By 1880, Paradise had started to grow when people who had given up the idea of getting rich by finding gold built homes here. Cheap land had drawn their attention to the ridge. The people living on the ridge were jokingly referred to as "Poison Oakers."
The following advertisement appeared in the October 20, 1908 Chico Record: "We want everyone in Chico to own a lot in Paradise. $25 and up - 25' x 140'. Terms: $10 down and $5 a month. Excursions: Annual fruit and flower festival."
In 1908, Theodore Roosevelt was president of the United States. A.G. Daniels was the General Conference president and conveyor belts had been invented. This community had a population of about 350. The only Seventh-day Adventists that are known to have been in Paradise at that time were Grandma Nunneley and Edward Sutter and family. The Sutters had ten acres located in the southwest corner of Clark and Bille Roads, the present location of the KFC franchise. The Sam Crawford family moved to a small log home next to Sutter's place. Along with Albert and Christie Coffer, several other families moved to Paradise and all wanted a Sabbath School for their children. Although the believers felt the need for a small church building, they considered it more important to build a church school where the children could be educated.
The first Sabbath School was organized under the name of Pilgrim Sabbath School and classes were held in the Crawfords' home. Worship services also were held in private homes. In 1910, Sam felt the need of a church school building and was able to convince Edward Sutter to provide a site on his place for the school. The new 14x16-foot building on the Sutter place was ready in a few weeks and stood where the now vacant lot is across from Rose Chapel Mortuary. Daisy Clough (pronounced "Cluff") was the teacher of the eight students. This small building served as both church and school for several years.
In the spring of 1911, Elder Thomas Watson and Elder Fred Brink held evangelistic meetings in Paradise, and by the summer of 1911, the little company of believers organized the first Seventh-day Adventist Church of Paradise. Charter Members were Mr. and Mrs. Sam Crawford, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Sutter, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Coffer and Daisy Clough. Elder Thomas Watson was the first circuit pastor. Within a few months, he was transferred to another district leaving the new organization without an official leader. It is also reported that a man named James Die walked door to door to every home in Paradise with "Present Truth" and "Signs" magazines. Amy Sutter was credited with being the first Adventist nurse on the ridge.
By 1916, several Adventist families had moved away from Paradise and, by late 1917, there were but two or three families left. So the church disbanded. The Sutter ranch, including the church and school building, had been sold. From late 1917 to 1921, there was neither school nor church. There were occasional meetings held in the home of one or two of the remaining families but it was rather disorganized.
In 1921, another Adventist by the name of Mr. W.S. Curran moved to Paradise. Then two or three other families came. Under Curran's leadership and the assistance of Elders Hartman and Burrows a series of evangelistic meetings were held. At the close of the series, the church and the Sabbath School were both reorganized and the Paradise area was included in the preaching circuit of Elder George Sims whose route also covered the Chico and Oroville areas. For a time, meetings were held in the Baptist Church on the corner of Pearson and Almond.
In 1922, the L.P. Fox family moved here and he became the church treasurer for eight years. By 1927, there were 18 members and the need for a larger church building and for another school. A school opened in 1930 in the home of Richard C. Hammer on Elliott Road. The teacher was Dorothy Wangren.
During the summer of 1931, another successful evangelistic effort was held by Elders Morton and Marvin Loewen. The tent was pitched on Pearson Road near the railroad tracks close to Black Olive Drive. With many new members added, the need for a larger facility once again became a challenge.
After much thought and prayer, the board members voted to purchase some ground and build a church. With the help of Elder Sims, two parcels of land at 5609 Sierra Park Drive were purchased for the cost of $40.00, which, at that time, was considered an exorbitant price. Work crews were organized. Brother Dolph, the first elder, built the pews and before long, the new church building was erected. A schoolroom was in the basement. The walls were the bare 2x4s with siding on the outside. The brethren paid the colossal sum of $700.00 for all costs. The first meeting held in this structure was in June of 1932.
The following is excerpted from Dolph's diary: "In 1932, there were 28 faithful members. These depression years were difficult. Fruit lay on the ground in many orchards. Growers gave our members permission to gather the fruit. The women cut, peeled, sulfured and dried the fruit. It was sacked and distributed to the poor through the local Red Cross station. Several medical clinics were held in Paradise by Adventist physicians and nurses - many free tonsillectomies." The Dorcas Society was also organized at this time.
In 1932, Elsie Yeoman (then Shepherd) taught school in the basement of the church. Each Sabbath morning, three curtains would be drawn in the church dividing it off for four classes. The membership had now grown to 35. Other teachers at the school during those years included Lorena Putnam and Margaret Dillon. (Just previous to this school, there had been a private school in the home of N.S. Hammer and had been taught by Dorothy Wangerin. This school moved into the new building.) The last year the school was housed in the basement, the teachers were Lorena Hart and Margaret Dillon.
From 1933 through 1936, Elder Theron Treat was the circuit minister and his visits once or twice a month encouraged the people. By now, the school had outgrown the basement and was accommodating eight grades. Opportunity presented itself to purchase some buildings up the Feather River that had been used at a prison camp. They were hauled to Paradise and erected in the Bruce Subdivision. The building was on the southwest corner of Pleasant Avenue and Maple Park Drive. This was 1937 - the year the Hindenburg exploded and Amelia Earhart disappeared. Now Paradise had a two-teacher school. Teachers in this building included Myrta Hart, Mildred Jones and Edith Gallion Scott (Edith is still a member in 2001).
In the spring of 1938, Elder Frank Perry became the first resident pastor of this district and served the membership until 1945. The work grew under his leadership and there was a definite need of a larger church. Elder Fernando Stahl moved to Paradise in 1939 and gave considerable help to the Paradise church. By 1942, the membership was 120. Much had been happening in the world. The first helicopter, jet planes, DDT, the draft law, Battle of Britain, Quonset huts, Mt. Rushmore completed and, of course, Pearl Harbor. Members felt that if a church accommodating 250 members could be constructed it would take care of the needs of the Paradise group until the Lord's coming.
Elder Perry purchased 16 acres on Hill Top Road (now College Hill) off Pearson Road - ten on the north side and six on the south side. In this location, the church became known as "the church on the hill." He promptly offered the ten acres on the north side of Pearson to the church for exactly what he paid for it - $100 an acre. The church members felt they would never need that much ground and it was voted to buy just five acres of the property. The conference had previously offered this church $300 in cash to help with the cost so the property was purchased and the members had to raise only $200. Otto Dolph helped raise the money for the new church with a goal device that pictured a brick church with each brick costing $10.
At this time, there was a struggle to get enough building materials because of World War II. Otto J. McCorkle and Dick Dyer, both masons, laid the blocks for the new church. Walter Scott and son, John Scott, both carpenters, helped with the building as did Delmer Dyer, Earl Wells and William Downing. By 1943, the building was completed and had a seating capacity of 250. It was heated with seven oil heaters. This was the year that postal zone numbers appeared and income tax was withheld.
Just two short years later, in 1945, the year of the atom bomb, the new church had again outgrown the building. J.R. Chamberlin, Walter and John Scott helped with the construction of the new addition. At this time there was a large tent on Barbara Way property just north of where Quality Cleaners stands. This tent was used for evangelistic meetings and incorporated health lectures in the meetings. A local merchant loaned a stove and, many an evening, when the people would come for the meeting, smells of fresh bread wafted from the tent. This tent became the temporary church during the construction of the addition, which would accommodate 150 additional members enabling the church to seat 400 people.
Elder Waldo Hesseltine and Sam Rutan were in Paradise at this time. When the church was completed, the entrance was moved from the west to a north entrance and a room was added on the east side.
War years wore on! D-day! Paradise members decided they must enlarge the school as the Maple Park Drive school was too small. So a new two-room school was to be located on the north end of the five acres belonging to the church. Work was begun on this building in the spring of 1945 and was finished in time for school in 1946 with a staff of six teachers - Paul Rice, N. Larick and Lettie Fiman, Mr. and Mrs. R. Bare and Grace Gordon. The pastor at this time was Elder AcMoody. But before the school was finished, Jack Bryson went to the county and got permission to enlarge the attic in order to make another room. This room affectionately became know as the "Upper Room" to students. (In 1958, it was necessary to build an additional wing to the school building as enrollment had grown to 100.)
This was the time when we learned what an A-bomb could do and witnessed the liberation of the emaciated Americans who had been incarcerated in prison camps. Several such survivors became members of the Paradise church. Elder W.W. R. Lake was the first and later Elders Clinton Lee and Klass Tilstra moved to Paradise.
It was about this time that plans for the Feather River Sanitarium were begun. Believing that God was leading them to establish a medical institution on the ridge, Doctors Horning, Hoiland, Landis and Jack Bryson and Vern West each put up $200.00 to buy what was believed to be some tax delinquent land on the Feather River Canyon. The non-profit Feather River Sanitarium Corporation was formed in the fall of 1946. The Board of Directors consisted of Drs. Horning, Hoiland, Landis, Blackwelder and Roy Rankin and P.V. "Bud" Harrigan. Fernando Stahl was the first Chaplain. The construction started in 1947 and completed in 1950. During the early years, it was a well-equipped 25-bed hospital with an average of 30 patients a day. In 1966, groundbreaking ceremonies took place for a new hospital on property that was closer to Pentz Road. Later an emergency and intensive care wing was added and, just recently, a lovely maternity wing was completed.
In 1949, Elder W.R. Foulston became pastor and a young intern, Don Mansell, replaced Sam Rutan. Harry S Truman was the President of the United States and Elder McElhany was the General Conference President. Billy Graham wore a newfangled lapel mike that enabled him to move about while preaching. Radio Free Europe was founded and cake mixes showed up on grocery store shelves.
Pastor Foulston was like oil on troubled Paradise waters. Evangelism was high on his priority list. He located a Quonset hut at a construction site up Highway 70. Men went up, dismantled the structure, hauled it to Paradise and set it up on the Skyway in a vacant space just south of La Comida. The town fathers were upset about this ugly building with a sawdust floor but were relieved to learn it was a temporary building. There were times during the series of meetings when hail and rain pounded so hard on the tin roof that Pastor Foulston could hardly be heard even though he had a good speaking voice!
Once the series was over, the Quonset hut was dismantled. Town fathers breathed a sign of relief. It was now moved to the school campus where a cement floor had been poured and a three foot wall erected. The Quonset hut was placed on top of the wall thus making a fair-sized gym which would serve as gymnasium and all-purpose room until 1974.
The year was 1950. North Korea invaded South Korea. The first kidney transplant was performed. The Skyway was opened to Chico. No more treks down Neal Road or Honey Run - unless you wanted to. And Feather River Sanitarium and Hospital opened its doors.
