Our History

The earliest records indicate that around 1850 the gospel was first preached on California Road. Not long after that, the Evangelical Association (later renamed the Evangelical Congregational Church) held services in the old schoolhouse just down the road from where our church stands today. The first church building was built on the site our church stands today in 1886. It was christened "Bethany". The church was destroyed by fire in 1916, and the new church was built in 1918 where it still stands today.

There have been several changes over the past 130+ years. In 1935, Levi Ohlinger donated an acre and a half of land across the street where our pavilion, church parsonage, and additional parking area is now located. In the late 1990's, our fellowship hall, offices, and additional classrooms were added on to the 1918 building.

One of the most frequently asked questions is why the church and the road were named "California". During the time of the California Gold Rush, a claim was made that there was gold in this area as well. A smaller rush followed here, and the area was named California. Though the gold may be gone, California Church still shines for the Lord today brighter than ever.

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