Church celebrates 104 years

Provided.

The cornerstone of Tehachapi's oldest protestant church, Tehachapi Community Congregational Church, shows it was built 96 years ago.

The oldest protestant church in Tehachapi celebrated two anniversaries during the month of April.

The Tehachapi Community Congregational Church began 104 years ago when the Methodist Church disbanded. At first, the new congregation met in the school auditorium, but in 1928 the current sanctuary was built on the corner of Green and E streets. The 96-year-old building survived the 1952 earthquake and in 2024 is continually in use for worship, weddings and funerals.

The anniversaries were recognized with a special worship service recalling the history of the church and appreciating members no longer with us who contributed so much to enable the church to continue its long history.

The congregation gathered after the service for a potluck dinner in Friendship Hall. Scrapbooks showing pictures and news of past events, projects and people were on display. It was a happy occasion and the members enjoyed reminiscing about the "old days."

Rev. Keslinn Kohfeld-Stout is the pastor who begins each 10:30 a.m. worship service with, "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here."