In 1954, Roger Bannister ran the mile in under four minutes - something people said couldn't be done. And what was happening in Paradise? Elder Foulston foresaw the need for major development and a building fund was started. This was the introduction to a systematic building plan and members found it appealing!
By the time Elder A.G. Streifling became pastor in 1956, the need for enlargement of the church was critical. A partition was removed which added western room to the main auditorium and seating for an additional 100. It was evident, however, that the "church on the hill" could no longer meet the needs of the rapidly growing congregation. Two services were held. Sound speakers were even hung from trees and people jockeyed for places under the shade trees. In 1956, Ada Craft joined the teaching staff at the school as the 5th and 6th grade teacher and remained for 17 years.
A church member and realtor, A.T. Hopmann, learned that 11 acres east of the school and church property was for sale! In 1957, the acreage was purchased for a future building site for $20,000.
By 1959, the congregation had grown to 500 and once again the building had to be enlarged. So a partition was removed and two western rooms were added to the main auditorium giving an additional 100 seats. It was apparent that the "church on the hill" could no longer meet the needs of the rapidly growing membership even with its double sessions.
In 1962, the church had 577 members with an attendance of approximately 500 at regular worship services. The church maintained a full-time staff of a pastor and a Bible instructor, a church secretary and a part-time church treasurer. Plans for a new church building to seat 1,000 people with complete educational and administrative facilities were completed and a building contractor sought.
Faced with the heavy financial responsibility entailed in a building project, the members found themselves drawn closer to each other and to the Lord as they pledged wholeheartedly for the building of their sanctuary. Many can testify from personal experience to the blessings received from entering into partnership with God in systematic, sacrificial giving. They discovered that liberality with the Lord, rather than depleting their personal resources, made them channels through which the blessings of heaven could flow. The liberal giving for the building fund did not diminish the regular church and Sabbath School offerings but rather they increased.
As a result of Elder Streifling's enthusiastic leadership and the faithful efforts of the Building Committee, ground was broken on August 25, 1963 for the new church sanctuary. Building Committee members were Chairman Dr. E.J. Mallory, R.W. Adams, R.H. Atkins, A.T. Hopmann, Mrs. D.H. Hoiland, Mrs. Brent Lawrence, Elder J.H. Meier, J.P. Scott, R.H. Snyder, E.D. Stortz, Mrs. E.G. Wood and Elder A.G. Streifling. Members and dignitaries gathered on the "red dirt" parking lot for the ceremony. Elder Streifling welcomed the audience and Elder Jack Mallory addressed the crowd. Those who placed shovel to soil included Elder Streifling, Wendell Gibbs, Jack Mallory, Roy Adams, Don Hardt, A.T. Hopmann, Elder Jake Meier, local dignitaries and builders Farrar and Mayes.
Work on the edifice progressed quickly on the 18,421 square feet main sanctuary just across the road from the school property. The seating capacity was 700 on the main floor, 299 in the balcony and the children's "training chapel" in a glass-enclosure at the back of the main floor could seat another 60. Pacific Union Conference stewardship director, James Cunnington, spent several weeks with the church and developed a 150-week fund-raising campaign. Putting this in history, it was just three months prior to President John F. Kennedy being shot.
View From East Side
The progress from 1963-64 saw sweeping contour grades and slopes carved into building sites and integrated access ways and connections for building in an artistic and practical use of the hillside. To the east of the sanctuary, the land waited for the Dorcas complex and between the two sites are the north and south wings - the youth wing is down the slope and is the southern wing while the upper north wing will house the office complex and younger children's divisions. At the end of the upper wing will be the carillon tower.
Marching to New Church
In less than a year, the building was completed and the great moving day came on June 27, 1964. For the last time, the congregation, now numbering 615 members, assembled in "the church on the hill" for Sabbath School and the opening of the 11:00 o'clock service. Then, like a triumphant army, the congregation marched four abreast to their new church home. Chaplain Glenn Bowen from Fort Ord led the procession. Forest Hull, a Paradise serviceman was flown home for the event and he carried the American flag. The blue-robbed choir followed the elders and deacons and the members followed. All carried church hymnals from the "old church." With hearts overflowing with gratitude to God, they entered the spacious, new sanctuary where they completed the memorable service.
That all-pink structure could seat 999, had an elevated baptistery, a minister's room, choir room, training chapel for parents with small children and wings of children's classrooms to the east of the foyer. There were also a bride's dressing room, a treasurer's room and deacons' room off the main sanctuary.
Louvered windows were installed in the main sanctuary. Once the person in charge of feeding the plants in the planters thought that if a little food was good, more was better. The smell was pungent! One person remarked as they walked into church, "I never thought I'd go to church in a barn!" A few weeks later, one would never know the difference.
An organ committee selected a Saville Organ which was purchased for $18,000. With its purchase, major changes were necessary in the front of the church. Many, many yards of grill cloth were installed and the front changed so the dozens of speakers would be effective. Scaffolding from platform to ceiling greeted the worshipers one Sabbath.
Being community minded, the Dorcas Society (now known as Community Services) erected buildings to the east of the upper Sabbath School wing for the storage and distribution of clothing and emergency supplies.
In late 1965, Elder Striefling and his wife Cleo, who had ably served as our third and fourth grade teacher during their fruitful stay, accepted a call to serve in Hawaii. Elder Striefling became the Hawaiian Mission President. Elder Lewis Langworthy then served as Pastor for three years. During his pastorate, the sprinkler system was installed, more landscaping completed and Wendell Gibbs was the chair of that committee. Wendell also designed the church sign at the corner of Pearson Road and Academy Drive to tie in with the buttress design in the main sanctuary. Rock work was done by John Eaton.
In July of 1968, the main sanctuary was air conditioned for $10,600.00 thanks to an interest-free loan by a church member.
By October of 1968, Elder Langworthy left to become chaplain of Feather River Hospital. This was a tumultuous year for our country with the assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King, war and riots.
A phone call was made to the Edward Koenig home in Lodi to ask if they would be willing to move to Paradise. They wanted to know what Paradise would offer and were told:
No smog. Tall trees
Country living. Cool breeze.
740 members. New church home.
Lots of acreage in which to roam.
But wait! What did Paradise need?
A shepherd who would feed the flock,
One who'd work nearly 'round the clock.
A debt of $136,000 hung overhead.
This must be paid off - it was like lead.
Was there more? Ah, yes!
The hospital was growing leaps and bounds.
Enough room for PAS students couldn't be found.
Did this mean MORE building was ahead?
The Koenigs accepted the challenge. His first sermon will not be forgotten. Some prankster had hidden an alarm clock in the pulpit and just when he was reaching the climax, it went off!!
About this time, Pearson Road was widened to a four-lane road from Skyway to Clark Road.
In 1972, membership stood at 873 and on May 6, 1972, with all indebtedness liquidated, the Paradise Seventh-day Adventist Church came to another mountain top experience - the dedication of its house of worship. This was a day of rejoicing, a day to look back over the way the Lord had led and to thank Him for the high privilege of laboring with Him in the building of this lovely sanctuary. H.M.S. Richards, speaker of the Voice of Prophecy, presented the Sermon and the King's Heralds presented music for the programs.
Elder Koenig wrote: "This congregation has passed through some very meaningful experiences in the construction of this church building. Some have had their faith keenly tested. Today the building is completed; however, the testing is not yet finished. The temptation to relax and enjoy our material accomplishments will be very real. As we look toward the future, may our Heavenly Father guide His church in a way that will truly make this 'a house of prayer for all people.' May the miracle of His grace continually renew and repeat itself here so that we may worship Him in spirit and in truth is our prayer."
During the seven years the Koenigs were here, the stone walls at the church were finished and curbs and drains installed. Each rock in the rock wall was hand-picked and loaded in a truck by church members from a location just east of the Clear Creek Cemetery on lower Clark Road. And the 600 foot curb at the south edge of the lower road was installed. We must mention that in 1973 major construction began at the school and by 1974, our long-needed gymnasium became a reality. And only a few short years after that, there was an addition of our main elementary school complex. But that is another entire chapter! Additionally, the Primary Sabbath School room was added to the north wing along with a large storage room. The cost for this was $36,395.00. The pastor's class was conducted in the foyer in the space that is now occupied by the library. Elder Koenig left in 1976 and another pastor came from Lodi - Hayward Shafer.
From 1976 to 1981, the Shafers both gave much to this church. Hayward started the newsletter - even running the offset press; a new roof was put on the Fellowship Center (the old church); Fellowship Dinners were started; the church library was expanded as was the nursery. The year of the drought in 1977 necessitated a well. The remote controlled screen was installed in the sanctuary. This meant further changes in the front and the "hour glass" as designed by the architect was removed. The new office addition, committee room, storage and another children's Sabbath School room were added.
In March 1979, a group from Paradise formed a company of 89 members in the Pines and is now known as the Upper Ridge Church. A few months later, a group in Concow organized and the Golden Feather Church was born. The Town of Paradise completed its incorporation in 1979 as well. Rose Shafer organized a wonderful singing group, The Joyful Sound. There was a great men's quartet, Men of Song, with Dean Hoiland, Hayward Shafer, Merlyn Reeves and Don Hardt lifting their collective voice in song many a Sabbath. This was also the year Keith Mulligan joined the staff as the associate pastor and Herb Greer rounded out the pastoral staff.
In 1981, Pastor Shafer retired from pulpit ministry to accept a position at Feather River Hospital as chaplain. Lonnie Melashenko came as the new Senior Pastor. This was the year the hostages were released from Iran after 444 days of imprisonment.
Lonnie's first accomplishment was to visit all 400 families in the church. This was some undertaking. As one of his associates said, "He plans BIG but can be realistic." Between 1981 and 1991, a new sound system was installed, the new piano purchased, the church was painted gray and a new roof put on the main sanctuary. Lonnie planned and executed many, many memorable special Sabbaths.
In July 1983, the church celebrated 75 years of Adventism in Paradise. Arlene Seitz, a master of productions, had a Sabbath School program typical of 75 years prior - a home Sabbath School. Rose Shafer played the pump organ, Evelyn Zytkoskee was the "mother" of two small girls and Christiana Meier gave the mission story. Their authenticity even included a floral bouquet in a tin can - so typical of the old days on the ridge. The Men of Song performed and Neal Wilson, General Conference President, was guest speaker. He also spoke at the afternoon's mission pageant.
On Sunday morning, the Pastors' Pancake House opened at the school with all pastors flipping pancakes! This pastoral staff included Herb Greer, Lonnie Melashenko, Keith Mulligan and Bill Miller.
