An ancient church has played a vital role in assisting Assyrian immigrants seeking freedom and a sense of community in Turlock.
Celebrating its 100th anniversary, the Assyrian Evangelical Church hosted a special event attended by dignitaries and locals on Saturday.
For generations, the church has served as a sanctuary for Assyrians fleeing persecution in the Middle East, providing both spiritual guidance and practical support for newcomers to establish themselves in their new home.
“It has served as not just a place of worship, but also a hub of cultural exchange,” remarked Ashour Yadegar, who himself sought refuge in Turlock from Iran during the Islamic Revolution. “Assyrians would gather at the church to connect with others of their community; it was a place where friendships and family ties were forged.”
The roots of the church date back to the 1920s when a small group of Assyrians congregated for services in the home of Rev. David Joseph. Dr. Isaac Adams is credited with founding the Assyrian colony in Turlock following devastating massacres of indigenous Christians in the Middle East.
Initially settling in Canada, a group of Assyrians, led by Adams, eventually made their way to Chicago before being misled into purchasing arid farmland near Delhi that lacked water access. Despite these challenges, around a dozen families relocated to Turlock, cultivating crops such as melons, grapes, and fruit trees, as revealed by Yadegar who researched the church’s history for the centennial celebration.
In time, the Assyrian immigrants diversified into various trades and professions, enriching the fabric of the community.
A modest chapel was erected in 1924 at the intersection of Cahill and Rose streets. This property was subsequently sold to the school district and forms part of the Crane School campus today.
The present-day Assyrian Evangelical Church structure on Monroe Avenue emerged from a two-year construction initiative commencing in 1948, which heavily relied on donated materials and labor. Upon its dedication in September 1950, the church featured a spacious basement for Sunday School classes, a social hall, and a kitchen. The main auditorium boasted seating for up to 300 individuals.
The church premises hosted various occasions, from birthday parties to weddings, with the Assyrian community particularly cherishing elaborate New Year’s celebrations, noted Yadegar.
Former Turlock Mayor John Lazar shared that his grandparents became church members upon arriving in Turlock in the 1930s from Persia. Through a journey that took them via Russia and Japan to San Francisco, where they landed at Angel Island, Lazar’s grandparents contributed their skills in plasterwork to the construction of the church.
Lazar’s parents exchanged vows within the church’s walls, a personal connection that spurred his active participation in the anniversary festivities. “The significance of my family’s heritage and my grandfather’s role in building this church is deeply meaningful to me. It’s a part of my identity that
The Assyrian Revolution erupted in 1979, prompting him to reevaluate his prospects as an Assyrian Christian in his homeland. Convinced that there was no longer a viable future for him there, he made the difficult decision to uproot himself and resettle in Turlock, eventually completing his college education in the vibrant Bay Area.
The agenda for the celebratory event scheduled for Saturday was thoughtfully curated to encompass a diverse range of activities. Attendees could look forward to engaging speeches, uplifting gospel performances, a delectable array of food offerings, and an insightful overview of the Assyrian immigrant journey throughout history.
Lazar, a prominent figure within the community, shared fascinating insights about the origins of the original church. It served as a unifying space that welcomed individuals from various denominations, functioning as a symbolic mother church from which several other congregations in Turlock emerged. These included the esteemed St. John’s Assyrian Presbyterian Church, the revered Church of the East, and the beloved St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church.
The rich tapestry of Assyrian churches in Turlock is a testament to the enduring faith and cultural heritage of the community. Each congregation, while distinct in its practices and traditions, contributes to the vibrant mosaic of faith expressions within the Assyrian diaspora. The presence of these diverse churches not only provides spiritual nourishment and guidance to the faithful but also serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity that bind the Assyrian community together.
As the celebration unfolded, the air was filled with a palpable sense of joy and camaraderie. The melodic strains of gospel songs resonated throughout the space, uplifting the spirits of all in attendance. The aroma of traditional Assyrian dishes wafted through the air, tantalizing taste buds and evoking memories of shared meals and fellowship.
The historical significance of the Assyrian immigrant experience was thoughtfully acknowledged during the event. Through poignant retellings and reflections, attendees gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by generations of Assyrians who have journeyed far from their homeland in search of a better life. The celebration served as a poignant reminder of the resilience and determination that continue to characterize the Assyrian community in the face of adversity.
In his remarks, Lazar emphasized the importance of preserving the legacy of the original church as a beacon of hope and unity for future generations. He underscored the vital role that these sacred spaces play in nurturing faith, fostering community spirit, and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Assyrian people.
The enduring legacy of the Assyrian community in Turlock, as exemplified by the thriving network of churches and faith communities, serves as a testament to the resilience and unity of the Assyrian diaspora. Through their shared faith, cultural traditions, and commitment to preserving their heritage, the Assyrian community in Turlock continues to thrive and grow, embodying the enduring spirit of a people united by faith and tradition.
