An inspection was made and by a motion duly passed that Clarence Storm contact the building committee and contractor and make a report.  H.G. Durst, Clerk.

January 7, 1949 Reverend Stewart Potter moderating, it was moved and second that the appointment of the board of Deacons as sponsors of the Boy Scout Group be accepted. Motion carried.   Matters pertaining to the removal of the baptistry to enable more room was discussed.  After a motion duly carried a recommendation be in order that the baptistry be removed and that the committee be discharged with thanks.  Report of the Nominating Committee of Elders for new Elders were: Victor Vierra, Millard Woodson and Frank Nissen. By unanimous vote it was duly passed and accepted.  Mr. and Mrs. Henry Delp were accepted to membership.   In memory of Mrs. Edith Armstrong, the Christmas tree donated to this church for 1948 Christmas programs was by Mr. R.O. Armstrong, her husband.   H.G. Durst, Clerk

November 2022

President George Washington issued a proclamation for a “day of public thanksgiving and prayer”.  Beginning in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln encouraged Americans to recognize the last Thursday in November as “a day of Thanksgiving”.  In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared the fourth (next to last) Thursday of November as Thanksgiving instead of last, the fifth one.  The change was intended to extend the shopping season before Christmas and help bring the country out of the Great Depression.  Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade started in 1924.

November 4, 1946 regular meeting of Elders and Trustees.  Reverend Jack Thomas, Elder Roy Wyatt, Trustees Vernon Mast, Millard Woodson, Lawrence Brownell and Roy Emmerton attended.    Mast reported that the church roof was painted. The contractor recommended to put on one coat now and another in 4 years. The price for painting is $1.00 per square, without materials.   Reverend Thomas reported the Sunday school needed more rooms.  Woodson made mention regarding some folding doors available in Oakland and suggested they could be installed in the northwest corner of the auditorium to make an extra room.   Roy Wyatt to investigate.  H.G. Durst, Clerk.

December 9, 1946, a special meeting was called of the Elders and Trustees.  A motion was made and seconded that the church take out $5,000.00 Public Liability Insurance.  Motion carried.  A proposition of the church owning or taking over the Boy Scouts proposed lot and building in Esparto is taken under further consideration.    H.G. Durst, Clerk.

January 6, 1947 regular meeting of the Elders and Trustees.  It was requested by Reverend Jack Thomas that the church apply for a charter and then sponsor a Scout Air Patrol Group.  Motion made, seconded and carried.   Motion was made and seconded that Countryside Community Church accept the ownership of the Scout building and lot as sponsors of the scouts.  Motion carried.  Another motion was made and seconded that a committee be appointed to work with the scout leaders in writing up the rules and regulations of how the new scout building is to be used and conducted.  Roy Wyatt, Herman Durst and Reverend Jack Thomas were appointed as a committee to work with the scouts.   Motion carried.  H.G. Durst, Clerk.

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.