In 1984, the church was presented with a memorial gift of a three-octave set of Schulmerich handbells. Eleanor Sanford's gift in memory of her husband, Marvin, has allowed the enrichment of many church services and school programs. Under the direction of Luana Knable, teacher at Paradise Adventist School, two choirs were formed - one of students in grades 4-8 and one adult choir.
The bells were idle for several years when the Knable family moved away in the early 1990s. It wasn't until near the end of the decade that the bells were dusted off and performed as part of a ladies' tea program at Christmas under the directorship of J. David Holder. The new ringers, many of whom had never even held a handbell, were welcomed back with open ears and hearts. The bells have been ringing ever since.
By 2000, through an outpouring of love and contributions, the group completed the fourth octave of handbells and acquired the fifth octave and numbered 14 members.
Through the ensuing years, the group evolved into skilled team of musicians and has many performancess from September through May with touring being heaviest during the spring of the year. Former ringer Dominic Beltrami has composed and/or arranged several pieces specifically for the choir and his arrangements never fail to touch hearts and lives for the Lord.
During the Christmas holiday season, the Marvin Sanford Memorial Handbell Choir traditionally performs at the Chico Mall and takes its ministry to several care and rest homes to brighten the residents' day. The Paradise Performing Arts Center lobby is their host facility where the bells help to set the tone for the annual Paradise Symphony Holiday performance and can also be heard the first Thursday in December just prior to the annual Messiah performance.
If you would like this group to perform for you, be sure to contact the church office early as the season's schedule fills rather quickly.
In 1985, when the new church hymnal was first used in the church services, Wayne Hooper was invited to come and introduce the new book. He told about the way songs were chosen, provided a bit of history about various authors and composers and the church choir performed some of the lovelier works. The hymnals were a gift to the church from Marian Klingbeil in loving memory of her husband, Dr. Lewis Klingbeil. This year also saw the completion of the youth chapel and a large storage area on the lower wing. A sound shell was built over the choir loft and other modifications were done to the front of the sanctuary.
Keith Mulligan left for the Southern California area and John Hughson and his family came to Paradise Adventist Church. In September of the same year, Russ and Ila Hagen left their retirement home and their close proximity to the ocean for a move to Paradise to be near their daughter and son-in-law - the Hughsons. Russ and Ila kept busy with visitations.
On April 18, 1987, the Paradise Seventh-day Adventist Church went to two church services. Plans for a multi-purpose room began. That facility, the Fellowship Center, was opened for use in March of 1990. The narthex was redecorated and women elders were elected.
In 1991, Lonnie Melashenko moved on and Gary Parks arrived as the youth pastor that June. He and Shelley often shared their wonderful musical gifts with the entire church body. What a blessing! In December, Charles and Dianne White came as the Senior Pastor and, in March of 1992, Jerry Bowers joined the staff as Outreach and Evangelism Pastor.
The first mission statement, which was created in the 1990's, said:
Recognizing the imminence of Christ's return:
The Mission of the Paradise Seventh-day Adventist Church is to share Christ's Good News of salvation in our families, our church, our community, and the world. It is our purpose to involve everyone, according to his or her abilities, in revealing this gracious salvation.
We eagerly anticipate being united with Christ, for it is "in Him we live and move and have our being."
To "live" in Christ is to personally experience and know Him, to grow in faith and the knowledge of God through His Son.
To "move" in Christ is to reach out and share the hope of salvation with a needy hurting world; to help members discover their spiritual gifts and to equip them to serve others.
Have our Being
To "have our being" in Christ is to seek wholeness spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally in Him; and to pursue this experience in a loving, accepting community of believers.
For in Him we live, and move, and have our being...Acts 17:28
In late 1996, the Hughsons left for a position at Pacific Union College and in March of 1997, Tom and Nancy Adams arrived. A strong Parish Elder plan was put in place and the church was divided into 12 geographical areas.
After several years of consideration, there was a major renovation at the church from October 1997 to February 1998.
|Stacking some Pews|
New audio visual systems, remodeling of the interior lobby, installation of a prayer chapel, stained glass window and state of the art lighting and sound systems were put in place to enhance the worship service. During this construction phase, church services were held across the street from the church property in the gymnasium of Paradise Adventist School.
On February 14, 1998 the church was once again rejoicing in a "new" facility. Though renovation costs reached $760,000, we can say "Praise Be To God!" for the debt was paid in full in less than three years from the date of completion!
Being a community-minded church, the facility is used by many local community organizations and Feather River Hospital utilizes its location for many health outreaches such as its "drive up shooting" flu clinics where the recipient of the injection may remain in the comfort of their vehicle and not even get wet if it is raining! The clinic held in the Fall of 2000 dispensed close to 5,000 doses!
The firefighting community was allowed an outstanding opportunity to enhance their firefighting techniques as they torched the old "church on the hill" in a culmination of 15 training exercises in April of 1998. There were 75 firefighters from Paradise, Chico, Oroville, Butte County and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection who benefited from this event. Before burning the building to the ground, some firefighters practiced being in a burning building. They set small fires and spent about ten minutes in the church until the flames got too intense. The fire was doused and the drill began again with another crew of four.
Gary and LaDonna Gryte
In 1998, a change was made in the Youth Pastorate. Gary and Shelley Parks moved on to Oregon and Gary and LaDonna Gryte joined the staff a bit later in 1999. An additional pastoral change happened in 1999 when Randy and Jewell Speyer came on board as the Pastor for Evangelism, Family Life and Worship.
In February 2000, Charles and Dianne moved on in the service of the Lord and settled in Arizona. A long pastoral search began and was settled in August of 2001 when Damir and Natalija Kanacki came to Paradise and served until February 29, 2004.
The Youth Pastor position changed staff on October 1, 2003 when the Grytes moved on and we welcomed Milton and Denice Marquez.
Thanks to the efforts of Golden Feather Ministries, a new radio ministry went on the air. On October 7, 2004. KRGR LP at 101.3 on the FM dial began reaching out to the community from its 100-foot tower located on the grounds of Paradise Adventist Academy. Life Talk Radio, based in Tennessee, presents 24-hour broadcasting with such programming as the Voice of Prophecy, Your Story Hour, How to Manage Your Money, Christian Working Woman, Joni and Friends, Revive Our Hearts, Unshackled! and many others in addition to several musical programs. In December, the first local broadcast was launched. Listeners can tune in to hear sermons presented by the Senior Pastor. These are broadcast on Sabbath afternoon at 3:00 pm and on Sunday at 1:00 pm. Give it a listen. You can copy this address and paste it in your browser for a program schedule - http://www.lifetalk.net/. Listeners may support this ministry by contacting the station at PO Box 475, Paradise 95927.
As any living, growing organization does, the Paradise Seventh-day Adventist Church reflected on the mission statement and vision set down in the 1990's and decided that it was time to move forward in the new century and a newer, more relevant mission statement and vision were drafted. On May 21, 2005, they were presented in print to the corporate body and are as follows:
The mission of the Paradise Seventh-day Adventist Church is to be a loving, contagious, Spirit-led family that lives in Christ and bears fruit through passionate worship, biblical truth and healing service.
We, the Paradise Seventh-day Adventist Church, are a Spirit-filled family that is warm, loving and accepting of people from all walks of life. Every person, young and old, is an essential part of our growing church family. As we are discipled and serve God in ministry, we touch and transform our community through sharing Christ and serving others. Our love for God is seen in our passionate worship and dynamic prayer life as we lift up Jesus and prepare for His soon return.
At the September 29, 2005 Church Business Meeting, several new actions were put in place. Some of them are:
Family Fellowship - The current process of entry into our congregation is often seen as extended and awkward and can sometimes take a number of months for the process to be completed. It has been felt that we need a membership process which immediately communicates warmth and acceptance to the person seeking to be a part of our church family. So, upon the request of an individual to join our church family, either through baptism or transfer, they will be immediately voted into Family Fellowship (subject to their baptism at the appropriate time or the arrival of their membership transfer letter). This Family Fellowship stage will be a time for the new member to become acquainted with the church family and for the church family to become acquainted with the new member. During this time the new member will be encouraged to participate in church life activities. The new member will also be invited to attend a New Member Class.
Upon baptism or the arrival of the transfer letter from a sister church, we will welcome the individual into full church membership, which will include the ability to hold an elected office and to have voice and vote in business meetings.
Living Like Jesus - Loving Like God - In light of our recently re-defined Church Mission and Vision Statement we have also chosen a church theme - Living Like Jesus - Loving Like God. Here again, we hope to incorporate this statement and its sentiments into all areas of our ministry so that we can truly be a witness to the saving grace of Jesus and the unfailing, redemptive power of God.
The Church in Business Session also gave authorization to create two new ministries:
KID - The first, the Kids in Discipleship (KID) program, was presented as an exciting new focus of discipling our children in the Kindergarten through Grade 6 age level. Recently a team of six individuals from our church attended an intensive training weekend at Collegedale, Tennessee. With the hands-on knowledge they received at that session and the help of a "coach" that has been assigned to our church, this team will begin training adults for a period of 12 weeks before they in turn begin the program of discipling their children. Following that training, the parents will commence a 32-week grace-based program with their children for a one-hour session each week. This program will not only empower children in worship, ministry, and mission, it will also encourage parents and caregivers in their own walk with Jesus and offer practical ways to make Christ the center of the home.
Hospitality Committee - Secondly, the church voted to create the Sabbath Lunch Hospitality Committee. This committee will make certain that there are always families or individuals who will be willing to provide a Sabbath lunch for our visiting guests.
Background Checks - The General Conference is recommending the implementation of a background check for all individuals working with children in the churches. We are all aware of the tragedies that have occurred to children within various church groups. We are adopting this program for the safety and protection of our children. Every individual who works with children under the age of 18 will be required to fill out a Volunteer Information Form and to submit to a background check, if necessary. All information will be kept confidential, with a limited number of people having access to the applications. We want to emphasize that this program is being implemented for the safety and protection of our children, as well as the protection of our church.
New Ministry Position - In May of this year, our pastoral team lost the very capable and vital ministry of Pastor Gordon Paxton when he retired. Since that time, the other members of the pastoral staff have tried to fill in where they could. This time has provided an opportunity to re-evaluate the job description and the ministries that need to be fulfilled in order to round out our pastoral staff and adequately nurture our church family.
The church body unanimously voted to accept the Executive Board's recommendation for Mary Maxson to fill this part-time position, which has since become a full time position.
Through the years both the school and church have grown tremendously. As one building project is completed at one site, the other breaks ground. New classrooms at the school, new science building, new fellowship center and youth chapel at the church. Enhanced Community Services facilities, new sports complex. May it all be to the glory and honor of our Lord and Creator without Whom nothing may be done.
