California (USA) - Revision history

SamSteiner at 14:53, 9 December 2020

2020-12-09T14:53:59Z

RichardThiessen: Added hyperlink.

2014-10-05T21:04:27Z

Added hyperlink.

RichardThiessen: Text replace - "" to ""

2014-04-13T21:05:15Z

Text replace - "</em><em>" to ""

← Older revision Revision as of 21:05, 13 April 2014
Line 61: Line 61:

Wittlinger, Carlton O. <em>Quest for Piety and Obedience: The Story of the Brethren in Christ</em>. Nappanee, IN: Evangel Press, 1978: 147, 149, 306

Wittlinger, Carlton O. <em>Quest for Piety and Obedience: The Story of the Brethren in Christ</em>. Nappanee, IN: Evangel Press, 1978: 147, 149, 306

−
Hertzler, Daniel. <em> From ~~</em><em>~~ Germantown to Steinbach. </em> Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1981: 118-160.
+
Hertzler, Daniel. <em> From Germantown to Steinbach. </em> Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1981: 118-160.

{{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 1, pp. 491-493; vol. 5, pp. 117-118|date=1990|a1_last=Just|a1_first=L. R.|a2_last=Auernheimer|a2_first=Clayton}}

{{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 1, pp. 491-493; vol. 5, pp. 117-118|date=1990|a1_last=Just|a1_first=L. R.|a2_last=Auernheimer|a2_first=Clayton}}

[[Category:States of the United States]]

[[Category:States of the United States]]

RichardThiessen: Added hyperlinks.

2014-03-20T02:51:56Z

Added hyperlinks.

← Older revision Revision as of 02:51, 20 March 2014
Line 3: Line 3:

[[File:California1.jpg|286px|thumb|right|''Source: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_CA.svg Wikipedia Commons]'']]

[[File:California1.jpg|286px|thumb|right|''Source: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_CA.svg Wikipedia Commons]'']]

= 1955 Article =

= 1955 Article =

−
Mennonite history in California began in the late 19th century with pioneers of the [[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonites]]. Perhaps the first Mennonite to reach California was Henry Rees of Ashland, Ohio, who settled in Pomona in 1887. The first Mennonite church to be organized in California was established in 1897, 15 miles west of Paso Robles, and named the [[San Marcos Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|San Marcos Mennonite Church]] (GCM). Mennonites arrived in California in increasing numbers, so that by 1903 churches were established in [[Paso Robles First Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|Paso Robles]] and [[First Mennonite Church of Upland (Upland, California, USA)|Upland]], members of the latter congregation having arrived as early as 1887. The year 1903 also saw Mennonites arriving in Reedley, where ~~a church~~ was formed in 1906, which grew to become the largest General Conference congregation in California, having in 1950 a baptized membership of around 600. As early as 1906 General Conference Mennonites began to meet in homes for worship in the [[Los Angeles (California, USA)|Los Angeles]] area but it was not until 1918 that a church was organized. Later, in 1921, another congregation was formed in [[Bethel Mennonite Church (Winton, California, USA)|Winton]] and in 1935 a new General Conference group came into existence in Shafter. In 1950 approximately 1,600 General Conference Mennonites made their home in California. A congregation at Woodlake ceased to exist, its members having moved to other Mennonite settlements.
+
Mennonite history in California began in the late 19th century with pioneers of the [[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonites]]. Perhaps the first Mennonite to reach California was Henry Rees of Ashland, Ohio, who settled in Pomona in 1887. The first Mennonite church to be organized in California was established in 1897, 15 miles west of Paso Robles, and named the [[San Marcos Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|San Marcos Mennonite Church]] (GCM). Mennonites arrived in California in increasing numbers, so that by 1903 churches were established in [[Paso Robles First Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|Paso Robles]] and [[First Mennonite Church of Upland (Upland, California, USA)|Upland]], members of the latter congregation having arrived as early as 1887. The year 1903 also saw Mennonites arriving in Reedley, where the [[First Mennonite Church (Reedley, California, USA)|First Mennonite Church]] was formed in 1906, which grew to become the largest General Conference congregation in California, having in 1950 a baptized membership of around 600. As early as 1906 General Conference Mennonites began to meet in homes for worship in the [[Los Angeles (California, USA)|Los Angeles]] area but it was not until 1918 that a church was organized. Later, in 1921, another congregation was formed in [[Bethel Mennonite Church (Winton, California, USA)|Winton]] and in 1935 a new General Conference group came into existence in Shafter. In 1950 approximately 1,600 General Conference Mennonites made their home in California. A congregation at Woodlake ceased to exist, its members having moved to other Mennonite settlements.

[[File:ME1_492.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''']]

[[File:ME1_492.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''']]

−
The second group, chronologically, to settle in California were the [[Mennonite Brethren Church|Mennonite Brethren]] (MB), now the largest Mennonite branch in California both in total membership (over 3,500 in 1950) and in number of active congregations (12). The first church to be organized was the Reedley congregation in 1905, the first settlers having arrived one year earlier. The Reedley MB Church grew to be not only the largest Mennonite congregation in California, but also became the largest church in the North American Mennonite Brethren conference. The total baptized membership in 1950 was approximately 1,350. A new church was built with a seating capacity of 2,200. Also in 1904 Mennonite Brethren families arrived in Escondido, near San Diego, and formed a congregation in 1905. This group, however, was of short duration due to lack of leadership. The Rosedale MB Church was organized in 1909, [[Heritage Bible Church (Bakersfield, California, USA)|Bakersfield]] in 1910, [[Lodi Mennonite Brethren Church (Lodi, California, USA)|Lodi]] approximately 1915, Shafter in 1918, Fairmead (now [[Madera Mennonite Brethren Church (Madera, California, USA)|Madera]]) in 1919, Winton in 1922, Orland in 1923, Los Angeles in 1924, [[Dinuba (California, USA)|Dinuba]] in 1925, San Jose in 1940, and Fresno in 1942.
+
The second group, chronologically, to settle in California were the [[Mennonite Brethren Church|Mennonite Brethren]] (MB), now the largest Mennonite branch in California both in total membership (over 3,500 in 1950) and in number of active congregations (12). The first church to be organized was the [[Reedley Mennonite Brethren Church (Reedley, California, USA)|Reedley]] congregation in 1905, the first settlers having arrived one year earlier. The Reedley MB Church grew to be not only the largest Mennonite congregation in California, but also became the largest church in the North American Mennonite Brethren conference. The total baptized membership in 1950 was approximately 1,350. A new church was built with a seating capacity of 2,200. Also in 1904 Mennonite Brethren families arrived in Escondido, near San Diego, and formed a congregation in 1905. This group, however, was of short duration due to lack of leadership. The [[Rosedale Mennonite Brethren Church (Bakersfield, California, USA)|Rosedale MB Church]] was organized in 1909, [[Heritage Bible Church (Bakersfield, California, USA)|Bakersfield]] in 1910, [[Lodi Mennonite Brethren Church (Lodi, California, USA)|Lodi]] approximately 1915, [[Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church (Shafter, California, USA)|Shafter]] in 1918, Fairmead (now [[Madera Mennonite Brethren Church (Madera, California, USA)|Madera]]) in 1919, [[Winton Mennonite Brethren Church (Winton, California, USA)|Winton]] in 1922, [[Orland Mennonite Brethren Church (Orland, California, USA)|Orland]] in 1923, [[Los Angeles Mennonite Brethren Church (Los Angeles, California, USA)|Los Angeles]] in 1924, [[Dinuba (California, USA)|Dinuba]] in 1925, [[San Jose Mennonite Brethren Church (San Jose, California, USA)|San Jose]] in 1940, and [[Fresno Mennonite Brethren Church (Fresno, California, USA)|Fresno]] in 1942.

−
The [[Krimmer Mennonite Brethren|Krimmer Mennonite Brethren]] (KMB) established a single church in California, organized on 17 March 1911, near Dinuba as the Zion KMB Church, which in 1950 had a membership of 250. Its building was remodeled and enlarged in 1941. Most of the early members of this congregation came from [[South Dakota (USA)|South Dakota]] and [[Kansas (USA)|Kansas]].
+
The [[Krimmer Mennonite Brethren|Krimmer Mennonite Brethren]] (KMB) established a single church in California, organized on 17 March 1911, near Dinuba as the [[Zion Krimmer Mennonite Brethren Church (Dinuba, California, USA)|Zion KMB Church]], which in 1950 had a membership of 250. Its building was remodeled and enlarged in 1941. Most of the early members of this congregation came from [[South Dakota (USA)|South Dakota]] and [[Kansas (USA)|Kansas]].

The (Old) Mennonites ([[Mennonite Church (MC)|Mennonite Church]]) were the fourth group to settle in California. Although members of this group arrived in the Dinuba area as early as 1905, a congregation was never organized in this locality. Others settled near [[Corning Mennonite Church (Corning, California, USA)|Corning]], north of Sacramento, in 1907 and later. Another group located in the area near Terra Bella in 1909 and during the following years. A Sunday school was organized in Pasadena in 1915. Early (Old) Mennonite settlers established their homes in the Upland, Orange, and Los Angeles area. Their first organized congregation was the one in Los Angeles organized in 1921, where Sunday school had been conducted since 1917. The second church to be established in California by this conference was in Winton in 1931. The Upland congregation was organized in 1943 and in 1950 had grown to be the largest, having 83 members. The California (Old) Mennonites numbered about 220 in 1950.

The (Old) Mennonites ([[Mennonite Church (MC)|Mennonite Church]]) were the fourth group to settle in California. Although members of this group arrived in the Dinuba area as early as 1905, a congregation was never organized in this locality. Others settled near [[Corning Mennonite Church (Corning, California, USA)|Corning]], north of Sacramento, in 1907 and later. Another group located in the area near Terra Bella in 1909 and during the following years. A Sunday school was organized in Pasadena in 1915. Early (Old) Mennonite settlers established their homes in the Upland, Orange, and Los Angeles area. Their first organized congregation was the one in Los Angeles organized in 1921, where Sunday school had been conducted since 1917. The second church to be established in California by this conference was in Winton in 1931. The Upland congregation was organized in 1943 and in 1950 had grown to be the largest, having 83 members. The California (Old) Mennonites numbered about 220 in 1950.

