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Arriving in Tehachapi in mid-December for his duties as pastor of Saint Malachy Catholic Church, Father Gregory Beaumont was greeted by snow and frigid temperatures from winter weather but with a "warm" welcome from parishioners. Father Beaumont comes to Tehachapi from Holy Family Church in Kingsburg, California where he served its members for 17 years as their pastor.

A true Californian (having come to the "Golden State" as a babe in arms), he grew up in the beautiful San Fernando Valley with his parents and siblings. His first job was at the animal farm at Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Father has a biology degree from University of California at Davis and for two years pursued a career in the field of Agricultural Research. Feeling a call to the ministry, he studied for the priesthood at Mt. Angel Seminary in Oregon for three years and then another three years at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome.

During his 27 years in the priesthood he has served in Clovis, Visalia, Tipton, Lemoore and most recently, Kingsburg. He is a history buff and is already acquainting himself with the past and present of our local valley as well as exploring and off-roading from the beautiful desert to the high mountain Sierra Nevada range.

Quotes from Father Gregory:

"I first came to Tehachapi about 30 years ago because I had heard that there was an ostrich farm. Ostriches have always been my favorite. Although I'm sad that the ostrich farm is no longer here, I am happy that there is a 'Burger Spot' offering ostrich burgers!

"One thing that confuses me about Tehachapi is that in a city which has the most productive wind farm in the world, there is no kite shop. How can this be? I've heard nothing about an annual kite festival or even a popular spot to fly kites.

We have about 5,000 wind turbines. I hope, someday, to look up and see 100 colorful kites dancing through the wind generating smiles and joy.

"I am very grateful as I have come to announce and to share the love of Christ for so many in these mountain communities which have been so welcoming and kind. There are far more people here than I had imagined, as I was only familiar with Tehachapi. Now I know that I am here to pastor the communities of Golden Hills, Stallion Springs ,Sand Canyon, Bear Valley Springs, Caliente and more.

"It is my hope as a Catholic pastor to deepen the bonds of unity between our Catholic community and all the other fine pastors and Christians in the area, that working together the light of Christ may be experienced even more brightly as a source of mercy, hope, healing and love."

Father Beaumont has lived in the mountains of the Tehachapi Valley nearly six months. He has experienced the changeable weather, people speaking to you on the street even though they don't know you, and being the "new kid on the block" he keeps a busy schedule and offers Sunday services in English, Spanish and Latin.