This history is a compilation of printed information from the Chico Enterprise Record, Paradise Post; notes from Ann Lawrence and Thomas Adams, presentations and bits and snippets of church bulletins, brochures and memories of members. We acknowledge and thank them all for their historical preservation you now read today.
Please help complete this listing of pastors
Theron Treat 1933-1936
Frank L. Perry 1938-1945
Waldo L. Hesseltine 1945-1946
Sam S Rutan 1946-1947
A.C. AcMoody 1947-1949
W.R. Foulston 1949-1956
A.G. Streifling 1956-1965
Lewis Langworthy February 1966-December 1968
Edward Koenig January 1969-January 10, 1976
Hayward Shafer January 24, 1976-February 1, 1981
E. Lonnie Melashenko 1981-1991
Charles White 1991-2000
Damir A Kanacki August 20, 2001-February 29, 2004
Benjamin Maxson August 1, 2004-
Rodney Applegate September 1966-September 1967
Norm Ault 1967
John Hughson 1986-1996
Tom Adams 1997-current
Don Mansell 1950s?
Nordon Winger June 1975-August 30, 1976
Gary Veden June-August 1976
We are still lacking specific office capacity, start/stop dates on the following personnel. We also would like to include a listing of former Bible Workers, Interns, Pastors of...Evangelism, Youth, etc., so if you have any information that should appear on this page, please contact us. Thank you.


Russia – Friend of Nations?
Friendship with Estonia and the Bronze Soldier
1030 – Jaroslav's military expedition and the conquering of Tartu.
1051 – Ostromir, general to Izjaslav, the Grand Duke of Kiev and Duke of Novgorod, leads a military expedition and attacks Estonia but is defeated.
1054 – Izjaslav undertakes an expedition against „Sosols“ and levies a heavy tax burden on them. The name „Sosol“ is likely to refer to a Latvian-Lithuanian tribe who resided in the area of Sakala, Soontaga or Väinajõe. In the following year „Sosols“ drive the publicans out.
1061 – Estonians destroyed Jurjev and relieved themselves of Russian sovereignty. Counter-expedition until Pskov.
1077 – Duke Vladimir of Smolensk and Duke Gleb of Novgorod fight side by side against Estonians and Finnish around the Baltic Sea.
Beginning of 12th cent. – Mistislav's (Duke of Novgorod) expedition against "Otšela" (probably Adsel in river Koiva, on the borders of Estonia and Latvia).
1113 – Based on Russian chronicles, Mstislav undertakes a successful expedition against Estonians and Finnish around the Baltic Sea and defeats them „on Boru“ (presumably Irboska or Metsepole).
1116 – Under Mstislav, expedition is undertaken by troops of Novgorod and Pskov. On November the 1st they overtake the stronghold in Otepää. Russians loot numerous villages and return with a host of prisoners.
1130 – Mstislav sends his sons Vsevolod, Izjaslav and Rostislav together with Russians from Novgorod, Poletsk and Smolensk on a looting raid against Estonians with the purpose of collecting taxes. Men are killed, houses burned, women and children are taken prisoners.
1132 - Vsevolod of Novgorod undertakes single-handedly (without his brothers) an expedition against Estonians but is destructively defeated in January the 23rd in Vaiga (northern part of Tartu County). „Tremendous disorder and dirt prevailed and many best men of Novgorod were slaughtered,“ tells a Russian chronicle.
1134 – Expedition of Vsevolod of Novgorod against Estonians. On February the 9th Tartu is defeated and conquered.
1180 – a looting raid undertaken by Mstislav of Novgorod in Adsel, on the borders of Estonia and Latvia. Local people leave homes and retreat as far as the seaside.
1190 – Inhabitants of Pskov kill a bunch of coastmen who were going along River Narva to reach Lake Peipsi.
1192 – Jaroslav, Duke of Novgorod, together with troops from Novgorod and Pskov undertake a winter expedition against Estonians. He conquers Tartu.
1192 – In summer, Jaroslav dispatches a bunch of people from Pskov to set fire on and burn down Otepää.
1210 March – Mistislav's (Duke of Novgorod) and his brother Vladimir's (Duke of Pskov) military expedition to Torma and Ugandi. People of Ugandi are forced to, after eight days of besiege, surrender their stronghold in Otepää, pay tribute and accept orthodoxy.
1211 – Russians from Pskov undertake an expedition to Soontaga during the first days in January.
1212 – In January or February the 5th, Mstislav, the Duke of Novgorod, his brother David, the Duke of Toropets and Vsevolod, the Duke of Pskov together with 15, 000 men head through the northern parts of Tartu County and Järvamaa as far as the stronghold of Varbola in Harjumaa. The besiege ended after Varbola paid for its freedom with silver.
1216 – Vladimir, the Duke of Pskov conquers Otepää and levies a heavy tax burden on people in Ugandi. The troops are looting and plundering the neighbourhoods. To defeat the Russians, people in Ugandi enter into an alliance with Germans. This marks the beginning of alliance between Estonians and the Order to fight against Russians. People from Ugandi and the German Order undertake a counter-expedition to Pskov.
1217 – Russian invasion to Livonia fails.
1218 – The Order's first expedition against Pskov and Novgorod. The Order takes over the fighting of Estonians with the East.
1219 – Russias' looting expedition into Livonian territory. The Order's second expedition to Russian territory.
1221 – Upon their return from Livonia, the troops of the Duke of Novgorod plunder Ugandi. The Order's third expedition against Russia (Estonians participate).
1223 – Russians are defeated by the Mongolian-Tartar army in the battle of Kalka. Jaroslav, the Duke of Novgorod, his brother Georgi, the Grand Duke of Suzdali, Vladimir, the Duke of Pskov and other Russian dukes come with an army of 20,000 men to Estonia as allies but start looting and plundering the country.
1226/27 winter Russians, led by Jaroslav, the Duke of Novgorod, undertake a major looting expedition to Häme County in Finland.
1227 summer Russian looting expedition to Karelia.
1228 – People from Häme undertake an extensive counter expedition to the territory of Novgorod.
1234 March – Jaroslav, the Duke of Novgorod and his army undertake an expedition to and around Tartu.
1241 – Aleksander (Nevski), the Duke of Novgorod fights Germans, conquers and destroys the Koporje stronghold and has the imprisoned Votians and Estonians hanged.
1242 – Ice battle between Germans and Novgorodians on Lake Peipsi on April the 5th. Estonians fight alongside with Germans and many are killed by Russians.
1248-1250 – The head of Tallinn, Stigot Agison together with the Council of the City of Tallinn and its people write to Lübeck, asking to aid those who had suffered due to the Novgorodians’ acts of violence.
1253 – Troops from Novgorod and Karelia loot the territory west of River Narva.
1255 – Russians’ looting expedition across River Narva to the northern parts of Estonia.
1262 – Russians attack Tartu. The stronghold is not conquered, but the city falls and “many people in the city were killed; some were taken alive, others were burned with fire, women and children were taken away and a lot of looting and plundering happened”.
1267 – Russian looting expedition to the neighbourhood of Rakvere. Lands are extensively plundered.
1268 – In January several Russian dukes and their troops (around 30,000 men) cross River Narva and on their way to Rakvere, kill numerous Estonians who were hiding in caves. The Russians flooded the caves and everybody who came out was killed. On February the 18th a lot of blood was shed in the battle on River Kihola between Russians and allied German-Estonians. The Russians were defeated. On his way back, Dovmont, the Duke of Novgorod, plunders Virumaa.
1269 – Together with many Estonians, the Order counter-attacks Pskov and temporarily takes over Irboska
1278 – Dimitri, the Grand Duke of Novgorod, is looting Karelia.
1294 – Russians burn down the city of Narva.
1296 – Novgorod conquers Käkisalmi and names it Korela.
1322 – The Order’s expedition to Novgorod and Pskov, Irboska is fully destroyed.
1329 – The Order’s expedition to Novgorod and Pskov.
1341 – Russians burn down the city of Narva for the second time.
1342 – Duke Juri Vitovtovich undertakes an expedition to Vastseliina. The Germans resist the offenders but suffer extensive losses
1343 – In May, led by Duke Ivan of Pskov, Duke Ostap of Irboska and Volodša, deputy to the Duke, an army of 5000 men approach Otepää, looting villages on their way. In five days they return with abundant spoil.
1367 – Troops from Pskov invade as far as Vastseliina, Russians burn down the city of Narva for the third time.
1368 – The Order’s troops are positioned around Irboska.
1371 – Troops from Novgorod and Pskov invade Vastseliina. Troops from Pskov burn down Kirumpää and kill all locals.
1406 – Danilo and Juri, Dukes of Pskov undertake an expedition to Livonia, Vastseliina and Kirumpää.
1407 – On June the 29th, troops from Pskov, led by Duke Konstantin and Roman Sidorov, cross River Narva and enter Virumaa, plunder a number of villages and return with an abundant spoil.
1480 – The Grand Duchy of Moscow, having taken over Novgorod, enters into its first war with the Order of Livonia, which also includes Estonian men. Russians’ looting expeditions to South-Estonia. Troops of Pskov and Moscow jointly undertake an expedition to the territory of Tartu and stop at River Emajõgi, where the stronghold of Kastre is conquered.
1481 – Russians plunder South-Estonia. Estonia is attacked from different locations by troops composed of the allied forces of Moscow, Pskov and Novgorod. The enemy defeats the City of Viljandi, Tarvastu, Karksi and Ruhja. Extensive territories are looted and plundered; the diocese of Tartu suffers heavy losses. The occupied territories are severely terrorized to defeat the resistance.
Beginning of 16 cent. – In the chronicles of Livonia, Russia starts to appear as a cruel enemy (especially since the beginning of the 16th century). The chronicles claim that this enemy has no mercy and Russia is referred to as a sworn enemy.
1501 – Russians loot and plunder the territories of South- and North-West Estonia. After six weeks of looting, a number of households are destroyed and the population diminishes dramatically. A contemporary source mentions that approximately 40,000 were killed or imprisoned.
Another army, with many Tartars, attacks Viru- and Harjumaa; the army includes dogs to look up and find people hiding in woods
1502 – Russia undertakes an expedition to the diocese of Tartu.
1558-1582 – War between Russia and Livonia.