−
In 1911 the first members of the [[Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (CGC)|Church of God in Christ Mennonite Church]] came to California. The Benjamin T. Koehn and Jacob B. Ratzlaff families from [[Canada|Canada]] and the Jacob Hoeppner family from Hillsboro, Kansas, settled in the vicinity of what is now Winton, a congregation being organized there in 1912 having 12 members. Later, in 1944, the second church of this conference was established in [[Livingston Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (Livingston, California, USA)|Livingston]], members of this group having lived in this area since 1912. The Winton group grew to be the largest, numbering approximately 350 members. The Livingston group numbered about 100 in 1950.
+
In 1911 the first members of the [[Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (CGC)|Church of God in Christ Mennonite Church]] came to California. The Benjamin T. Koehn and Jacob B. Ratzlaff families from [[Canada|Canada]] and the Jacob Hoeppner family from Hillsboro, Kansas, settled in the vicinity of what is now [[Winton Church of God in Christ Mennonite Church (Winton, California, USA)|Winton]], a congregation being organized there in 1912 having 12 members. Later, in 1944, the second church of this conference was established in [[Livingston Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (Livingston, California, USA)|Livingston]], members of this group having lived in this area since 1912. The Winton group grew to be the largest, numbering approximately 350 members. The Livingston group numbered about 100 in 1950.

Factors that have operated in determining the location and growth of the various Mennonite communities were principally economic and climatic. The Mennonites have contributed much toward improvement of their respective communities located in the fertile San Joaquin Valley. Essentially the 6,000 Mennonites of California in 1950 were farmers and remained largely a people whose life was closely linked with the soil. Nearly one half of all California Mennonites lived in the Reedley-Dinuba area, the center of the world's largest fruit-growing district.

Factors that have operated in determining the location and growth of the various Mennonite communities were principally economic and climatic. The Mennonites have contributed much toward improvement of their respective communities located in the fertile San Joaquin Valley. Essentially the 6,000 Mennonites of California in 1950 were farmers and remained largely a people whose life was closely linked with the soil. Nearly one half of all California Mennonites lived in the Reedley-Dinuba area, the center of the world's largest fruit-growing district.

RichardThiessen: Added category.

2014-02-28T04:29:20Z

Added category.

← Older revision Revision as of 04:29, 28 February 2014
Line 63: Line 63:

Hertzler, Daniel. <em> From </em><em> Germantown to Steinbach. </em> Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1981: 118-160.

Hertzler, Daniel. <em> From </em><em> Germantown to Steinbach. </em> Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1981: 118-160.

{{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 1, pp. 491-493; vol. 5, pp. 117-118|date=1990|a1_last=Just|a1_first=L. R.|a2_last=Auernheimer|a2_first=Clayton}}

{{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 1, pp. 491-493; vol. 5, pp. 117-118|date=1990|a1_last=Just|a1_first=L. R.|a2_last=Auernheimer|a2_first=Clayton}}

+
[[Category:States of the United States]]

RichardThiessen: Combined images

2013-12-27T08:22:18Z

Combined images

← Older revision Revision as of 08:22, 27 December 2013
Line 1: Line 1:

__FORCETOC__

__FORCETOC__

__TOC__

__TOC__

+
[[File:California1.jpg|286px|thumb|right|''Source: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_CA.svg Wikipedia Commons]'']]

= 1955 Article =

= 1955 Article =

Mennonite history in California began in the late 19th century with pioneers of the [[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonites]]. Perhaps the first Mennonite to reach California was Henry Rees of Ashland, Ohio, who settled in Pomona in 1887. The first Mennonite church to be organized in California was established in 1897, 15 miles west of Paso Robles, and named the [[San Marcos Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|San Marcos Mennonite Church]] (GCM). Mennonites arrived in California in increasing numbers, so that by 1903 churches were established in [[Paso Robles First Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|Paso Robles]] and [[First Mennonite Church of Upland (Upland, California, USA)|Upland]], members of the latter congregation having arrived as early as 1887. The year 1903 also saw Mennonites arriving in Reedley, where a church was formed in 1906, which grew to become the largest General Conference congregation in California, having in 1950 a baptized membership of around 600. As early as 1906 General Conference Mennonites began to meet in homes for worship in the [[Los Angeles (California, USA)|Los Angeles]] area but it was not until 1918 that a church was organized. Later, in 1921, another congregation was formed in [[Bethel Mennonite Church (Winton, California, USA)|Winton]] and in 1935 a new General Conference group came into existence in Shafter. In 1950 approximately 1,600 General Conference Mennonites made their home in California. A congregation at Woodlake ceased to exist, its members having moved to other Mennonite settlements.

Mennonite history in California began in the late 19th century with pioneers of the [[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonites]]. Perhaps the first Mennonite to reach California was Henry Rees of Ashland, Ohio, who settled in Pomona in 1887. The first Mennonite church to be organized in California was established in 1897, 15 miles west of Paso Robles, and named the [[San Marcos Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|San Marcos Mennonite Church]] (GCM). Mennonites arrived in California in increasing numbers, so that by 1903 churches were established in [[Paso Robles First Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|Paso Robles]] and [[First Mennonite Church of Upland (Upland, California, USA)|Upland]], members of the latter congregation having arrived as early as 1887. The year 1903 also saw Mennonites arriving in Reedley, where a church was formed in 1906, which grew to become the largest General Conference congregation in California, having in 1950 a baptized membership of around 600. As early as 1906 General Conference Mennonites began to meet in homes for worship in the [[Los Angeles (California, USA)|Los Angeles]] area but it was not until 1918 that a church was organized. Later, in 1921, another congregation was formed in [[Bethel Mennonite Church (Winton, California, USA)|Winton]] and in 1935 a new General Conference group came into existence in Shafter. In 1950 approximately 1,600 General Conference Mennonites made their home in California. A congregation at Woodlake ceased to exist, its members having moved to other Mennonite settlements.

−
[[File:California1.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Source: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_CA.svg Wikipedia Commons]'']] [[File:California2.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Source: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_CA.svg Wikipedia Commons]'']]

[[File:ME1_492.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''']]

[[File:ME1_492.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''']]

The second group, chronologically, to settle in California were the [[Mennonite Brethren Church|Mennonite Brethren]] (MB), now the largest Mennonite branch in California both in total membership (over 3,500 in 1950) and in number of active congregations (12). The first church to be organized was the Reedley congregation in 1905, the first settlers having arrived one year earlier. The Reedley MB Church grew to be not only the largest Mennonite congregation in California, but also became the largest church in the North American Mennonite Brethren conference. The total baptized membership in 1950 was approximately 1,350. A new church was built with a seating capacity of 2,200. Also in 1904 Mennonite Brethren families arrived in Escondido, near San Diego, and formed a congregation in 1905. This group, however, was of short duration due to lack of leadership. The Rosedale MB Church was organized in 1909, [[Heritage Bible Church (Bakersfield, California, USA)|Bakersfield]] in 1910, [[Lodi Mennonite Brethren Church (Lodi, California, USA)|Lodi]] approximately 1915, Shafter in 1918, Fairmead (now [[Madera Mennonite Brethren Church (Madera, California, USA)|Madera]]) in 1919, Winton in 1922, Orland in 1923, Los Angeles in 1924, [[Dinuba (California, USA)|Dinuba]] in 1925, San Jose in 1940, and Fresno in 1942.

The second group, chronologically, to settle in California were the [[Mennonite Brethren Church|Mennonite Brethren]] (MB), now the largest Mennonite branch in California both in total membership (over 3,500 in 1950) and in number of active congregations (12). The first church to be organized was the Reedley congregation in 1905, the first settlers having arrived one year earlier. The Reedley MB Church grew to be not only the largest Mennonite congregation in California, but also became the largest church in the North American Mennonite Brethren conference. The total baptized membership in 1950 was approximately 1,350. A new church was built with a seating capacity of 2,200. Also in 1904 Mennonite Brethren families arrived in Escondido, near San Diego, and formed a congregation in 1905. This group, however, was of short duration due to lack of leadership. The Rosedale MB Church was organized in 1909, [[Heritage Bible Church (Bakersfield, California, USA)|Bakersfield]] in 1910, [[Lodi Mennonite Brethren Church (Lodi, California, USA)|Lodi]] approximately 1915, Shafter in 1918, Fairmead (now [[Madera Mennonite Brethren Church (Madera, California, USA)|Madera]]) in 1919, Winton in 1922, Orland in 1923, Los Angeles in 1924, [[Dinuba (California, USA)|Dinuba]] in 1925, San Jose in 1940, and Fresno in 1942.

