December 2023

One hundred years ago in October of 1922, a group of people gathered to consider the advisability of starting a new community Sunday School for children, in Esparto. The plan was, after the Sunday School was established, they would work on building a Church. The first Sunday School session was held in that October and forty-five children were present. In December, another meeting was held and it was decided to organize a community church under Presbyterian leadership. In March of 1923 the organization was completed. In May, the architect presented the sketch of the church and in December, the lots for the site were purchased. On January 27, 1924, the contract for building the church was given to K.C. Hinkle, contractor and builder.

One year ago, Session started to plan our 100 Year Celebration. A small committee of women, Pastor Kathy McIntosh Smith, Laurie Hayes, Cindy Brock, and Betty Koeppen with the help of Monica Martin, Marilee Rodriquez and Arriel Adler and Danielle Spires, updated our website and created a new logo. The committee reached out to past and present members, inviting everyone to come and celebrate this momentous occasion with us.

Our 100-year Celebration was well attended. The church pews were filled to capacity. Our visitors were amazed and pleased at how well the church was built and has withstood the years. They approved of the improvements that have been made. They were pleased to learn about Sunday’s Table which operates every Sunday morning. The joy of discovering that Countryside’s quilting history is still alive; that there is a quilt group meeting and teaching quilting at Countryside Church in its own quilt room in one of the upstairs classrooms. That the Church is still active in the community. There was a great feeling of re-connection.

Rev. Dr. Kathy McIntosh Smith was the Moderator and welcomed all our guests. Two of our past Ministers, Rev. Steve Smith led a responsive prayer and Rev. Don Smith gave the benediction. Local Pastor Kris Nordstrom of Calvary Baptist Church led the opening prayer.

Presbyterian representatives were Executive Presbyter of North Central Presbytery, formerly Sacramento, Wes Nordman and Western Region Mission Representative Jean Shaw, and Presbytery mission chairperson Nancy Disher.

An honorary guest and long-time member, Janet Mast Hayes, shared stories and times of her life. She is listed on the original Cradle Roll of Countryside Church; our church has been a part of her whole life, almost 100 years.

Elder Bill Rominger, Elder Suzanne Riley and Elder Jim Durst shared memories and stories. Pastor Kathy McIntosh Smith honored all of Countryside’s Past and Present Elders attending with a golden cord. Tee shirts with the Countryside logo and tee shirts with the Sunday’s Table logo were given to members past and present.

Special music was provided by Carrie Joy Clark on piano and Steve Fisher and Deb Ottman on guitar. A door prize quilt, made by quilter and Elder Cindy Brock, was won by Carolyn Nordstrom.

The Anderson Family Catering provided a delicious luncheon for over 85 people. The menu was marinated tri tip, grilled chicken, grilled vegetables, macaroni and cheese, green salad and rolls. A delicious champagne cake with a picture of the church in the frosting, was from Timothy’s Bakery.

Even though it was rainy and windy, the only rainy day in October! It could not put a damper on the day! The church service was great and so was the music.

Everyone agreed that it was a wonderful day!