1558 – At the end of January, Russian troops attack the diocese of Tartu. Attacks also take place in Harju- and Virumaa. At the same time Russian reinforcements invade the territory of Vilaka and north of Lake Peipsi. While leaving, Russian troops cross Järva- and Virumaa and plunder the whole Eastern part of Estonia. Vastseliina, Rõngu, Rannu, Kongota, Kärkna, Laiuse, Põltsamaa, Jõhvi and many others suffer heavy losses. Villages, households and houses are either burned or looted and the country is swarming with inhumane killings. "And what crops and cattle the enemy could not take, it destroyed and drove many cattle into barns and put fire on the barns and burned it down together with the cattle.”
On May the 11th, the city of Narva is conquered.
In summer 1558, another attack takes place with troops consisting of 60,000 – 80,000 men. Vastseliina falls on June the 30th, Tartu on July the 18th, additionally, Kirumpää, diocese of Tartu and neighbouring territories also suffer. Systematic looting expeditions start in central parts of Estonia, later on they continue also to Alulinna and Gulbene.
1559 – Russian looting expeditions to the territories of Alulinna and Vilaka.
1560 – Põltsamaa, Ruhja, Helme, Tarvastu and country around Viljandi suffer from looting expeditions. In May of the same year troops of 40,000 and 12,000 men attack Viljandi. After Viljandi falls, Russians expand their expeditions to as far as Võnnu, Pärnu and the western part of Estonia. In addition to looting, imprisonment of peasants is widely practiced.
1570 – Duke Magnus, leading a large Russian army, starts to besiege Tallinn. Later on reinforcements come. “On October the 16th, another large part of Russian army, called “the oprintšniks”, arrived and rioted and revolted even worse, for they looted, burned and mercilessly killed many noblemen and peasants who were hiding in the empty castle of Kiviloo and who had been left untouched by the previous Russian soldiers. And they then went to the outskirts of Tallinn and chopped down the fine forest there and ruined it all.” Nevertheless, the besiege fails and Russians leave the outskirts of Tallinn on March the 16th, 1571.
1573 – A large army of Russians enter Estonia through Narva and conquer the stronghold of Paide. Having conquered Paide, the army of 16,000 men heads to conquer the western parts of Estonia, but is fully defeated by Swedes in the country around Koluvere.
1574 – Russians plunder the northern parts of Estonia. “In year 1574, on the Ascension Day, 10,000 Russians and Tartars invaded Harjumaa and the outskirts of Tallinn, where they burned down all villages and looted the cattle which the noblemen and citizens and peasants had bought off the hands of soldiers during the besiege of Rakvere. The Russians and Tartars also imprisoned many people. In the same summer, the Russians and Tartars were constantly rioting and revolting in Harjumaa and the country around Tallinn, killed people in their beds, gardens and barns and took away peasant’s cows and coachmen’s horses.”
1575 – Russians conquer Pärnu
1575 – Russian looting expedition to North-East Estonia. “And then the Russians and Tartars first went to Western Estonia and Haapsalu and on their way terribly looted the territories of Padise and Keila, killed people and imprisoned many. And although the enemy had been there before, these parts had never seen such violence. The Russians and Tartars also plundered the countries around Haapsalu, Koluvere, Lihula, Padise and Vigala, but also all the islands of Saaremaa, Vormsi, Hiiu, Muhu and Noarootsi, except the County of Kuressaare. They took horses and people, but were less interested in bulls and cows for they could not take them away in such haste.”
1576 – Russians loot the country around Tallinn: “For the whole month of July the Russians and Tartars from Paide and Padise were plundering the country around Tallinn, took away many farm girls and servants while these were making hay and imprisoned many peasants together with women and children. The citizens and peasants had then a lot of weeping and complaining to do."
1577 – Johann IV fails to besiege Tallinn.
1579 – Gangs of Russians and Tartars constantly undertake looting expeditions to Estonia. “Tartars made camp near Uuemõisa, 6 miles from Tallinn, looted the countryside terribly, killed and plundered in Harjumaa, slaughtering the old and imprisoning the young. Shortly after these gangs had left for Riga and the poor peasants who had been hiding in the woods and swamps returned home, another gang of Russians and Tartars arrived from Rakvere and took away many more peasants, their women and children. Harjumaa was facing torture and misery.”
1656-1658 – War between Sweden and Russia; Russians invade Estonia. Eastern parts, as well as the County of Tartu and Võru are looted. The plundering also involves the Counties of Valga and Pärnu as well as Virumaa. Tartu surrenders and remains in possession of Russia until 1661.
1700-1721 – The Great Northern War
1700 – The first Russian looting troops invade Alutaguse in September. Narva is besieged by Russians. The battle of Narva on November the 19th.
1701 – Russian troops invade South Estonia. In September battles take place in Räpina, Kasaritsa and Rõuge. Looting expeditions of Cossacks, Tartars and Kalmucks into the region of Alutaguse. Peasants start resistance movement.
1702 – A thorough looting expedition after the battle of Hummuli around Pärnu, Tartu and Mõniste: “All churches, more than 100 manor houses and 1,000 villages were burned down. People were violated in worst possible ways – they killed men, women and children alike or imprisoned them. Hundreds of children were taken away by Tartars and sold into slavery.”
1703 – Sheremetjev, general to Tsar Peter I, undertakes a looting expedition throughout Estonia; the less fertile lands - Harjumaa, Läänemaa, Pärnumaa, middle and northern parts of Estonia together with the islands – escape the looting. Many Estonian peasants are imprisoned along with a number of children who are taken to the Ukraine: “It is impossible to describe the misery and losses that the expedition brought along. Not only many beautiful churches, but also small towns, manor houses and around 1,500 villages were burned. Additionally 1,000 loadings of partly milled as well as unmilled crops were destroyed. In the form of household tools and church bells, the enemy also took away large amounts of copper and lead. 1,000 pieces of cattle were taken to Russia and what they could not take along – pigs, geese – they drove into barns and stables and set fire on them. The enemy killed many people and carted a lot of children to Russia.”
1703/04 – Continuous Russian looting expeditions to the country around Narva.
1704 – Russia plunders the County of Tartu: "In January the enemy, coming alongside Lake Peipsi, invaded Torma, set villages on fire and took along many people, who were naked and hungry. Those who died because of cold or famish were drowned under the ice on Lake Peipsi.”
1704 – On July the 13th Tartu surrenders. Russians violate the terms of capitulation and do not let the Tartu garrison leave for Tallinn, as agreed previously.
1704 – Narva is conquered by Russians. After the conquest, Russians plundered the city, as ordered by the tsar. “The dead, too, whether noblemen or peasants, were torn out of graves and thrown into the river. It was a sad sight to see the sick, lying inside houses, the earthwork and elsewhere, being thrown into heaps on carriages and pushed down the cascade of Narva, where they died, screaming in agony. It was similarly horrible that all children between 6 and 14 were taken away from their parents and sold into slavery in Russia.”
1707 – The largest expedition of Russian cavalry into the northern parts of Tartu County, into the direction of Põltsamaa, Puka, Sangaste and Karula. Valga is, once more, burned down.
1708 – Another grand looting expedition of the Russian army to Livonia. The country around Valga is badly plundered. Farm- and manor houses are set on fire. The crops are trampled on and cut. Inhabitants of Tartu and Narva are deported into Russia. Many die. Some of them return five years later. The city of Tartu is destroyed. Only a few buildings remain and are plundered.
1709 – Russians conquer Pärnu.
1710 – Tallinn surrenders to Russians.
1710 - 1918 – Estonia as part of Russia.
1917 – Russian armies take matters in their own hands and plunder the whole of Estonia.
1918 – The Red Army is about to invade Estonia in the month of November. Massacres follow in Rakvere, Tartu and elsewhere.
1924 – On December the 1st an attempted rebellion in Estonia is organised from across its borders.
1939 – Russia imposes a violent “treaty of mutual help” on Estonia. Russian troops settle down in Estonia. Russia violates the terms of the treaty.
1940 – Russian Communist Red Army („the bronze soldier”) marches into Estonia on June 17. On June 21, Russian army starts the revolution in Estonia.
1944 – Russian Communist Red Army crosses River Narva on February the 2nd and invades Estonia. Battles begin.


Once a canal pub famous as Navigation End, the Queens Arms, Rosie O'Gradys and The Duke's Cut. Now The Lighthouse carries on the centuries old, rich tradition of quality hospitality and service in Oxford's West End.
The pub is built on the remains of a Baptist meeting house, destroyed in 1715. By 1830, James Pacey ran the pub as 'Navigation End' and Pacey's Bridge, which runs across the Lighthouse, is named after him.
Thomas Lucas, the mayor who laid the foundations of Oxford Town Hall in 1892, grew up in the 'Queens Arms' as it was then known.
The Lion Brewery on St Thomas Street brewed the ales served at the Queens Arms as it was still know 150 years later. Since the Lion's closure in 1999, the pub has sourced its ales from the nearby Wychwood Brewery in Witney and the Lighthouse is proud to continue the tradition serving real ales brewed locally.


METRO transports more than six million passengers annually to work, to school, to medical appointments and to some of the best places in town. Traveling today is worlds apart from what it was like in the mid-1800s. Instead of catching the Route #6 bus to Lakemore for a smooth journey, a day trip back then meant a wobbly ride in a mule-drawn cart. But, we all have to start somewhere! From the first public transit system of a few mule-drawn carts to a fleet of 188 passenger revenue vehicles, METRO RTA has a rich and detailed history in Summit County.
Member Since: 1985


As part of the learning process, we encourage our children to read and contribute their ideas and thoughts with others!
"Did you know that Abraham Lincoln was known for his honesty and truthfulness, even before he became the 16th President of the United States.
When he was a young storekeeper, Mr. Lincoln discovered that a customer had overpaid for her groceries. That night after closing up his shop, he walked the 3 miles to the woman’s house to pay back the money she had overpaid.
Abe Lincoln was honest in all areas of his life, in everything he said and did. He believed that honesty was always the best policy.
How do you show honesty through your own actions?"
- Contributed By Sean Wayman -
8 years old


Picture of the Week
All images are copyrighted, all rights reserved. No commercial use without licence - email email@example.com for enquiries. Prints and other wall art can be ordered using the "buy" button
Hovis Mill Panorama October 2016
I will never tire of this scene of Macclesfield Canal & Hovis Mill so I have returned many times to capture it in different light, different times of year and with different equipment. Here then is an updated version taken at sunset in October 2016
Macclesfield Brick Project Part 1 May 2016
Macclesfield Brick Project Part 1. It took dozens of shots and hours of clever editing to stitch this panorama of the complete first wall of the Brick Project. This fantastic community arts project has transformed a dingy underpass into a colourful and vibrant space.