RichardThiessen at 08:57, 24 November 2013

2013-11-24T08:57:21Z

← Older revision Revision as of 08:57, 24 November 2013
Line 1: Line 1:

__FORCETOC__

__FORCETOC__

__TOC__

__TOC__

−
~~<h3>~~1955 Article~~</h3>~~ Mennonite history in California began in the late 19th century with pioneers of the [[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonites]]. Perhaps the first Mennonite to reach California was Henry Rees of Ashland, Ohio, who settled in Pomona in 1887. The first Mennonite church to be organized in California was established in 1897, 15 miles west of Paso Robles, and named the [[San Marcos Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|San Marcos Mennonite Church]] (GCM). Mennonites arrived in California in increasing numbers, so that by 1903 churches were established in [[Paso Robles First Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|Paso Robles]] and [[First Mennonite Church of Upland (Upland, California, USA)|Upland]], members of the latter congregation having arrived as early as 1887. The year 1903 also saw Mennonites arriving in Reedley, where a church was formed in 1906, which grew to become the largest General Conference congregation in California, having in 1950 a baptized membership of around 600. As early as 1906 General Conference Mennonites began to meet in homes for worship in the [[Los Angeles (California, USA)|Los Angeles]] area but it was not until 1918 that a church was organized. Later, in 1921, another congregation was formed in [[Bethel Mennonite Church (Winton, California, USA)|Winton]] and in 1935 a new General Conference group came into existence in Shafter. In 1950 approximately 1,600 General Conference Mennonites made their home in California. A congregation at Woodlake ceased to exist, its members having moved to other Mennonite settlements.
+
= 1955 Article =

+
Mennonite history in California began in the late 19th century with pioneers of the [[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonites]]. Perhaps the first Mennonite to reach California was Henry Rees of Ashland, Ohio, who settled in Pomona in 1887. The first Mennonite church to be organized in California was established in 1897, 15 miles west of Paso Robles, and named the [[San Marcos Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|San Marcos Mennonite Church]] (GCM). Mennonites arrived in California in increasing numbers, so that by 1903 churches were established in [[Paso Robles First Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|Paso Robles]] and [[First Mennonite Church of Upland (Upland, California, USA)|Upland]], members of the latter congregation having arrived as early as 1887. The year 1903 also saw Mennonites arriving in Reedley, where a church was formed in 1906, which grew to become the largest General Conference congregation in California, having in 1950 a baptized membership of around 600. As early as 1906 General Conference Mennonites began to meet in homes for worship in the [[Los Angeles (California, USA)|Los Angeles]] area but it was not until 1918 that a church was organized. Later, in 1921, another congregation was formed in [[Bethel Mennonite Church (Winton, California, USA)|Winton]] and in 1935 a new General Conference group came into existence in Shafter. In 1950 approximately 1,600 General Conference Mennonites made their home in California. A congregation at Woodlake ceased to exist, its members having moved to other Mennonite settlements.

−
[[File:California1.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Source: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_CA.svg Wikipedia Commons]'']] [[File:California2.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Source: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_CA.svg Wikipedia Commons]'']] [[File:ME1_492.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''']] The second group, chronologically, to settle in California were the [[Mennonite Brethren Church|Mennonite Brethren]] (MB), now the largest Mennonite branch in California both in total membership (over 3,500 in 1950) and in number of active congregations (12). The first church to be organized was the Reedley congregation in 1905, the first settlers having arrived one year earlier. The Reedley MB Church grew to be not only the largest Mennonite congregation in California, but also became the largest church in the North American Mennonite Brethren conference. The total baptized membership in 1950 was approximately 1,350. A new church was built with a seating capacity of 2,200. Also in 1904 Mennonite Brethren families arrived in Escondido, near San Diego, and formed a congregation in 1905. This group, however, was of short duration due to lack of leadership. The Rosedale MB Church was organized in 1909, [[Heritage Bible Church (Bakersfield, California, USA)|Bakersfield]] in 1910, [[Lodi Mennonite Brethren Church (Lodi, California, USA)|Lodi]] approximately 1915, Shafter in 1918, Fairmead (now [[Madera Mennonite Brethren Church (Madera, California, USA)|Madera]]) in 1919, Winton in 1922, Orland in 1923, Los Angeles in 1924, [[Dinuba (California, USA)|Dinuba]] in 1925, San Jose in 1940, and Fresno in 1942.
+
[[File:California1.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Source: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_CA.svg Wikipedia Commons]'']] [[File:California2.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Source: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_CA.svg Wikipedia Commons]'']]

+
[[File:ME1_492.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''']]

+
The second group, chronologically, to settle in California were the [[Mennonite Brethren Church|Mennonite Brethren]] (MB), now the largest Mennonite branch in California both in total membership (over 3,500 in 1950) and in number of active congregations (12). The first church to be organized was the Reedley congregation in 1905, the first settlers having arrived one year earlier. The Reedley MB Church grew to be not only the largest Mennonite congregation in California, but also became the largest church in the North American Mennonite Brethren conference. The total baptized membership in 1950 was approximately 1,350. A new church was built with a seating capacity of 2,200. Also in 1904 Mennonite Brethren families arrived in Escondido, near San Diego, and formed a congregation in 1905. This group, however, was of short duration due to lack of leadership. The Rosedale MB Church was organized in 1909, [[Heritage Bible Church (Bakersfield, California, USA)|Bakersfield]] in 1910, [[Lodi Mennonite Brethren Church (Lodi, California, USA)|Lodi]] approximately 1915, Shafter in 1918, Fairmead (now [[Madera Mennonite Brethren Church (Madera, California, USA)|Madera]]) in 1919, Winton in 1922, Orland in 1923, Los Angeles in 1924, [[Dinuba (California, USA)|Dinuba]] in 1925, San Jose in 1940, and Fresno in 1942.

The [[Krimmer Mennonite Brethren|Krimmer Mennonite Brethren]] (KMB) established a single church in California, organized on 17 March 1911, near Dinuba as the Zion KMB Church, which in 1950 had a membership of 250. Its building was remodeled and enlarged in 1941. Most of the early members of this congregation came from [[South Dakota (USA)|South Dakota]] and [[Kansas (USA)|Kansas]].

The [[Krimmer Mennonite Brethren|Krimmer Mennonite Brethren]] (KMB) established a single church in California, organized on 17 March 1911, near Dinuba as the Zion KMB Church, which in 1950 had a membership of 250. Its building was remodeled and enlarged in 1941. Most of the early members of this congregation came from [[South Dakota (USA)|South Dakota]] and [[Kansas (USA)|Kansas]].

Line 9: Line 12:

The (Old) Mennonites ([[Mennonite Church (MC)|Mennonite Church]]) were the fourth group to settle in California. Although members of this group arrived in the Dinuba area as early as 1905, a congregation was never organized in this locality. Others settled near [[Corning Mennonite Church (Corning, California, USA)|Corning]], north of Sacramento, in 1907 and later. Another group located in the area near Terra Bella in 1909 and during the following years. A Sunday school was organized in Pasadena in 1915. Early (Old) Mennonite settlers established their homes in the Upland, Orange, and Los Angeles area. Their first organized congregation was the one in Los Angeles organized in 1921, where Sunday school had been conducted since 1917. The second church to be established in California by this conference was in Winton in 1931. The Upland congregation was organized in 1943 and in 1950 had grown to be the largest, having 83 members. The California (Old) Mennonites numbered about 220 in 1950.

The (Old) Mennonites ([[Mennonite Church (MC)|Mennonite Church]]) were the fourth group to settle in California. Although members of this group arrived in the Dinuba area as early as 1905, a congregation was never organized in this locality. Others settled near [[Corning Mennonite Church (Corning, California, USA)|Corning]], north of Sacramento, in 1907 and later. Another group located in the area near Terra Bella in 1909 and during the following years. A Sunday school was organized in Pasadena in 1915. Early (Old) Mennonite settlers established their homes in the Upland, Orange, and Los Angeles area. Their first organized congregation was the one in Los Angeles organized in 1921, where Sunday school had been conducted since 1917. The second church to be established in California by this conference was in Winton in 1931. The Upland congregation was organized in 1943 and in 1950 had grown to be the largest, having 83 members. The California (Old) Mennonites numbered about 220 in 1950.

−
In 1911 the first members of the [[Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (CGC)|Church of God in Christ Mennonite Church]] came to California. The Benjamin T. Koehn and Jacob B. Ratzlaff families from [[Canada|Canada]] and the Jacob Hoeppner family from Hillsboro, KS, settled in the vicinity of what is now Winton, a congregation being organized there in 1912 having 12 members. Later, in 1944, the second church of this conference was established in [[Livingston Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (Livingston, California, USA)|Livingston]], members of this group having lived in this area since 1912. The Winton group grew to be the largest, numbering approximately 350 members. The Livingston group numbered about 100 in 1950.
+
In 1911 the first members of the [[Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (CGC)|Church of God in Christ Mennonite Church]] came to California. The Benjamin T. Koehn and Jacob B. Ratzlaff families from [[Canada|Canada]] and the Jacob Hoeppner family from Hillsboro, Kansas, settled in the vicinity of what is now Winton, a congregation being organized there in 1912 having 12 members. Later, in 1944, the second church of this conference was established in [[Livingston Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (Livingston, California, USA)|Livingston]], members of this group having lived in this area since 1912. The Winton group grew to be the largest, numbering approximately 350 members. The Livingston group numbered about 100 in 1950.

Factors that have operated in determining the location and growth of the various Mennonite communities were principally economic and climatic. The Mennonites have contributed much toward improvement of their respective communities located in the fertile San Joaquin Valley. Essentially the 6,000 Mennonites of California in 1950 were farmers and remained largely a people whose life was closely linked with the soil. Nearly one half of all California Mennonites lived in the Reedley-Dinuba area, the center of the world's largest fruit-growing district.

Factors that have operated in determining the location and growth of the various Mennonite communities were principally economic and climatic. The Mennonites have contributed much toward improvement of their respective communities located in the fertile San Joaquin Valley. Essentially the 6,000 Mennonites of California in 1950 were farmers and remained largely a people whose life was closely linked with the soil. Nearly one half of all California Mennonites lived in the Reedley-Dinuba area, the center of the world's largest fruit-growing district.

Line 21: Line 24:

Most California Mennonite churches report that their congregations are growing. Few non-Mennonites were being added in 1950, and but a small proportion of this increase is due to a local increase in population. The unprecedented migration of Americans to the west coast perhaps accounts for most of the Mennonite population increase in California.

Most California Mennonite churches report that their congregations are growing. Few non-Mennonites were being added in 1950, and but a small proportion of this increase is due to a local increase in population. The unprecedented migration of Americans to the west coast perhaps accounts for most of the Mennonite population increase in California.

