A Historic Milestone: The Assyrian Evangelical Church of Turlock Celebrates 100 Years of Faith and Community

A Beacon of Hope for Assyrian Immigrants

The Assyrian Evangelical Church in Turlock, California, has reached a remarkable milestone, celebrating its 100th anniversary as a cornerstone of worship, cultural preservation, and community support for Assyrian immigrants. For a century, this church has served as a sanctuary for generations of Assyrians who fled persecution in the Middle East, finding solace, friendship, and a sense of home in their adopted country. On a joyful Saturday, the church hosted a grand celebration attended by dignitaries, community leaders, and members of the Assyrian diaspora, marking a century of resilience, faith, and cultural vitality.

The church’s significance extends beyond its role as a place of worship. It has long been a cultural hub where Assyrians could connect with their heritage, forge friendships, and support one another in building new lives. Ashour Yadegar, a church member who fled Iran during the Islamic Revolution, reflected on the church’s dual role: “It was considered a religious center but also a cultural center. They came to the church to find other Assyrians. The church was a place to go to find friends and family.” This sentiment resonates deeply with the countless Assyrians who have found strength and belonging within its walls.

The Humble Beginnings of a Thriving Community

The Assyrian Evangelical Church’s story began in the 1920s, when a small group of Assyrian immigrants gathered for worship in the home of Rev. David Joseph. According to historical records from the Turlock Journal, Dr. Isaac Adams played a pivotal role in establishing the Assyrian colony in Turlock after indigenous Christians faced brutal massacres in the Middle East. Many of these early settlers first arrived in Canada before moving to the United States, where they faced numerous challenges, including being sold farmland near Delhi that lacked access to water.

Despite these hardships, a determined group of about a dozen Assyrian families relocated to Turlock, where they cultivated the land, growing melons, grapes, and fruit trees. The fertile soil and favorable climate allowed them to thrive as farmers, laying the foundation for a prosperous community. Over time, the Assyrian immigrants diversified their professions, becoming storekeepers and entering various trades and vocations. Through their resilience and determination, they transformed Turlock into a vibrant hub of Assyrian culture and faith.

A Sacred Space for Worship and Celebration

The Assyrian Evangelical Church’s physical presence has evolved over the years, reflecting the growth and dedication of its congregation. In 1924, a small chapel was built at the corner of Cahill and Rose streets, serving as the community’s spiritual heart. However, this initial building was eventually sold to the school district and is now part of the Crane School campus.

The current church building, located on Monroe Avenue, stands as a testament to the community’s enduring faith. Constructed over a two-year period beginning in 1948, the building relied heavily on donated materials and labor from church members. Dedicated in September 1950, it features a spacious auditorium that seats 300, a large basement for Sunday School classes, a social hall, and a kitchen. Over the decades, the church has been more than just a place of worship; it has hosted countless birthday parties, weddings, and cultural celebrations. Yadegar fondly recalled the community’s love for hosting vibrant New Year’s festivities, emphasizing the church’s role as a space for joy and connection.

A Legacy of Family, Heritage, and Contribution

For many Assyrian families in Turlock, the church has been at the heart of their personal and collective histories. John Lazar, former mayor of Turlock, has a deep connection to the church. His grandparents were early members of the congregation after immigrating to Turlock in the 1930s. Lazar shared the remarkable journey of his ancestors, who traveled from Persia through Russia and Japan before arriving in San Francisco via Angel Island, a historic immigration station. His grandfather, a skilled plaster worker, even contributed to the construction of the Turlock church.

Lazar’s parents were married within the church’s walls, and the former mayor described his involvement in the anniversary celebration as a way to honor his family’s legacy. “I have a reverence for my heritage and my family and the fact that my grandfather had a hand in building it,” he said. “It is heartfelt for me. I want to be part of it.” Lazar’s story exemplifies the deep emotional and historical ties that bind generations of Assyrian families to the church.

A Century of Resilience and Cultural Preservation

The Assyrian Evangelical Church’s anniversary celebration also shed light on the broader historical context of Assyrian migration to the United States. According to Zinda Magazine, the first Assyrian settlers in the San Joaquin Valley arrived as early as 1910, primarily from Iran’s Urmia region. The genocide and violence faced by Assyrian Christians during and after World War I accelerated this migration, as families sought refuge from persecution.

Over the decades, the Assyrian community in Turlock has grown, with many families sponsoring relatives fleeing political turmoil in Iraq and Iran during the latter half of the 20th century. Yadegar’s own journey reflects the challenges and triumphs of this experience. A former professional soccer player and university student in Tehran, he left Iran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, no longer seeing a future for himself as an Assyrian Christian. Resettling in Turlock, he found a supportive community and completed his education in the Bay Area.

The anniversary celebration featured a program that included speeches, gospel music, traditional food, and a historical retrospective of the Assyrian immigrant experience. Lazar noted that the original church was envisioned as a “mother church” for Assyrians of all denominations, inspiring the growth of other congregations in Turlock, such as St. John’s Assyrian Presbyterian Church, Church of the East, and St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church.

Looking Forward with Faith and Gratitude

As the Assyrian Evangelical Church of Turlock marks its centennial, it does so with a sense of pride, gratitude, and hope for the future. The church’s 100-year journey is a testament to the resilience of the Assyrian people and their ability to preserve their faith, culture, and traditions in the face of adversity. It is a story of how a small group of immigrants, brought together by shared experiences and a deep commitment to their heritage, built a thriving community that continues to flourish.

The church remains a vital part of Turlock’s identity, not just as a religious institution but as a symbol of unity, strength, and perseverance. As the Assyrian community looks to the future, the lessons of its past—of faith, family, and the unwavering support of one another—will continue to guide its journey. The Assyrian Evangelical Church of Turlock stands as a living legacy of hope, a beacon of light for generations to come.