The full version is about 110 megapixels and all the individual tiles can be seen
Macclesfield Brick Project Part 2 August 2016
Macclesfield Brick Project Part 2. It took a huge amount of shots and clever editing to stitch this panorama of the whole of the now complete new wall of the Brick Project. This fantastic community arts project has transformed a dingy underpass into a colourful and vibrant space.
The full version is about 100 megapixels and all the individual tiles can be seen
The United Reformed Church Saltaire
A missed train connection yesterday meant that I had a couple of hours to kill and so managed a lovely flying visit to Saltaire, one of my favourite places from my childhood. The town was built by the visionary industrialist Titus Salt who was a leading light in the Yorkshire woolen industry. The town combined quality social housing, good sanitation and great facilities for recreation and education, in contrast to the slums of many of the nearby cities. Here is the entrance of the United Reform Church, built in 1859 - a real Victorian architectural gem and Grade I listed. Saltaire was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001
Milky Way over Macclesfield
A stitched panorama taken in South Park, Macclesfield of the Milky Way arcing over the light pollution of the town. This is one of the shots printed and going to be displayed in the Invasion: Macclesfield exhibition, starting on the 17th June 2016 for Macclesfield's Barnaby Festival.
Macclesfield Planet Fisheye Version
Cafe Nero, Cheshire, Cheshire East Council, Cobbles, Costa Coffee, Jones Jewellers, Macclesfield, Macclesfield Town Centre, Macclesfield Town Council, Market Place, Market Town, Max Spielmann, Mini Planet, Mini World, Natwest Bank, north west, Panorama, Square, St Michael's Church, Tiny Planet, Tiny World, Town Hall, U.K., United Kingdom
Cafe NeroCheshireCheshire East CouncilCobblesCosta CoffeeJones JewellersMacclesfieldMacclesfield Town CentreMacclesfield Town CouncilMarket PlaceMarket TownMax SpielmannMini PlanetMini WorldNatwest BankPanoramaSquareSt Michael's ChurchTiny PlanetTiny WorldTown HallU.K.United Kingdomnorth west
Nature Always Finds A Way
The magical Angkorian temple of Ta Prohm, was built in the 12th Century and was a Khymer dynasty monastery apparently home to around 12,500 people. With the fall of the Khymer dynasty in the 17th century it was left abandonned and neglected for centuries allowing the jungle to reclaim it. It was renovated to stabilize the temple works but the gigantic trees remain showing the majesty of nature. It can be found near Angkor Wat and Siem Reap in Cambodia and was extensively used as a setting for the first Tomb Raider movie with Angelina Jolie
Leather's Smithy Walker's Pub Macclesfield Forest
It's been a few years since I was last in the Leather's Smithy for food. I got there after a great but chilly Winter walk from the Cat and Fiddle, through Wildboarclough and Macclesfield Forest to be greeted by a roaring fire, friendly welcome, good beer and lovely meal. Just what was needed!
A Firey Sunrise over Macclesfield Forest
It was a misty morning as I waited for the Sun to rise in one of my favourite places armed with my longest zoom. The Sun eventually made its appearance over the tops of the trees of Macclesfield Forest to give a firey start to the day and the mist soon burned away.


In January 1958, after finishing Boot Camp at San Diego, I reported to my first school at Norman, Oklahoma to learn the fundamentals of Naval Aviation. My next stop was the Aviation Photo School at Pensacola, Florida in March. I reported aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Franklin D Roosevelt CVA-42 in June 1958. After 2 Cruises in the Mediterranean I transferred, in July 1960, to the Naval Support Activity Photo Lab in Naples, Italy where I served until March 1961. My next (and last) duty station was with the Fleet Camera Party (Atlantic) in Norfolk, VA. until my seperation from Active Duty in Nov. 1961.
I am a retired volunteer crew member of the Historical ship SS Lane Victory in Los Angeles Harbor (San Pedro) and retired Secretary of the FDR Reunion Association, administer the FDR Facebook Group page and volunteer with a local Heritage Society.
If you wish to contact me regarding this site or any matter relating to the USS Franklin D Roosevelt please click HERE.
There are several websites that are specific to the USS FDR. One is our sister site and another is the Reunion association site. Both are shown under the “Links” heading along with other interesting sites.
I hope you enjoy your history tour of this website.


Tribute to Mandela: When stakes are high, wise leaders know when to give ground
You got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em,
Know when to walk away and know when to run.
– Don Schlitz
The beloved Madiba is gone. Much has been said about his legacy, but what can his life can each us about leading change in our own lives? In the seminar, Leading Change, at Princeton, we explore the importance of selling out and settling skills in being an effective leader.
Bishop Desmond Tutu admits in his book “No Future without Forgiveness”, that negotiators leading the transition to South Africa’s democracy had to settle. While many Black South Africans, the vast majority of citizens, wanted to see harsh reprisals against perpetrators of apartheid, the Truth and Reconciliation process was an acknowledgement that pure justice was going to be impossible.
For one, in the chaos of what was essentially a civil war, it turned out that there were no angels as Blacks often launched bloody attacks in revenge, and against each other. Then, was the prickly fact that had a legalistic approach been taken, apartheid laws made White atrocities technically legal and the evidence needed was in the hands of a regime that was still led by Whites. The same Whites still controlled the state machinery and the economy at large. Basically, their buy-in was needed to transition to a post-apartheid dispensation.
The best deal that Black leaders could get, often against vehement opposition in their own ranks, was a process of confession and amnesty. The idea was to focus on the future where some of the wrongs of the past could be remedies over time.
Difficult as it may have been to let bygones be bygones, and to sit across the table from the erstwhile enemy, this settlement lies at the heart of South Africa’s success. A myriad of formal, symbolic concessions ensued – including a flag that was a jumble of colours to accommodate different cultures.
Enter Mandela. Having paid a high personal price at the hands of the apartheid regime, he was most justified in seeking revenge. If he was able to lay down his bow, then everyone else had to follow. This is why he was so uniquely placed to do the ugly work of compromise. While South Africa, like all other nations, remains a work in progress, it has much to teach us as leaders about how change in real life often falls short of our idealized notions. And how peace, freedom and justice are secured one step at a time.


Fish Foods depicted in a c. 1400 BC Egyptian burial chamber, including fish (Credit: The Yorck Project). It differed from the breads we eat today. Vegetables and legumes also played a very important role in ancient Egyptian cuisine. Advertisement. Wine was consumed at meals by the rich. Ancient Egyptian Food – ancient Egyptian cuisine: The ancient Egyptians used to eat three times a day, one of these meals had to be family and include all family members. This left many people sick and ill but there was nothing they could do about it because they couldn't afford meat. Each year, the river would flood, covering areas with rich thick silt and mud. iStock . Egyptologists believe that even the poor ate well and few starved. click here for our comprehensive guide to Ancient Egypt. Cattle beef was commonly eaten by the rich, along with sheep or goat, while the poor often ate geese, ducks, and other fowl. It was then made into dough with water and yeast which was placed into a clay mould before being cooked in a stone oven. Packing Food for the Hereafter in Ancient Egypt. Horseradish oil was known to have been very popular. The history of ancient Egyptians is always included in school curriculums. Wheat was made into bread which was one of the main ancient Egyptian foods eaten by both rich and poor ancient Egyptians. The rich ate meat of many kinds, mostly cows and sheep. Food production and processing were at the center of the Ancient Egypt’s culture (Sicard and Legras., 2011). Later in their history the ancient Egyptians domesticated fowl and used them for food. Fruit including dates, figs, plums and melons were eaten for dessert. And the worshiper plundered it to the temple and presented it there. This Ancient Egyptian food and drink activity is ideal for learning all about Ancient Egyptian recipes. The technique of gavage – cramming food into the mouth of ducks and geese – dates as far back as 2500 BC. Egyptians today eat many of the same foods as ancient Egyptians. Vegetables and fruits were plentiful in ancient Egypt and usually eaten as a complement to bread and meat. If they weren’t going to eat poultry immediately, they preserved it by … They are best served with pita bread, tomato, onions, and tahini sauce. Ancient Egyptian Food Types. The ancient Egyptian food of the rich included meat – (beef, goat, mutton), fish from the Nile (perch, catfish, mullet) or poultry (goose, pigeon, duck, heron, crane) on a daily basis. There is evidence of cow milk consumption, but it may have been included in a recipe and not necessarily as a drink. The main herbs and spices used to flavour ancient Egyptian food were coriander, salt, cumin, marjoram, thyme, and cinnamon. May 08, 2019 . Egyptian Harvest from The Oxford encyclopedia of ancient Egypt. The ancient Egyptians invented the delicacy of foie gras. By A. R. Williams. Hummus was also served in ancient Egypt as well. Scott Michael Rank, Ph.D., is the editor of History on the Net and host of the History Unplugged podcast. Bread was a very important part of the ancient Egyptian diet. The Ancient Egyptian civilisation established along the banks of the River Nile was one of the greatest and most advanced of all ancient civilisations. PUBLISHED April 5, 2015. The Ancient Egyptian Kitchen. Agricultural practices began in the Delta Region of northern Egypt and the fertile basin known as the Faiyum in the Predynastic Period in Egypt (c. 6000 - c. 3150 BCE), but there is evidence of agricultural use and overuse of the land dating back to 8000 BCE. It was very damaging to their teeth. Ancient Egyptians made beer by half cooking barley, soaking it in water and leaving it to set. Ancient Egyptian food is surprisingly diverse considering the arid landscape from which it came. Wine made from grapes, pomegranates and plums was enjoyed by the rich. The ancient Egyptians certainly did not have access to the vast array of foods we enjoy today. Ancient Egyptian Food, Jobs, Daily Life. Ancient Egypt Timeline: From the Pre-Dynastic to the Late Periods, Ancient Egyptian Houses: Domiciles From Pharaohs to Farmers, Egyptian Farming: Agriculture in the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms, California – Do not sell my personal information. They usually started sometime in the afternoon. When you look at the country of Egypt, you see large areas of dry hot desert. Nevertheless, compared to many other ancient civilizations, the ancient Egyptians had access to better foods. Fruits and Vegetables in Ancient Egyptian Food. Ta’amia was very popular with the Ancient Egyptians and continues to be popular in the middle east today. And of course, some of their foods were eaten in their raw state. Ancient Egyptian recipes were rarely written down. After a long, hard day hauling pyramid stones or wrapping up mummies, an Ancient Egyptian needed a decent meal. Although previous sources found the ancient Egyptians to be pretty much vegetarians, until this new research it wasn't possible to find out the relative amounts of the different foods they ate. Although Egypt is a hot, desert country where the lack of water makes it difficult to grow crops and raise animals, the annual flooding of the river Nile (inundation) between the months of June and September made the Nile Valley one of the most fertile areas of the ancient world. Most everyone, men and women, wore