−
California Mennonites constitute an active, prosperous, and progressive part of the American Mennonitism. They too are experiencing the uncertainties as well as the opportunities which come with all social change. A valiant effort is being made to preserve that which is good in the old, sift out the unwholesome in the new, direct the energies of their youth into channels consistent with their faith, and meet the demands of newly discovered social responsibilities. -- ~~LRJ~~
+
California Mennonites constitute an active, prosperous, and progressive part of the American Mennonitism. They too are experiencing the uncertainties as well as the opportunities which come with all social change. A valiant effort is being made to preserve that which is good in the old, sift out the unwholesome in the new, direct the energies of their youth into channels consistent with their faith, and meet the demands of newly discovered social responsibilities. -- ''L. R. Just''

−
~~<hr/> <h3>~~1990 Update~~</h3>~~ California has seen substantial growth in the various Mennonite groups since the early 1950s. The following Mennonite Brethren congregations have emerged from 1952-1987: [[South Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church (Shafter, California, USA) |South Shafter]] (1955), Arleta (1957), [[Butler Church (Fresno, California, USA)|Butler]] (1957), El Camino (1958), [[Wasco Mennonite Brethren Church (Waco, California, USA)|Wasco]] (1958), Neighborhood (1960), Kingsburg (1962), College Community (1963), Temple LePaz (1963), El Faro (1963), Parlier (1963), Temple De Calvario (1964), Green Haven (1964), Faith (1965), Orange Cove (1965), Cliffwood (1965), Blossom Valley (1968), North Fresno (1969), Raisin City (1971), Fremont (1977), Laurelglen Bible (1978), Fig Garden (1981), and Church of Acts (1984). The [[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonite Church]] (GCM) established six new congregations: Atwater (1964), Santa Fe Springs (1965), San Francisco Chinese (1980), Santa Clara Ethnic Chinese (1981), Santa Clara Mennonite (1982), and Trinity (1985). Eight new [[Mennonite Church (MC)|Mennonite Church (MC)]] congregations are Los Angeles Mennonite Fellowship (1958), Faith (1961), Monte Sinai (1979), Family (1980), House of the Lord Fellowship (1980), New Jerusalem (1982), Indonesian Christian Fellowship (1983). Two new congregations, First Mennonite in San Francisco (1976) and Mennonite Community of Fresno (1954), are members of both GCM and MC conferences. The Atwater Mennonite Church (GCM) is made up of former General Conference, Mennonite Church (MC), and Mennonite Brethren (MB) members. The Church of God in Christ Mennonite started one new congregation, Glenn (1953). Brethren in Christ (BIC) remain very active in California, primarily in the Greater Los Angeles area.
+
= 1990 Update =

+
California has seen substantial growth in the various Mennonite groups since the early 1950s. The following Mennonite Brethren congregations have emerged from 1952-1987: [[South Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church (Shafter, California, USA) |South Shafter]] (1955), Arleta (1957), [[Butler Church (Fresno, California, USA)|Butler]] (1957), El Camino (1958), [[Wasco Mennonite Brethren Church (Waco, California, USA)|Wasco]] (1958), Neighborhood (1960), Kingsburg (1962), College Community (1963), Temple LePaz (1963), El Faro (1963), Parlier (1963), Temple De Calvario (1964), Green Haven (1964), Faith (1965), Orange Cove (1965), Cliffwood (1965), Blossom Valley (1968), North Fresno (1969), Raisin City (1971), Fremont (1977), Laurelglen Bible (1978), Fig Garden (1981), and Church of Acts (1984). The [[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonite Church]] (GCM) established six new congregations: Atwater (1964), Santa Fe Springs (1965), San Francisco Chinese (1980), Santa Clara Ethnic Chinese (1981), Santa Clara Mennonite (1982), and Trinity (1985). Eight new [[Mennonite Church (MC)|Mennonite Church (MC)]] congregations are Los Angeles Mennonite Fellowship (1958), Faith (1961), Monte Sinai (1979), Family (1980), House of the Lord Fellowship (1980), New Jerusalem (1982), Indonesian Christian Fellowship (1983). Two new congregations, First Mennonite in San Francisco (1976) and Mennonite Community of Fresno (1954), are members of both GCM and MC conferences. The Atwater Mennonite Church (GCM) is made up of former General Conference, Mennonite Church (MC), and Mennonite Brethren (MB) members. The Church of God in Christ Mennonite started one new congregation, Glenn (1953). Brethren in Christ (BIC) remain very active in California, primarily in the Greater Los Angeles area.

The following congregations were no longer active in 1987: [[Escondido Mennonite Brethren Church (Escondido, California, USA)|Escondido]] (MB); Victor Chapel, Fresno (MB); Sunset Gardens, Fresno (MB); Natomas, Sacramento (MB); Community Chapel, London (MB); Clayton Park, Concord (MB); Bethania, Escondido (MB); Woodlake (GCM); [[First Mennonite Church (Shafter, California, USA)|First Mennonite, Shafter]] (GCM); [[San Marcos Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|San Marcos, Paso Robles]] (GCM); Willow Creek, Paso Robles (GCM); Winton Mennonite (MC); Bethel, Westminister (GCM).

The following congregations were no longer active in 1987: [[Escondido Mennonite Brethren Church (Escondido, California, USA)|Escondido]] (MB); Victor Chapel, Fresno (MB); Sunset Gardens, Fresno (MB); Natomas, Sacramento (MB); Community Chapel, London (MB); Clayton Park, Concord (MB); Bethania, Escondido (MB); Woodlake (GCM); [[First Mennonite Church (Shafter, California, USA)|First Mennonite, Shafter]] (GCM); [[San Marcos Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|San Marcos, Paso Robles]] (GCM); Willow Creek, Paso Robles (GCM); Winton Mennonite (MC); Bethel, Westminister (GCM).

Line 41: Line 45:

The First Mennonite Church in Reedley, has an active voluntary service unit serving the elderly since 1983. Various other voluntary service activities have taken place over the years, including units at Kings View Homes, the Hoopa Indian Reservation, and migrant labor camps. Brethren in Christ rescue mission work in San Francisco and Riverside has developed into more general family services programs.

The First Mennonite Church in Reedley, has an active voluntary service unit serving the elderly since 1983. Various other voluntary service activities have taken place over the years, including units at Kings View Homes, the Hoopa Indian Reservation, and migrant labor camps. Brethren in Christ rescue mission work in San Francisco and Riverside has developed into more general family services programs.

−
Two [[Mennonite Disaster Service|Mennonite Disaster Service]] units, one in the north and the other in the south, function in California. The clothing and relief center and administrative offices of the West Coast Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) are located in Reedley. There are Nearly New shops and Ten Thousand Villages stores, under the auspices of local congregations and MCC throughout the state. -- CA
+
Two [[Mennonite Disaster Service|Mennonite Disaster Service]] units, one in the north and the other in the south, function in California. The clothing and relief center and administrative offices of the West Coast Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) are located in Reedley. There are Nearly New shops and Ten Thousand Villages stores, under the auspices of local congregations and MCC throughout the state. -- ''Clayton Auernheimer''

= Bibliography =

= Bibliography =

Burkholder, H. D.<em> The Story of Our Conference and Churches. </em> North Newton, KS, 1951).

Burkholder, H. D.<em> The Story of Our Conference and Churches. </em> North Newton, KS, 1951).

Line 58: Line 62:

Hertzler, Daniel. <em> From </em><em> Germantown to Steinbach. </em> Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1981: 118-160.

Hertzler, Daniel. <em> From </em><em> Germantown to Steinbach. </em> Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1981: 118-160.

−
{{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 1, pp. 491-493; v. 5, pp. 117-118|date=1990|a1_last=Just|a1_first=L. R.|a2_last=Auernheimer|a2_first=Clayton}}
+
{{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 1, pp. 491-493; vol. 5, pp. 117-118|date=1990|a1_last=Just|a1_first=L. R.|a2_last=Auernheimer|a2_first=Clayton}}

SamSteiner at 15:33, 24 August 2013

2013-08-24T15:33:55Z

← Older revision Revision as of 15:33, 24 August 2013
Line 1: Line 1:

__FORCETOC__

__FORCETOC__

__TOC__

__TOC__

−
<h3>1955 Article</h3> Mennonite history in California began in the late 19th century with pioneers of the [[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonites]]. Perhaps the first Mennonite to reach California was Henry Rees of Ashland, Ohio, who settled in Pomona in 1887. The first Mennonite church to be organized in California was established in 1897, 15 miles west of Paso Robles, and named the [[San Marcos Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|San Marcos Mennonite Church]] (GCM). Mennonites arrived in California in increasing numbers, so that by 1903 churches were established in [[Paso Robles First Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|Paso Robles]] and [[~~U63.html~~|Upland]], members of the latter congregation having arrived as early as 1887. The year 1903 also saw Mennonites arriving in Reedley, where a church was formed in 1906, which grew to become the largest General Conference congregation in California, having in 1950 a baptized membership of around 600. As early as 1906 General Conference Mennonites began to meet in homes for worship in the [[Los Angeles (California, USA)|Los Angeles]] area but it was not until 1918 that a church was organized. Later, in 1921, another congregation was formed in [[Bethel Mennonite Church (Winton, California, USA)|Winton]] and in 1935 a new General Conference group came into existence in Shafter. In 1950 approximately 1,600 General Conference Mennonites made their home in California. A congregation at Woodlake ceased to exist, its members having moved to other Mennonite settlements.
+
<h3>1955 Article</h3> Mennonite history in California began in the late 19th century with pioneers of the [[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonites]]. Perhaps the first Mennonite to reach California was Henry Rees of Ashland, Ohio, who settled in Pomona in 1887. The first Mennonite church to be organized in California was established in 1897, 15 miles west of Paso Robles, and named the [[San Marcos Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|San Marcos Mennonite Church]] (GCM). Mennonites arrived in California in increasing numbers, so that by 1903 churches were established in [[Paso Robles First Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|Paso Robles]] and [[First Mennonite Church of Upland (Upland, California, USA)|Upland]], members of the latter congregation having arrived as early as 1887. The year 1903 also saw Mennonites arriving in Reedley, where a church was formed in 1906, which grew to become the largest General Conference congregation in California, having in 1950 a baptized membership of around 600. As early as 1906 General Conference Mennonites began to meet in homes for worship in the [[Los Angeles (California, USA)|Los Angeles]] area but it was not until 1918 that a church was organized. Later, in 1921, another congregation was formed in [[Bethel Mennonite Church (Winton, California, USA)|Winton]] and in 1935 a new General Conference group came into existence in Shafter. In 1950 approximately 1,600 General Conference Mennonites made their home in California. A congregation at Woodlake ceased to exist, its members having moved to other Mennonite settlements.

