ARNOLD, CA (December 13, 2005) – Chapel in the Pines Community Covenant Church stands tall above all others in the Pacific Southwest Conference. Although the congregation is not the oldest or largest, it is the highest – built at 3,960 feet above sea level.
The church celebrated its 40th anniversary on November 20 with former pastors and the son of the founding minister addressing the gathering.
Chapel in the Pines started as a Sunday school in 1952, as pastor Fred Bach made the trip each week from San Andreas to the Arnold area. The current facility was built in 1965, with several additions and remodelings completed over the years.
In addition to a catered dinner and a multimedia historical presentation, a special message was brought by former pastor Rick Larson, who served the congregation for the longest period in its history. Bob Bach, the founding pastor’s son, shared that as a boy he accompanied his father every week on his trips. Then, using his father’s old portable pump organ, Bob accompanied his wife, Marlene, for two special musical numbers.
Lead pastor Dave Waterman, who came to the church as associate pastor in 1990, gave this charge to his congregation in the celebration bulletin: “As we step back and celebrate the character and fortitude of men and women who built this community of faith, may you be motivated to carry the baton on this next leg of the race.”
Copyright © 2011 The Evangelical Covenant Church.