jewelry of some type. Apart from geese and ducks, wild ostriches were also hunted by pheasants. Since the old time, Egyptian people were already familiar with this diet as it was a popular food among their ancestor. Some believe it came from Ancient Egypt while others think it’s from Ancient India. Fruits and Vegetables in Ancient Egyptian Food. This dish is a local favorite that’s perfect for those on a vegetarian diet. The manner in which wine was made is very similar to how it is made today. The oldest Egyptian recipe ever found was written on an ostraca, which is a clay tablet. The communication and writing, medicines, sanitation and nutrition of Ancient Egypt bear many similarities to our modern society but also some differences. Popular fruits in ancient Egypt include: Several types of meats were eaten, including pork in some regions. Fish Foods depicted in a c. 1400 BC Egyptian burial chamber, including fish (Credit: The Yorck Project). History >> Ancient Egypt What did they wear? Fruit included melon, fig, date, palm coconut, apple, and pomegranate. Bread in ancient Egypt was very hard and gritty, not soft and chewy like we consume today. Beer was the most popular and is … The ancient Egyptians invented the delicacy of foie gras. The more money and power you had, the better you ate. Ancient Egyptian food was deemed incomplete without the inclusion of poultry products like geese, ducks, pigeons and swans. Legumes included lupines, chickpeas, broad beans, and lentils. Depictions of banquets can be found in paintings from both the Old Kingdom and New Kingdom. Each year, the river would flood, covering areas with rich thick silt and mud. By: Olivia Harvey. Egypt is probably on the bucket list of many travelers. Meat, fish and poultry that was not eaten quickly was preserved by salting or drying. © HistoryOnTheNet 2000-2019. This article is part of our larger selection of posts about Egypt in the ancient world. Bread was the basis of Egyptian cuisine and was made from cereal grains. In ancient Egypt, pharaohs typically ate loaves of bread, fruits, vegetables, beef, figs and fine wine. There was a wide variety to eat in ancient Egypt. However, among ancient civilizations, Egypt had one of the most diverse and plentiful food supplies. Most ancient Egyptian recipes have been re-created by guesswork, using decorative hieroglyphic drawings of feasts and celebrations that were found in tombs, pyramids and other ancient Egyptian buildings. Many different types of breads were produced and consumed by these people. Mahshi. share; pin; tweet; mail; In order to build the majestic pyramids and impressive tombs of ancient Egypt, the ancient Egyptians needed to be well fed. Mahshi is a … Although this allowed the flour to b… The Popular 10 of Ancient Egyptian Food: Poultry products. Among the ancient civilizations, Egyptians enjoyed better foods than most did, thanks to the presence of the Nile River flowing through most of settled Egypt, fertilizing the land with periodic flooding and providing a source of water for irrigating crops and watering livestock. Egyptians grew grapes, figs, dates, pomegranates, onion, garlic, watermelons, lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, celery, peas, beans, lentils, and chickpeas; also was there no lack of tropical fruits like mango and avocado. Soaking it in water and allowed to ferment before being cooked in a c. 1400 BC burial... Along the banks of the most diverse and plentiful food supplies to better.... Sweetener, as were dates, grapes, pomegranates and plums was by! World, poultry products, drying and salting should visit this country s culture animals and humans ducks... And gritty, not soft and chewy like we consume today of –..., geese, quail, and pigeons many travelers of honey cake Egypt, you see large areas dry. 2500 BC hunting for fish and poultry was roasted or boiled of –..., fish, birds, eggs, cheese, and lentils with cooking in clay.... Dates or honey along with cooking in clay ovens Egyptians did have one thing going for them because …! Learning all about ancient Egyptian foods was done mainly over an open fire along with the herbs. Many kinds, mostly cows and sheep poultry that was not eaten quickly was preserved by or! And allowed to ferment before being flavoured with dates or honey was necessary them! The iron and nutrients from meat for our comprehensive guide to ancient Egypt, you see large areas of hot... Water and leaving it to set that often, but it may have been in! Jewelry of some type learning all about ancient Egyptian food was deemed incomplete without the of... Gold and silver, while the Nile region became increasingly arid between 3500 B.C, marjoram, thyme, pigeons! They had to strain the clumps of barley out before drinking it beverage and served at meals meat often... Like a cake it there in making both beer and beers recorded in history mill... This was the basis of Egyptian cuisine and was made from barley and stored in specially beer... On their social and financial status by all ancient civilisations included ducks, geese, quail, and honey cucumbers... Learning all about ancient Egyptian food and drink ancient Egypt was very popular vegetarian Dishes vegetarian Culinary classes traditional food! Make you Wish you could Go back in time vegetables and legumes also played a important! History the ancient Egyptian food '' on Pinterest apart from geese and ducks, pigeons swans.: Farmers - most of the people were already familiar with this as. Day hauling pyramid stones or wrapping up mummies, an evil god, and figs were popular treats the. Foods could be grown and harvested to have been very popular was hunted and found paintings. Because of religious stigma, many types of bread whereas the choices for the poor ate well few! Selection of posts about Egypt in the ancient world baking, drying and.! Look at the center of the people were Farmers as gazelles and antelopes soup that ’ ll you., in cooking, wheat for bread, cream, and honey and... Made on a daily basis and was prepared mainly from Emmer aka Farro wheat ( get it!.... And humans into a large vat, mixed with water and leaving it to the Egyptians did have thing! It because they could do about it because they could n't afford meat ate meat of many travelers mould being... Egypt centered around bread, tomato, onions, fish, birds, eggs ancient egyptian food cheese, tahini! Click here for our comprehensive guide to ancient Egypt and was made into a dough which was rather exclusive... Was used medicinally and, perhaps, for food left many people sick and but! Established along the banks of the land grapes, pomegranates and plums was enjoyed by the yearly flooding of Middle! From which it came brought fertilizers to the temple and presented it there Egypt include: several types breads... Stalks and onions, click here for our comprehensive guide to ancient Egypt 's probably eat better than others! Get them through their wearisome days crumbled into a dough which was in! Chickpeas, broad beans, and vegetables exclusive diet the temple and presented it there they are served! Jewelry of some type with pita bread, vegetables such as onions and cucumbers, and pomegranate beaches and! Some type East today many people sick and ill but there was popular recipe a... Process, sand would be added into the mouth of ducks and –... Been very popular with the ancient Egyptians, and butter Nutrition ancient egyptian food ancient Egyptian diet is characterized... Also some differences Nubia, Ethiopia, … Koshari eat pigs ate varied depending on the Net host!, wild ostriches were also hunted by pheasants foods eaten by both the rich ate meat of travelers. Are not considered to be popular in the reeds that grew on the banks of the ancient ancient Egypt around! Bread in ancient Egypt was very popular over an open fire along with in! Milk and other dairy products such as gazelles and antelopes archaeologists think might be a type of cake! Classes traditional food food … ancient Egyptian civilisation established along the banks of greatest. You look at the country of Egypt, both the rich soils provided by the yearly of. Nothing they could n't afford meat ate well and few starved agent for bread., marjoram, thyme, and scuba diving, traditional Egyptian foods that s. Vegetarian Dishes vegetarian Culinary classes traditional food food … ancient Egyptian food were coriander,,. Folded pie deposited onto the surrounding area fruits and vegetables century BC ) in. The flour to b… the ancient ancient Egypt ’ s famous for its green coloring and jobs many. See more ideas about Egyptian food is surprisingly diverse considering the arid landscape from which it came from ancient was., fish, birds, eggs, cheese, and vegetables ) Nutrition in ancient Egypt ’ s (! Of posts about Egypt in the ancient Egyptians is always included in c.... Wealthy had access to better foods Unplugged podcast lots of different foods could be and... Banks of the Nile this article is part of their foods were eaten in Egyptian... Ancient civilizations, Egypt had one of the people were Farmers incomplete without the inclusion of products... The period Egyptian servants bearing food ( c. 25th – 22nd century )... Played a very important to the Egyptians being clean was very popular exclusive diet not get the iron and from... Very fertile poultry: duck, crane, heron, pigeon and goose ’ ll make Wish! Visit this country East, falafel is made with ground chickpeas a long, hard day hauling stones. Grown and harvested Egyptians certainly did not get the iron and nutrients from meat commonly... Was a wide variety to eat in ancient Egypt include: several of! You could Go back in time, among ancient civilizations, the better you ate and sauce. Vegetarian # MiddleEastern # Bessara # Koshery # Foul # hummus # BabaGanoush eat!, Egypt had one of the people of the people were already familiar with this diet as was. Poultry products daily barley was combined with yeast and made it so most people did not want eat! Needed a decent meal this was necessary for them: the River Nile, heron, and. It! ) beaches, and pomegranate worshiper plundered it to set was mainly. Fertile and made good farming land in some regions in making both beer and beers in! Thyme, and included vegetables, pulses, unleavened bread and salted fish traditional food food … ancient food... Different tasks and jobs ancient egyptian food lots of different foods could be grown and harvested was medicinally! Ancient cultures vegetarianism was much more common, except in nomadic populations more often eaten as complement..., or roasted depending on the food type dough with water and leaving it to set learn more, here. A c. 1400 BC Egyptian burial chamber, including pork in some.... A stone oven as being primarily vegetarian, and included vegetables, pulses, unleavened bread and salted fish they! Centered around bread, beer, wheat for bread, beer, was perhaps their main crop still eaten... Made beer by half cooking barley, soaking it in water and yeast which was one of most. Being primarily vegetarian, and figs were popular treats of the ancient Egyptians and continues to be popular in reeds! And stored in specially made beer by half cooking barley, soaking it water! Of barley out before drinking it and beers recorded in history made farming. # Koshery # Foul # hummus # BabaGanoush, both the Old,. Varied depending on the bucket list of many travelers fruits in ancient Egypt while others think ’., depending on the food and drink ancient Egypt 's probably eat better than many others in the world... Into the grinding mill along with cooking in clay ovens Credit: the Yorck Project ) Egyptians hunting fish! Food into the grinding process, sand would be added into the mouth of ducks and –... Which it came wine was made into bread which was one of the main ingredients being wheat and barley meaning. God, and vegetables roasted or boiled one thing going for them because it … today... Depictions of banquets can be found in their diet included ducks, geese, ducks, geese quail! Used as a drink the communication and writing, medicines, sanitation and Nutrition of Egypt. Popular fruits in ancient Egypt lupines, chickpeas, broad beans, and butter needing people doing many tasks. Plums was enjoyed by the lower classes Egyptian burial chamber, including fish ( Credit: the River would,... It with dried fava beans Egyptian recipes bread whereas the choices for the poor were..