[[File:California1.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Source: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_CA.svg Wikipedia Commons]'']] [[File:California2.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Source: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_CA.svg Wikipedia Commons]'']] [[File:ME1_492.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''']] The second group, chronologically, to settle in California were the [[Mennonite Brethren Church|Mennonite Brethren]] (MB), now the largest Mennonite branch in California both in total membership (over 3,500 in 1950) and in number of active congregations (12). The first church to be organized was the Reedley congregation in 1905, the first settlers having arrived one year earlier. The Reedley MB Church grew to be not only the largest Mennonite congregation in California, but also became the largest church in the North American Mennonite Brethren conference. The total baptized membership in 1950 was approximately 1,350. A new church was built with a seating capacity of 2,200. Also in 1904 Mennonite Brethren families arrived in Escondido, near San Diego, and formed a congregation in 1905. This group, however, was of short duration due to lack of leadership. The Rosedale MB Church was organized in 1909, [[Heritage Bible Church (Bakersfield, California, USA)|Bakersfield]] in 1910, [[Lodi Mennonite Brethren Church (Lodi, California, USA)|Lodi]] approximately 1915, Shafter in 1918, Fairmead (now [[Madera Mennonite Brethren Church (Madera, California, USA)|Madera]]) in 1919, Winton in 1922, Orland in 1923, Los Angeles in 1924, [[Dinuba (California, USA)|Dinuba]] in 1925, San Jose in 1940, and Fresno in 1942.

[[File:California1.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Source: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_CA.svg Wikipedia Commons]'']] [[File:California2.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Source: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_CA.svg Wikipedia Commons]'']] [[File:ME1_492.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''']] The second group, chronologically, to settle in California were the [[Mennonite Brethren Church|Mennonite Brethren]] (MB), now the largest Mennonite branch in California both in total membership (over 3,500 in 1950) and in number of active congregations (12). The first church to be organized was the Reedley congregation in 1905, the first settlers having arrived one year earlier. The Reedley MB Church grew to be not only the largest Mennonite congregation in California, but also became the largest church in the North American Mennonite Brethren conference. The total baptized membership in 1950 was approximately 1,350. A new church was built with a seating capacity of 2,200. Also in 1904 Mennonite Brethren families arrived in Escondido, near San Diego, and formed a congregation in 1905. This group, however, was of short duration due to lack of leadership. The Rosedale MB Church was organized in 1909, [[Heritage Bible Church (Bakersfield, California, USA)|Bakersfield]] in 1910, [[Lodi Mennonite Brethren Church (Lodi, California, USA)|Lodi]] approximately 1915, Shafter in 1918, Fairmead (now [[Madera Mennonite Brethren Church (Madera, California, USA)|Madera]]) in 1919, Winton in 1922, Orland in 1923, Los Angeles in 1924, [[Dinuba (California, USA)|Dinuba]] in 1925, San Jose in 1940, and Fresno in 1942.

GameoAdmin: CSV import - 20130823

2013-08-23T13:56:46Z

CSV import - 20130823

← Older revision Revision as of 13:56, 23 August 2013
Line 3: Line 3:

<h3>1955 Article</h3> Mennonite history in California began in the late 19th century with pioneers of the [[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonites]]. Perhaps the first Mennonite to reach California was Henry Rees of Ashland, Ohio, who settled in Pomona in 1887. The first Mennonite church to be organized in California was established in 1897, 15 miles west of Paso Robles, and named the [[San Marcos Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|San Marcos Mennonite Church]] (GCM). Mennonites arrived in California in increasing numbers, so that by 1903 churches were established in [[Paso Robles First Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|Paso Robles]] and [[U63.html|Upland]], members of the latter congregation having arrived as early as 1887. The year 1903 also saw Mennonites arriving in Reedley, where a church was formed in 1906, which grew to become the largest General Conference congregation in California, having in 1950 a baptized membership of around 600. As early as 1906 General Conference Mennonites began to meet in homes for worship in the [[Los Angeles (California, USA)|Los Angeles]] area but it was not until 1918 that a church was organized. Later, in 1921, another congregation was formed in [[Bethel Mennonite Church (Winton, California, USA)|Winton]] and in 1935 a new General Conference group came into existence in Shafter. In 1950 approximately 1,600 General Conference Mennonites made their home in California. A congregation at Woodlake ceased to exist, its members having moved to other Mennonite settlements.

<h3>1955 Article</h3> Mennonite history in California began in the late 19th century with pioneers of the [[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonites]]. Perhaps the first Mennonite to reach California was Henry Rees of Ashland, Ohio, who settled in Pomona in 1887. The first Mennonite church to be organized in California was established in 1897, 15 miles west of Paso Robles, and named the [[San Marcos Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|San Marcos Mennonite Church]] (GCM). Mennonites arrived in California in increasing numbers, so that by 1903 churches were established in [[Paso Robles First Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|Paso Robles]] and [[U63.html|Upland]], members of the latter congregation having arrived as early as 1887. The year 1903 also saw Mennonites arriving in Reedley, where a church was formed in 1906, which grew to become the largest General Conference congregation in California, having in 1950 a baptized membership of around 600. As early as 1906 General Conference Mennonites began to meet in homes for worship in the [[Los Angeles (California, USA)|Los Angeles]] area but it was not until 1918 that a church was organized. Later, in 1921, another congregation was formed in [[Bethel Mennonite Church (Winton, California, USA)|Winton]] and in 1935 a new General Conference group came into existence in Shafter. In 1950 approximately 1,600 General Conference Mennonites made their home in California. A congregation at Woodlake ceased to exist, its members having moved to other Mennonite settlements.

−
[[File:California1.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Source: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_CA.svg Wikipedia Commons] ~~Wikipedia Commons~~
+
[[File:California1.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Source: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_CA.svg Wikipedia Commons]'']] [[File:California2.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Source: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_CA.svg Wikipedia Commons]'']] [[File:ME1_492.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''']] The second group, chronologically, to settle in California were the [[Mennonite Brethren Church|Mennonite Brethren]] (MB), now the largest Mennonite branch in California both in total membership (over 3,500 in 1950) and in number of active congregations (12). The first church to be organized was the Reedley congregation in 1905, the first settlers having arrived one year earlier. The Reedley MB Church grew to be not only the largest Mennonite congregation in California, but also became the largest church in the North American Mennonite Brethren conference. The total baptized membership in 1950 was approximately 1,350. A new church was built with a seating capacity of 2,200. Also in 1904 Mennonite Brethren families arrived in Escondido, near San Diego, and formed a congregation in 1905. This group, however, was of short duration due to lack of leadership. The Rosedale MB Church was organized in 1909, [[Heritage Bible Church (Bakersfield, California, USA)|Bakersfield]] in 1910, [[Lodi Mennonite Brethren Church (Lodi, California, USA)|Lodi]] approximately 1915, Shafter in 1918, Fairmead (now [[Madera Mennonite Brethren Church (Madera, California, USA)|Madera]]) in 1919, Winton in 1922, Orland in 1923, Los Angeles in 1924, [[Dinuba (California, USA)|Dinuba]] in 1925, San Jose in 1940, and Fresno in 1942.

−

−
'']] [[File:California2.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Source: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_CA.svg Wikipedia Commons] ~~Wikipedia Commons~~

−

−
'']] [[File:ME1_492.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''']] The second group, chronologically, to settle in California were the [[Mennonite Brethren Church|Mennonite Brethren]] (MB), now the largest Mennonite branch in California both in total membership (over 3,500 in 1950) and in number of active congregations (12). The first church to be organized was the Reedley congregation in 1905, the first settlers having arrived one year earlier. The Reedley MB Church grew to be not only the largest Mennonite congregation in California, but also became the largest church in the North American Mennonite Brethren conference. The total baptized membership in 1950 was approximately 1,350. A new church was built with a seating capacity of 2,200. Also in 1904 Mennonite Brethren families arrived in Escondido, near San Diego, and formed a congregation in 1905. This group, however, was of short duration due to lack of leadership. The Rosedale MB Church was organized in 1909, [[Heritage Bible Church (Bakersfield, California, USA)|Bakersfield]] in 1910, [[Lodi Mennonite Brethren Church (Lodi, California, USA)|Lodi]] approximately 1915, Shafter in 1918, Fairmead (now [[Madera Mennonite Brethren Church (Madera, California, USA)|Madera]]) in 1919, Winton in 1922, Orland in 1923, Los Angeles in 1924, [[Dinuba (California, USA)|Dinuba]] in 1925, San Jose in 1940, and Fresno in 1942.

The [[Krimmer Mennonite Brethren|Krimmer Mennonite Brethren]] (KMB) established a single church in California, organized on 17 March 1911, near Dinuba as the Zion KMB Church, which in 1950 had a membership of 250. Its building was remodeled and enlarged in 1941. Most of the early members of this congregation came from [[South Dakota (USA)|South Dakota]] and [[Kansas (USA)|Kansas]].

The [[Krimmer Mennonite Brethren|Krimmer Mennonite Brethren]] (KMB) established a single church in California, organized on 17 March 1911, near Dinuba as the Zion KMB Church, which in 1950 had a membership of 250. Its building was remodeled and enlarged in 1941. Most of the early members of this congregation came from [[South Dakota (USA)|South Dakota]] and [[Kansas (USA)|Kansas]].

