Historical Information

Historical Information

The Lord's Church In Oroville, California

Introduction
An introduction to the history of the church from Watchman Magazine . . .

Some 40 years ago, around 1962 or 1963, the church was begun here in Oroville. It was established in large part by the efforts of a young man and his family who had moved to the area as a part of the crew working to build the Oroville Dam. Carl Davis at first was attending with the congregation in Marysville but worked together with one other family for the establishment of a local congregation of the Lord’s Church in Oroville. Going door to door and making new converts the church here grew. Together with his wife Inez and their children Amanda, Clark and Tim, they were to become mainstays of the truth in the troubling days of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.

Once the church had grown sufficiently to do so, a building was built at the corner of 12^th and Plumas in Thermalito. A preachers residence was added on the lot next door.

In about 1975 Margaret Taylor (now Dakin) and her family moved to Oroville and began worshipping with the congregation here. Around that same time Robert Hobbs bought land here, intending to move to the area when he retired. Russell and Regina (Hobbs) Taylor followed in 1978, moving their family to the Oroville area, in part to avoid putting their children into Bay Area schools. All worshipped with the saints meeting at 12^th & Plumas.

Sadly, in the summer of 1979, a difference arose over preachers’ support and there was a division in the group resulting in the establishment of a second congregation in Oroville.

In 1986 Aimee Taylor (Russell & Regina’s daughter) and Jenny Dexter (Amanda (Davis) Dexter’s) Daughter became fast friends when they began attending Junior High School together. Their friendship and the communication it opened up led to a reuniting of members of both groups to form (re-form) one larger, stronger congregation in Oroville.

Three major Goals were set for this congregation at that time:

1. To support a regular, “Full-Time” preacher.

2. To obtain a new building.

3. And, to establish an eldership.

Alan Hitchen, labored with the congregation, preaching for us until June of 1995 when he left to work with the church in Gresham, Or. In July of that same year, Carlos Aguilar and his family came to Oroville to begin preaching for us. It has been to our great advantage to have two such faithful men.

Soon after the goals were set, due in large part to the efforts of Ron & Dee Hawes, and to the loving & giving spirit of all the members a new (to us) and larger building was purchased at 2020 Pine Street. It was in need of major repairs and thus was available for just $65,000. Only $45,000 of this had to be financed and it was fully paid off early on 2001.

Today, some 40 years after the Lord’s cause came to Oroville, 15 years after these goals were set, through this amazing chain of events, Clark Davis and Russell Taylor, sr. have been selected to shepherd the flock here. May God grant them wisdom to lead wisely.

Many others have been instrumental in making the church here what it is today. There have been those converted, those restored, and those who have moved here. Every individual who has taught our children, or their neighbors, everyone with kind words of encouragement, every one who pulled and pounded nails, who mixed and hauled cement, who cleaned up after the builders or kept them fed. Everyone is important.

As we go into the future together, we look forward to setting new goals. We will not say to ourselves, “we’ve made it”. We will continue to keep our sites set on the ultimate goal, heaven.

One of the things we expect to have happen in the near future is the appointment of deacons. This in time and with the Lord’s blessing will lead to more, qualified men, to take their place beside our elders.

We trust that as we strive to be the organized as God intended, that He will bless the church here, more and more. We also expect that as we become stronger in the fight for truth that Satan will try to throw up roadblocks to keep us from succeeding. We are determined to steel ourselves for the fight through a thorough knowledge of the truth. We will study to be examples and good soldiers in Christ. Together we cannot be defeated for God is on our side.

We expect to take advantage of the wisdom and knowledge of those who are older and more experienced, and the zeal and strength of the younger to make great, things happen here.

In Heb 13:7 & 17, we are exhorted: Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.
…be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Beloved brethren, our instruction is to work together to be profitable servants of our Lord. Remember us in your prayers.

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