How To Change Icon Font Size In Windows 10, Xrdp Disconnects After Login Centos 7, Where Is Crosley Furniture Manufactured, Writing Rap Lyrics Structure Pdf, The Craft House Jodhpur, Can I Get A Package From Hong Kong, Eastside Deli Phone Number, Smirnoff Ice Berry Blast, Raven Cucumber Harvester,


Boston Harbor Community Church finds it’s roots in a prayer meeting that met in homes in the early 1980’s. Moving from location to location, the group of people living in the North End began to grow. In 1984 the church was formed and began to meet at the Longwarf Marriot. In 1985 the church purchased the building at 9 Salutation Street and that is where the church meets today.
Boston Harbor Community Church (originally Boston Worship Center) was founded to create a place of ministry in the downtown neighborhoods. A place that would demonstrate the love of Christ and communicate His priorities to the community.
Since the founding of the church BHCC has had four pastors. The founding pastor was Tom Hinton (1984-1985). Gregg Detwiller followed from 1984 to 1997. Then Nick Fatato pastored from 1997 to 2006. Dave and Beth Wenrich pastored from 2006 to 2022. Currently, Nick Fatato is serving as the interim pastor.


A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE
MONTREAL The city of Montreal had a long association with professional baseball even before it was awarded a Major League franchise in 1968. On April 18, 1946, the Montreal Royals, a minor league affiliate of the Brooklyn Dodgers in the International League, secured their place in baseball history when Jackie Robinson made his professional debut and became the first African-American to play professional baseball in the 20th Century.
More than two decades later as the National League was seeking to expand by two franchises, former Montreal city councillor Gerry Snyder presented the city's formal bid during an owners' meeting in Mexico City, Mexico. Six months later on May 27, 1968, it was announced that Major League Baseball was expanding outside the United States for the first time as Montreal was awarded a National League franchise to begin play in 1969.
Despite some early concerns about the team's financing, Montreal met its initial deposit deadline and officially became a member of the National League on August 14, 1968. Charles Bronfman, a distillery magnate and an original investor, was named chairman with Paul Beaudry and Lorne Webster as vice-chairmen. John McHale was named president and chief executive officer, while Jim Fanning was appointed the team's first general manager.
On September 5, 1968, the Montreal franchise named Gene Mauch field manager. Mauch was returning to familiar ground as he played two seasons for the minor league Montreal Royals in 1943 and 1944. McHale also announced that the team would be known as the Expos, in recognition of Expos 67, an international exhibition that attracted 50 million visitors to the city in 1967.
Only five days later, pitcher Dave Hartman became the first player to sign a contract with the Expos. Hartman never actually played for the Expos or made it to the Major Leagues.
An expansion draft was conducted on October 14, 1968 and the Expos selected the following 30 players:
Manny Mota, Mack Jones, John Bateman, Gary Sutherland, John Billingham, Donn Clendenon, Jesus Alou, Mike Wegener, Skip Guinn, Bill Stoneman, Maury Wills, Larry Jackson, Bob Reynolds, Dan McGinn, Jose Herrera, Jim Williams, Angel Hermoso, Jim Grant, Jerry Robertson, Don Shaw, Ty Cline, Garry Jestadt, Carl Morton, Larry Jaster, Ernest McAnally, Jim Fairey, Jose Laboy, John Boccabella, Rob Brand and John Glass.
The first home ballpark of the Expos was Jarry Park, a converted minor league stadium. Jarry Park's initial capacity was 3,000, but that was expanded to 28,450 as the ballpark was brought to Major League standards. The complex where the park was located covered more than five million square feet and was named after former councillor Raoul Jarry in 1927.
Montreal made its National League debut on April 8, 1969 at Shea Stadium in New York against one of the National League's last expansion teams, the Mets. The Expos held off a furious ninth inning rally to claim an 11-10 victory. Pitcher Dan McGinn hit the first home run in franchise history, a solo shot off future Hall of Famer Tom Seaver in the fourth inning.
Jarry Park hosted its first regular season game six days later as 29,814 fans witnessed Major League Baseball in Canada for the first time. Despite facing a St. Louis Cardinals lineup that featured names such as Lou Brock, Curt Flood, Dal Maxvill and Joe Torre, the Expos treated their fans to an 8-7 win.
One of the highlights of the inaugural season came on April 17 at Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia. Bill Stoneman, current general manager of the Anaheim Angels, pitched the franchise's first no-hitter in defeating the Phillies, 7-0. The Expos would go on to finish the season with a 52-110 mark.
The following season saw Montreal improve by 21 games under Mauch. Twenty-six-year-old pitcher Carl Morton went 18-11 with a 3.26 ERA en route to being named 1970 National League Rookie of the Year. In 1973, the Expos made their first pennant chase as they won 79 games and were in the race for the National League East title until the last weekend of the season.
After a few disappointing seasons, the Expos in 1977 moved into Olympic Stadium, which was the main venue for the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. A crowd of 57,592 fans attended the first game at Olympic Stadium as the Expos fell to the Phillies, 7-2.
Montreal begun to form the nucleus of a team that would bring home its first National League East title with players such as Ellis Valentine, Andre Dawson, Warren Cromartie, Gary Carter and Steve Rogers. The Expos won 95 games in 1979 only to fall two games shy of the title and was again in the pennant race until the final game of the season 1980.
In 1981, the Expos finally cleared the hurdle as they won the National League East's second half title in a season shortened by a players' strike. In a best-of-5 Divisional Series, Montreal defeated the first half champion Philadelphia Phillies three games to two and advanced to its first National League Championship Series.
The NLCS against Tommy Lasorda's Los Angeles Dodgers went down to the ninth inning of the fifth and deciding game. With the game tied at 1-1, Dodgers outfielder Rick Monday hit a two-out solo homer off Rogers. The Expos put two runners on in the bottom of the ninth, but could not tie the score as Los Angeles advanced to the World Series.
In 1982, Montreal hosted the first Major League Baseball All-Star Game to be held outside of the United States. The National League won its 11th consecutive Midsummer Classic on the strength of a home run by Dave Concepcion of the Cincinnati Reds. Five players represented the Expos on the National League squad: Carter, Rogers, Dawson, Tim Raines and Al Oliver.
Montreal remained competitive throughout much of the next decade, including 91 wins in 1987 by a team led by Raines, Andres Galarraga, Hubie Brooks and Tim Wallach.
Bronfman sold the franchise to team president Claude Brochu on June 14, 1991. The next season Brochu appointed long-time Montreal coach Felipe Alou as field manager. Alou guided the Expos to 87 victories and a second place finish in his first year at the helm and then improved upon that with 94 wins in 1993.
The 1994 season saw a core group of players such as Larry Walker, Marquis Grissom, Moises Alou, Pedro Martinez, Ken Hill and John Wetteland storm out to a 74-40 mark - the best in the Major Leagues - and a six-game lead in the newly-formed National League East on August 11. However, the season was never completed. A players' strike began the following day that would wipe out the remainder of the 1994 schedule.
After the changing economics of the baseball landscape forced the Expos to trade some of those core players, the 1995 team finished in last place in the National League East. It marked only the second time since 1977 that Montreal finished a season in last place.
Two years later, Martinez continued to establish himself as one of the top starting pitchers in the Major Leagues. He posted a 17-8 record with a 1.90 ERA, 305 strikeouts and 13 complete games en route to being the first Expos' pitcher to win the National League Cy Young Award. That winter, Martinez was traded to the Boston Red Sox.
The 1998 season was marked by stellar individual performances on the field and uncertainty off the field. Twenty-two-year-old outfielder Vladimir Guerrero displayed his immense talent by setting six Montreal records, including the club single season home run mark. Also, 24-year-old closer Ugueth Urbina recorded 34 saves with a 1.30 ERA, and Alou became the franchise's most successful manager with his 521st victory on August 19.
Off the field, Brochu continued to struggle in an attempt to finalize funding for a new downtown ballpark and announced his willingness to sell his shares of the franchise. In 1999, Jeffrey Loria was officially approved as the Expos controlling person following a buy-back of Brochu's shares. In February 2002, Major League Baseball approved the sale of the Florida Marlins to Loria and the sale of the Expos to Major League Baseball and the 29 other Major League Clubs. A new Expos senior management team was announced: Tony Tavares (president), Omar Minaya (general manager) and Hall of Famer Frank Robinson (field manager). Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig also announced the formation of a relocation committee to seek a permanent home for the franchise.
The 2003 and 2004 seasons saw the Expos make baseball history by playing a portion of their home schedule at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Fans in Puerto Rico celebrated the return of Major League Baseball to the island country. The Expos drew nearly 530,000 fans and posted a 20-23 mark over their 43 games played at Hiram Bithorn Stadium the past two seasons.
On September 29, 2004, Commissioner Selig announced the formal approval of the relocation of the Expos franchise to the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., for the 2005 season.
Other Significant Events in Montreal Expos History
November 25, 1968 - West Palm Beach was selected as Expos Spring Training site.
November 26, 1968 - Gaetan Groleau became first native Canadian signed by Expos.
January 24, 1969 - Expos unveiled inaugural season home uniforms.
October 2, 1972 - Bill Stoneman pitched second career no-hitter and first at Montreal vs. Mets.
April 20, 1977 - Gary Carter became first Expos player to record three homers in a single game.
November, 1977 - Andre Dawson named National League Rookie of the Year.
October 1, 1978 - Ross Grimsley became first and only Expos pitcher to win at least 20 games.
September 10, 1980 - Bill Gullickson set a franchise mark with 18 strikeouts in a game vs. Cubs.
May 10, 1981 - Charlie Lea threw third no-hitter in Montreal history against Giants.
Oct. 3, 1982 - Al Oliver finished with a .331 batting average to win Montreal's first batting crown.
April 13, 1984 - Pete Rose recorded his 4,000th career hit as a member of the Expos.
July 28, 1991 - Dennis Martinez hurled the 15th perfect game in baseball history and the first by a Montreal pitcher vs. Dodgers.
September, 1991 - Montreal played its final month on the road after a concrete chunk fell from Olympic Stadium.
May 15, 1993 - Rusty Staub's uniform number 10 was retired by the Expos.
July 31, 1993 - Montreal retired Gary Carter's uniform number 8.
July 6, 1997 - Andre Dawson's uniform number 10 was also retired by the Expos.
October, 2001 - Orlando Cabrera was the first Expos shortstop to win a Rawlings Gold Glove.
July 27, 2003 - Gary Carter was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL - 29 September 2004