GameoAdmin: CSV import - 20130820

2013-08-20T19:39:41Z

CSV import - 20130820

← Older revision Revision as of 19:39, 20 August 2013
Line 46: Line 46:

Two [[Mennonite Disaster Service|Mennonite Disaster Service]] units, one in the north and the other in the south, function in California. The clothing and relief center and administrative offices of the West Coast Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) are located in Reedley. There are Nearly New shops and Ten Thousand Villages stores, under the auspices of local congregations and MCC throughout the state. -- CA

Two [[Mennonite Disaster Service|Mennonite Disaster Service]] units, one in the north and the other in the south, function in California. The clothing and relief center and administrative offices of the West Coast Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) are located in Reedley. There are Nearly New shops and Ten Thousand Villages stores, under the auspices of local congregations and MCC throughout the state. -- CA

−

−

= Bibliography =

= Bibliography =

Burkholder, H. D.<em> The Story of Our Conference and Churches. </em> North Newton, KS, 1951).

Burkholder, H. D.<em> The Story of Our Conference and Churches. </em> North Newton, KS, 1951).

Line 64: Line 62:

Hertzler, Daniel. <em> From </em><em> Germantown to Steinbach. </em> Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1981: 118-160.

Hertzler, Daniel. <em> From </em><em> Germantown to Steinbach. </em> Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1981: 118-160.

−

−

{{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 1, pp. 491-493; v. 5, pp. 117-118|date=1990|a1_last=Just|a1_first=L. R.|a2_last=Auernheimer|a2_first=Clayton}}

{{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 1, pp. 491-493; v. 5, pp. 117-118|date=1990|a1_last=Just|a1_first=L. R.|a2_last=Auernheimer|a2_first=Clayton}}

@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 California has seen substantial growth in the various Mennonite groups since the early 1950s. The following Mennonite Brethren congregations have emerged from 1952-1987: [[South Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church (Shafter, California, USA) |South Shafter]] (1955), Arleta (1957), [[Butler Church (Fresno, California, USA)|Butler]] (1957), El Camino (1958), [[Wasco Mennonite Brethren Church (Waco, California, USA)|Wasco]] (1958), Neighborhood (1960), Kingsburg (1962), College Community (1963), Temple LePaz (1963), El Faro (1963), Parlier (1963), Temple De Calvario (1964), Green Haven (1964), Faith (1965), Orange Cove (1965), Cliffwood (1965), Blossom Valley (1968), North Fresno (1969), Raisin City (1971), Fremont (1977), Laurelglen Bible (1978), Fig Garden (1981), and Church of Acts (1984). The [[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonite Church]] (GCM) established six new congregations: Atwater (1964), Santa Fe Springs (1965), San Francisco Chinese (1980), Santa Clara Ethnic Chinese (1981), Santa Clara Mennonite (1982), and Trinity (1985). Eight new [[Mennonite Church (MC)|Mennonite Church (MC)]] congregations are Los Angeles Mennonite Fellowship (1958), Faith (1961), Monte Sinai (1979), Family (1980), House of the Lord Fellowship (1980), New Jerusalem (1982), Indonesian Christian Fellowship (1983). Two new congregations, First Mennonite in San Francisco (1976) and Mennonite Community of Fresno (1954), are members of both GCM and MC conferences. The Atwater Mennonite Church (GCM) is made up of former General Conference, Mennonite Church (MC), and Mennonite Brethren (MB) members. The Church of God in Christ Mennonite started one new congregation, Glenn (1953). Brethren in Christ (BIC) remain very active in California, primarily in the Greater Los Angeles area.
-The following congregations were no longer active in 1987: [[Escondido Mennonite Brethren Church (Escondido, California, USA)|Escondido]] (MB); Victor Chapel, Fresno (MB); Sunset Gardens, Fresno (MB); Natomas, Sacramento (MB); Community Chapel, London (MB); Clayton Park, Concord (MB); Bethania, Escondido (MB); Woodlake (GCM); [[First Mennonite Church (Shafter, California, USA)|First Mennonite, Shafter]] (GCM); [[San Marcos Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|San Marcos, Paso Robles]] (GCM); Willow Creek, Paso Robles (GCM); Winton Mennonite (MC); Bethel, Westminister (GCM).
+The following congregations were no longer active in 1987: [[Escondido Mennonite Brethren Church (Escondido, California, USA)|Escondido]] (MB); Victor Chapel, Fresno (MB); [[Sunset Gardens Mennonite Brethren Church (Fresno, California, USA)|Sunset Gardens]], Fresno (MB); Natomas, Sacramento (MB); Community Chapel, London (MB); Clayton Park, Concord (MB); Bethania, Escondido (MB); Woodlake (GCM); [[First Mennonite Church (Shafter, California, USA)|First Mennonite, Shafter]] (GCM); [[San Marcos Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|San Marcos, Paso Robles]] (GCM); Willow Creek, Paso Robles (GCM); Winton Mennonite (MC); Bethel, Westminister (GCM).
 Total membership and number of congregations in the various groups in 1986-87 was: Mennonite Brethren (6603; 27); General Conference Mennonite Church (1167; 11); Mennonite Church (625; 11); Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (742; 3); Brethren in Christ (1,506; 17). The Evangelical Mennonite Brethren (Fellowship of Evangelical Bible Churches) had three churches in California— Sun Valley (1942-68), Grace at Reedley (1952-83), and Orange County (1945-64). The Krimmer Mennonite Brethren Church of Dinuba is now part of the Mennonite Brethren Conference

@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
 The (Old) Mennonites ([[Mennonite Church (MC)|Mennonite Church]]) were the fourth group to settle in California. Although members of this group arrived in the Dinuba area as early as 1905, a congregation was never organized in this locality. Others settled near [[Corning Mennonite Church (Corning, California, USA)|Corning]], north of Sacramento, in 1907 and later. Another group located in the area near Terra Bella in 1909 and during the following years. A Sunday school was organized in Pasadena in 1915. Early (Old) Mennonite settlers established their homes in the Upland, Orange, and Los Angeles area. Their first organized congregation was the one in Los Angeles organized in 1921, where Sunday school had been conducted since 1917. The second church to be established in California by this conference was in Winton in 1931. The Upland congregation was organized in 1943 and in 1950 had grown to be the largest, having 83 members. The California (Old) Mennonites numbered about 220 in 1950.
-In 1911 the first members of the [[Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (CGC)|Church of God in Christ Mennonite Church]] came to California. The Benjamin T. Koehn and Jacob B. Ratzlaff families from [[Canada|Canada]] and the Jacob Hoeppner family from Hillsboro, Kansas, settled in the vicinity of what is now [[Winton Church of God in Christ Mennonite Church (Winton, California, USA)|Winton]], a congregation being organized there in 1912 having 12 members. Later, in 1944, the second church of this conference was established in [[Livingston Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (Livingston, California, USA)|Livingston]], members of this group having lived in this area since 1912. The Winton group grew to be the largest, numbering approximately 350 members. The Livingston group numbered about 100 in 1950.
+In 1911 the first members of the [[Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (CGC)|Church of God in Christ Mennonite Church]] came to California. The Benjamin T. Koehn and Jacob B. Ratzlaff families from [[Canada|Canada]] and the Jacob Hoeppner family from Hillsboro, Kansas, settled in the vicinity of what is now [[Winton Church of God in Christ, Mennonite Church (Winton, California, USA)|Winton]], a congregation being organized there in 1912 having 12 members. Later, in 1944, the second church of this conference was established in [[Livingston Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (Livingston, California, USA)|Livingston]], members of this group having lived in this area since 1912. The Winton group grew to be the largest, numbering approximately 350 members. The Livingston group numbered about 100 in 1950.
 Factors that have operated in determining the location and growth of the various Mennonite communities were principally economic and climatic. The Mennonites have contributed much toward improvement of their respective communities located in the fertile San Joaquin Valley. Essentially the 6,000 Mennonites of California in 1950 were farmers and remained largely a people whose life was closely linked with the soil. Nearly one half of all California Mennonites lived in the Reedley-Dinuba area, the center of the world's largest fruit-growing district.

@@ Line 61: / Line 61: @@
 Wittlinger, Carlton O. <em>Quest for Piety and Obedience: The Story of the Brethren in Christ</em>. Nappanee, IN: Evangel Press, 1978: 147, 149, 306
-Hertzler, Daniel. <em> From </em><em> Germantown to Steinbach. </em> Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1981: 118-160.
+Hertzler, Daniel. <em> From  Germantown to Steinbach. </em> Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1981: 118-160.
 {{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 1, pp. 491-493; vol. 5, pp. 117-118|date=1990|a1_last=Just|a1_first=L. R.|a2_last=Auernheimer|a2_first=Clayton}}
 [[Category:States of the United States]]

