From Fresno Flats to “The Little Church on the Hill”
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Christ Church built 1892
Little Church on the Hill
Christ Church is deeply rooted in the story of Oakhurst. Our original sanctuary—now lovingly known as The Little Church on the Hill—stands not just as a building, but as a symbol of enduring faith, community, and determination.
Beginnings in Fresno Flats
Our story began in what was then known as Fresno Flats, before the town was renamed Oakhurst. Built in 1892 by volunteers using donated lumber and local labor, the church was consecrated two years later on June 20, 1894, by the Rev. D.O. Kelly, a missionary priest from the Diocese of San Francisco. For many years, the Rev. James C. McGowan helped guide the small but growing congregation.
For nearly 50 years, Christ Church served as the only house of worship in the area. Though founded as an Episcopal mission, it eventually became a shared ministry between the Episcopal and Presbyterian churches—an early example of ecumenical partnership to serve the wider community.
Saved and Preserved by the Community
Services at the original site on Chapel Hill ceased in the early 1950s, and the building fell into disrepair. But the people of Oakhurst refused to let this important landmark be lost.
In 1957, a determined group of community members—led by Grace Schneider and a spirited band of “grandmothers”—launched fundraising efforts to save the structure. Through raffles, parties, and plenty of persistence, they raised enough money to move the building to the nearby Oakhill Cemetery and restore it.
Oakhill Cemetery itself dates back to 1875 with the burial of eight-month-old Frankie Nichols, and its formal incorporation in 1904 predates the town’s current name. Placing the church there was a fitting tribute to the shared heritage of the community.
A Living Landmark
Today, The Little Church on the Hill is protected as a California Historical Point of Interest. Since 1994, the Little Church Foundation Board has faithfully overseen its upkeep through donations and community support. It continues to serve as a sacred space for weddings, baptisms, and special gatherings.