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 [[File:California1.jpg|286px|thumb|right|''Source: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_CA.svg Wikipedia Commons]'']]
 = 1955 Article =
-Mennonite history in California began in the late 19th century with pioneers of the [[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonites]]. Perhaps the first Mennonite to reach California was Henry Rees of Ashland, Ohio, who settled in Pomona in 1887. The first Mennonite church to be organized in California was established in 1897, 15 miles west of Paso Robles, and named the [[San Marcos Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|San Marcos Mennonite Church]] (GCM). Mennonites arrived in California in increasing numbers, so that by 1903 churches were established in [[Paso Robles First Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|Paso Robles]] and [[First Mennonite Church of Upland (Upland, California, USA)|Upland]], members of the latter congregation having arrived as early as 1887. The year 1903 also saw Mennonites arriving in Reedley, where a church was formed in 1906, which grew to become the largest General Conference congregation in California, having in 1950 a baptized membership of around 600. As early as 1906 General Conference Mennonites began to meet in homes for worship in the [[Los Angeles (California, USA)|Los Angeles]] area but it was not until 1918 that a church was organized. Later, in 1921, another congregation was formed in [[Bethel Mennonite Church (Winton, California, USA)|Winton]] and in 1935 a new General Conference group came into existence in Shafter. In 1950 approximately 1,600 General Conference Mennonites made their home in California. A congregation at Woodlake ceased to exist, its members having moved to other Mennonite settlements.
+Mennonite history in California began in the late 19th century with pioneers of the [[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonites]]. Perhaps the first Mennonite to reach California was Henry Rees of Ashland, Ohio, who settled in Pomona in 1887. The first Mennonite church to be organized in California was established in 1897, 15 miles west of Paso Robles, and named the [[San Marcos Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|San Marcos Mennonite Church]] (GCM). Mennonites arrived in California in increasing numbers, so that by 1903 churches were established in [[Paso Robles First Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|Paso Robles]] and [[First Mennonite Church of Upland (Upland, California, USA)|Upland]], members of the latter congregation having arrived as early as 1887. The year 1903 also saw Mennonites arriving in Reedley, where the [[First Mennonite Church (Reedley, California, USA)|First Mennonite Church]] was formed in 1906, which grew to become the largest General Conference congregation in California, having in 1950 a baptized membership of around 600. As early as 1906 General Conference Mennonites began to meet in homes for worship in the [[Los Angeles (California, USA)|Los Angeles]] area but it was not until 1918 that a church was organized. Later, in 1921, another congregation was formed in [[Bethel Mennonite Church (Winton, California, USA)|Winton]] and in 1935 a new General Conference group came into existence in Shafter. In 1950 approximately 1,600 General Conference Mennonites made their home in California. A congregation at Woodlake ceased to exist, its members having moved to other Mennonite settlements.
 [[File:ME1_492.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''']]
-The second group, chronologically, to settle in California were the [[Mennonite Brethren Church|Mennonite Brethren]] (MB), now the largest Mennonite branch in California both in total membership (over 3,500 in 1950) and in number of active congregations (12). The first church to be organized was the Reedley congregation in 1905, the first settlers having arrived one year earlier. The Reedley MB Church grew to be not only the largest Mennonite congregation in California, but also became the largest church in the North American Mennonite Brethren conference. The total baptized membership in 1950 was approximately 1,350. A new church was built with a seating capacity of 2,200. Also in 1904 Mennonite Brethren families arrived in Escondido, near San Diego, and formed a congregation in 1905. This group, however, was of short duration due to lack of leadership. The Rosedale MB Church was organized in 1909, [[Heritage Bible Church (Bakersfield, California, USA)|Bakersfield]] in 1910, [[Lodi Mennonite Brethren Church (Lodi, California, USA)|Lodi]] approximately 1915, Shafter in 1918, Fairmead (now [[Madera Mennonite Brethren Church (Madera, California, USA)|Madera]]) in 1919, Winton in 1922, Orland in 1923, Los Angeles in 1924, [[Dinuba (California, USA)|Dinuba]] in 1925, San Jose in 1940, and Fresno in 1942.
+The second group, chronologically, to settle in California were the [[Mennonite Brethren Church|Mennonite Brethren]] (MB), now the largest Mennonite branch in California both in total membership (over 3,500 in 1950) and in number of active congregations (12). The first church to be organized was the [[Reedley Mennonite Brethren Church (Reedley, California, USA)|Reedley]] congregation in 1905, the first settlers having arrived one year earlier. The Reedley MB Church grew to be not only the largest Mennonite congregation in California, but also became the largest church in the North American Mennonite Brethren conference. The total baptized membership in 1950 was approximately 1,350. A new church was built with a seating capacity of 2,200. Also in 1904 Mennonite Brethren families arrived in Escondido, near San Diego, and formed a congregation in 1905. This group, however, was of short duration due to lack of leadership. The [[Rosedale Mennonite Brethren Church (Bakersfield, California, USA)|Rosedale MB Church]] was organized in 1909, [[Heritage Bible Church (Bakersfield, California, USA)|Bakersfield]] in 1910, [[Lodi Mennonite Brethren Church (Lodi, California, USA)|Lodi]] approximately 1915, [[Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church (Shafter, California, USA)|Shafter]] in 1918, Fairmead (now [[Madera Mennonite Brethren Church (Madera, California, USA)|Madera]]) in 1919, [[Winton Mennonite Brethren Church (Winton, California, USA)|Winton]] in 1922, [[Orland Mennonite Brethren Church (Orland, California, USA)|Orland]] in 1923, [[Los Angeles Mennonite Brethren Church (Los Angeles, California, USA)|Los Angeles]] in 1924, [[Dinuba (California, USA)|Dinuba]] in 1925, [[San Jose Mennonite Brethren Church (San Jose, California, USA)|San Jose]] in 1940, and [[Fresno Mennonite Brethren Church (Fresno, California, USA)|Fresno]] in 1942.
-The [[Krimmer Mennonite Brethren|Krimmer Mennonite Brethren]] (KMB) established a single church in California, organized on 17 March 1911, near Dinuba as the Zion KMB Church, which in 1950 had a membership of 250. Its building was remodeled and enlarged in 1941. Most of the early members of this congregation came from [[South Dakota (USA)|South Dakota]] and [[Kansas (USA)|Kansas]].
+The [[Krimmer Mennonite Brethren|Krimmer Mennonite Brethren]] (KMB) established a single church in California, organized on 17 March 1911, near Dinuba as the [[Zion Krimmer Mennonite Brethren Church (Dinuba, California, USA)|Zion KMB Church]], which in 1950 had a membership of 250. Its building was remodeled and enlarged in 1941. Most of the early members of this congregation came from [[South Dakota (USA)|South Dakota]] and [[Kansas (USA)|Kansas]].
 The (Old) Mennonites ([[Mennonite Church (MC)|Mennonite Church]]) were the fourth group to settle in California. Although members of this group arrived in the Dinuba area as early as 1905, a congregation was never organized in this locality. Others settled near [[Corning Mennonite Church (Corning, California, USA)|Corning]], north of Sacramento, in 1907 and later. Another group located in the area near Terra Bella in 1909 and during the following years. A Sunday school was organized in Pasadena in 1915. Early (Old) Mennonite settlers established their homes in the Upland, Orange, and Los Angeles area. Their first organized congregation was the one in Los Angeles organized in 1921, where Sunday school had been conducted since 1917. The second church to be established in California by this conference was in Winton in 1931. The Upland congregation was organized in 1943 and in 1950 had grown to be the largest, having 83 members. The California (Old) Mennonites numbered about 220 in 1950.
-In 1911 the first members of the [[Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (CGC)|Church of God in Christ Mennonite Church]] came to California. The Benjamin T. Koehn and Jacob B. Ratzlaff families from [[Canada|Canada]] and the Jacob Hoeppner family from Hillsboro, Kansas, settled in the vicinity of what is now Winton, a congregation being organized there in 1912 having 12 members. Later, in 1944, the second church of this conference was established in [[Livingston Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (Livingston, California, USA)|Livingston]], members of this group having lived in this area since 1912. The Winton group grew to be the largest, numbering approximately 350 members. The Livingston group numbered about 100 in 1950.
+In 1911 the first members of the [[Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (CGC)|Church of God in Christ Mennonite Church]] came to California. The Benjamin T. Koehn and Jacob B. Ratzlaff families from [[Canada|Canada]] and the Jacob Hoeppner family from Hillsboro, Kansas, settled in the vicinity of what is now [[Winton Church of God in Christ Mennonite Church (Winton, California, USA)|Winton]], a congregation being organized there in 1912 having 12 members. Later, in 1944, the second church of this conference was established in [[Livingston Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (Livingston, California, USA)|Livingston]], members of this group having lived in this area since 1912. The Winton group grew to be the largest, numbering approximately 350 members. The Livingston group numbered about 100 in 1950.
 Factors that have operated in determining the location and growth of the various Mennonite communities were principally economic and climatic. The Mennonites have contributed much toward improvement of their respective communities located in the fertile San Joaquin Valley. Essentially the 6,000 Mennonites of California in 1950 were farmers and remained largely a people whose life was closely linked with the soil. Nearly one half of all California Mennonites lived in the Reedley-Dinuba area, the center of the world's largest fruit-growing district.

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:29, 28 February 2014
Line 63:		Line 63:
	Hertzler, Daniel. <em> From </em><em> Germantown to Steinbach. </em> Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1981: 118-160.		Hertzler, Daniel. <em> From </em><em> Germantown to Steinbach. </em> Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1981: 118-160.
	{{GAMEO_footer\|hp=Vol. 1, pp. 491-493; vol. 5, pp. 117-118\|date=1990\|a1_last=Just\|a1_first=L. R.\|a2_last=Auernheimer\|a2_first=Clayton}}		{{GAMEO_footer\|hp=Vol. 1, pp. 491-493; vol. 5, pp. 117-118\|date=1990\|a1_last=Just\|a1_first=L. R.\|a2_last=Auernheimer\|a2_first=Clayton}}
		+	[[Category:States of the United States]]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 __FORCETOC__
 __TOC__
-<h3>1955 Article</h3> Mennonite history in California began in the late 19th century with pioneers of the [[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonites]]. Perhaps the first Mennonite to reach California was Henry Rees of Ashland, Ohio, who settled in Pomona in 1887. The first Mennonite church to be organized in California was established in 1897, 15 miles west of Paso Robles, and named the [[San Marcos Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|San Marcos Mennonite Church]] (GCM). Mennonites arrived in California in increasing numbers, so that by 1903 churches were established in [[Paso Robles First Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|Paso Robles]] and [[First Mennonite Church of Upland (Upland, California, USA)|Upland]], members of the latter congregation having arrived as early as 1887. The year 1903 also saw Mennonites arriving in Reedley, where a church was formed in 1906, which grew to become the largest General Conference congregation in California, having in 1950 a baptized membership of around 600. As early as 1906 General Conference Mennonites began to meet in homes for worship in the [[Los Angeles (California, USA)|Los Angeles]] area but it was not until 1918 that a church was organized. Later, in 1921, another congregation was formed in [[Bethel Mennonite Church (Winton, California, USA)|Winton]] and in 1935 a new General Conference group came into existence in Shafter. In 1950 approximately 1,600 General Conference Mennonites made their home in California. A congregation at Woodlake ceased to exist, its members having moved to other Mennonite settlements.
+= 1955 Article =
-[[File:California1.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Source: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_CA.svg Wikipedia Commons]'']]   [[File:California2.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Source: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_CA.svg Wikipedia Commons]'']]        [[File:ME1_492.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''']]      The second group, chronologically, to settle in California were the [[Mennonite Brethren Church|Mennonite Brethren]] (MB), now the largest Mennonite branch in California both in total membership (over 3,500 in 1950) and in number of active congregations (12). The first church to be organized was the Reedley congregation in 1905, the first settlers having arrived one year earlier. The Reedley MB Church grew to be not only the largest Mennonite congregation in California, but also became the largest church in the North American Mennonite Brethren conference. The total baptized membership in 1950 was approximately 1,350. A new church was built with a seating capacity of 2,200. Also in 1904 Mennonite Brethren families arrived in Escondido, near San Diego, and formed a congregation in 1905. This group, however, was of short duration due to lack of leadership. The Rosedale MB Church was organized in 1909, [[Heritage Bible Church (Bakersfield, California, USA)|Bakersfield]] in 1910, [[Lodi Mennonite Brethren Church (Lodi, California, USA)|Lodi]] approximately 1915, Shafter in 1918, Fairmead (now [[Madera Mennonite Brethren Church (Madera, California, USA)|Madera]]) in 1919, Winton in 1922, Orland in 1923, Los Angeles in 1924, [[Dinuba (California, USA)|Dinuba]] in 1925, San Jose in 1940, and Fresno in 1942.
+[[File:California1.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Source: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_CA.svg Wikipedia Commons]'']]   [[File:California2.jpg|300px|thumb|right|''Source: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Map_of_USA_CA.svg Wikipedia Commons]'']]
 The [[Krimmer Mennonite Brethren|Krimmer Mennonite Brethren]] (KMB) established a single church in California, organized on 17 March 1911, near Dinuba as the Zion KMB Church, which in 1950 had a membership of 250. Its building was remodeled and enlarged in 1941. Most of the early members of this congregation came from [[South Dakota (USA)|South Dakota]] and [[Kansas (USA)|Kansas]].
@@ Line 9: / Line 12: @@
 The (Old) Mennonites ([[Mennonite Church (MC)|Mennonite Church]]) were the fourth group to settle in California. Although members of this group arrived in the Dinuba area as early as 1905, a congregation was never organized in this locality. Others settled near [[Corning Mennonite Church (Corning, California, USA)|Corning]], north of Sacramento, in 1907 and later. Another group located in the area near Terra Bella in 1909 and during the following years. A Sunday school was organized in Pasadena in 1915. Early (Old) Mennonite settlers established their homes in the Upland, Orange, and Los Angeles area. Their first organized congregation was the one in Los Angeles organized in 1921, where Sunday school had been conducted since 1917. The second church to be established in California by this conference was in Winton in 1931. The Upland congregation was organized in 1943 and in 1950 had grown to be the largest, having 83 members. The California (Old) Mennonites numbered about 220 in 1950.
-In 1911 the first members of the [[Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (CGC)|Church of God in Christ Mennonite Church]] came to California. The Benjamin T. Koehn and Jacob B. Ratzlaff families from [[Canada|Canada]] and the Jacob Hoeppner family from Hillsboro, KS, settled in the vicinity of what is now Winton, a congregation being organized there in 1912 having 12 members. Later, in 1944, the second church of this conference was established in [[Livingston Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (Livingston, California, USA)|Livingston]], members of this group having lived in this area since 1912. The Winton group grew to be the largest, numbering approximately 350 members. The Livingston group numbered about 100 in 1950.
+In 1911 the first members of the [[Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (CGC)|Church of God in Christ Mennonite Church]] came to California. The Benjamin T. Koehn and Jacob B. Ratzlaff families from [[Canada|Canada]] and the Jacob Hoeppner family from Hillsboro, Kansas, settled in the vicinity of what is now Winton, a congregation being organized there in 1912 having 12 members. Later, in 1944, the second church of this conference was established in [[Livingston Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (Livingston, California, USA)|Livingston]], members of this group having lived in this area since 1912. The Winton group grew to be the largest, numbering approximately 350 members. The Livingston group numbered about 100 in 1950.
 Factors that have operated in determining the location and growth of the various Mennonite communities were principally economic and climatic. The Mennonites have contributed much toward improvement of their respective communities located in the fertile San Joaquin Valley. Essentially the 6,000 Mennonites of California in 1950 were farmers and remained largely a people whose life was closely linked with the soil. Nearly one half of all California Mennonites lived in the Reedley-Dinuba area, the center of the world's largest fruit-growing district.
@@ Line 21: / Line 24: @@
 Most California Mennonite churches report that their congregations are growing. Few non-Mennonites were being added in 1950, and but a small proportion of this increase is due to a local increase in population. The unprecedented migration of Americans to the west coast perhaps accounts for most of the Mennonite population increase in California.
-California Mennonites constitute an active, prosperous, and progressive part of the American Mennonitism. They too are experiencing the uncertainties as well as the opportunities which come with all social change. A valiant effort is being made to preserve that which is good in the old, sift out the unwholesome in the new, direct the energies of their youth into channels consistent with their faith, and meet the demands of newly discovered social responsibilities. -- LRJ
+California Mennonites constitute an active, prosperous, and progressive part of the American Mennonitism. They too are experiencing the uncertainties as well as the opportunities which come with all social change. A valiant effort is being made to preserve that which is good in the old, sift out the unwholesome in the new, direct the energies of their youth into channels consistent with their faith, and meet the demands of newly discovered social responsibilities. -- ''L. R. Just''
-<hr/> <h3>1990 Update</h3> California has seen substantial growth in the various Mennonite groups since the early 1950s. The following Mennonite Brethren congregations have emerged from 1952-1987: [[South Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church (Shafter, California, USA) |South Shafter]] (1955), Arleta (1957), [[Butler Church (Fresno, California, USA)|Butler]] (1957), El Camino (1958), [[Wasco Mennonite Brethren Church (Waco, California, USA)|Wasco]] (1958), Neighborhood (1960), Kingsburg (1962), College Community (1963), Temple LePaz (1963), El Faro (1963), Parlier (1963), Temple De Calvario (1964), Green Haven (1964), Faith (1965), Orange Cove (1965), Cliffwood (1965), Blossom Valley (1968), North Fresno (1969), Raisin City (1971), Fremont (1977), Laurelglen Bible (1978), Fig Garden (1981), and Church of Acts (1984). The [[General Conference Mennonite Church (GCM)|General Conference Mennonite Church]] (GCM) established six new congregations: Atwater (1964), Santa Fe Springs (1965), San Francisco Chinese (1980), Santa Clara Ethnic Chinese (1981), Santa Clara Mennonite (1982), and Trinity (1985). Eight new [[Mennonite Church (MC)|Mennonite Church (MC)]] congregations are Los Angeles Mennonite Fellowship (1958), Faith (1961), Monte Sinai (1979), Family (1980), House of the Lord Fellowship (1980), New Jerusalem (1982), Indonesian Christian Fellowship (1983). Two new congregations, First Mennonite in San Francisco (1976) and Mennonite Community of Fresno (1954), are members of both GCM and MC conferences. The Atwater Mennonite Church (GCM) is made up of former General Conference, Mennonite Church (MC), and Mennonite Brethren (MB) members. The Church of God in Christ Mennonite started one new congregation, Glenn (1953). Brethren in Christ (BIC) remain very active in California, primarily in the Greater Los Angeles area.
+= 1990 Update =
 The following congregations were no longer active in 1987: [[Escondido Mennonite Brethren Church (Escondido, California, USA)|Escondido]] (MB); Victor Chapel, Fresno (MB); Sunset Gardens, Fresno (MB); Natomas, Sacramento (MB); Community Chapel, London (MB); Clayton Park, Concord (MB); Bethania, Escondido (MB); Woodlake (GCM); [[First Mennonite Church (Shafter, California, USA)|First Mennonite, Shafter]] (GCM); [[San Marcos Mennonite Church (Paso Robles, California, USA)|San Marcos, Paso Robles]] (GCM); Willow Creek, Paso Robles (GCM); Winton Mennonite (MC); Bethel, Westminister (GCM).
@@ Line 41: / Line 45: @@
 The First Mennonite Church in Reedley, has an active voluntary service unit serving the elderly since 1983. Various other voluntary service activities have taken place over the years, including units at Kings View Homes, the Hoopa Indian Reservation, and migrant labor camps. Brethren in Christ rescue mission work in San Francisco and Riverside has developed into more general family services programs.
-Two [[Mennonite Disaster Service|Mennonite Disaster Service]] units, one in the north and the other in the south, function in California. The clothing and relief center and administrative offices of the West Coast Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) are located in Reedley. There are Nearly New shops and Ten Thousand Villages stores, under the auspices of local congregations and MCC throughout the state. -- CA
+Two [[Mennonite Disaster Service|Mennonite Disaster Service]] units, one in the north and the other in the south, function in California. The clothing and relief center and administrative offices of the West Coast Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) are located in Reedley. There are Nearly New shops and Ten Thousand Villages stores, under the auspices of local congregations and MCC throughout the state. -- ''Clayton Auernheimer''
 = Bibliography =
 Burkholder, H. D.<em> The Story of Our Conference and Churches. </em> North Newton, KS, 1951).
@@ Line 58: / Line 62: @@
 Hertzler, Daniel. <em> From </em><em> Germantown to Steinbach. </em> Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 1981: 118-160.
-{{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 1, pp. 491-493; v. 5, pp. 117-118|date=1990|a1_last=Just|a1_first=L. R.|a2_last=Auernheimer|a2_first=Clayton}}
+{{GAMEO_footer|hp=Vol. 1, pp. 491-493; vol. 5, pp. 117-118|date=1990|a1_last=Just|a1_first=L. R.|a2_last=Auernheimer|a2_first=Clayton}}