Our History: Christ Church Anglican Oakhurst CA

A Legacy of Faith in the High Sierras Since 1879

Christ Church Oakhurst is an Anglican church in Oakhurst, California, serving the Yosemite area with a history of Christian worship dating back over 140 years. The story of Christ Church is woven into the very fabric of Oakhurst (formerly Fresno Flats). From pioneer missionaries on horseback to our modern home on Redbud Drive, we remain committed to our historic mission of proclaiming the gospel to the mountain community through our traditional Anglican worship.

1879 – 1894: Pioneer Roots & The “Little Church on the Hill”

In the late 19th century, the Fresno Flats area was a rugged frontier. The Episcopal Church sent dedicated missioners to bring the Word to the mining and logging camps of the Sierra Nevada.

1879 – 1891: Rev. D.O. Kelley (Founder) A famed circuit rider who scouted the San Joaquin Valley. He established the mission and named it “Christ Church” after his childhood home church.
1892 – 1900: Rev. James C. McGowan (1st Resident Missioner) McGowan settled in Fresno Flats (now Oakhurst) and expanded the ministry to preaching stations in Raymond, Coarsegold, and O’Neals.
June 20, 1894: The First Consecration Under McGowan’s leadership, the original “Little Church on the Hill” was built (1893) and dedicated (1894). It was the only house of worship in town, built of local sugar pine.

1917 – 1954: Transition and Preservation

As the local gold rush subsided, the population fluctuated, leading to a period of transition for the mountain missions.

1900 – 1917: Rev. Jonathan Nichols Nichols oversaw the unorganized missions during the waning years of the gold boom. Upon his retirement in 1917, he was named an Honorary Canon of St. James’ Cathedral.
1922 – 1950: Period of Dormancy The four missions of Eastern Madera County became inactive as the population shifted.
1938: A joint agreement was formed with the Presbyterian Church, and the building was briefly known as Christ United Church.
Early 1950s: Fr. George Woodgates Fr. Woodgates held occasional services for the remaining faithful.
1954: Under Bishop Sumner Walters, the final services were held by Fr. George Woodgates and the original 1894 building was deconsecrated. To save the historic structure, the Oakhurst Grandmothers Club purchased the building for $4,200 and moved it to its current location at the Oakhurst Cemetery, where it stands today as a local landmark.

1972 – 2004: The St. Raphael’s Era & Parish Status

In 1972, the Episcopal presence in Oakhurst was reborn under the name St. Raphael’s, eventually growing into the full parish we are today.

1972 – 1974: Rev. Canon Enrico C.S. Molnar (Founder of St. Raphael’s) A monastic leader who founded the Order of Agape and Reconciliation. Services were initially held in his residence.
1974 – 1975: Rev. Peter van Hook (2nd Vicar) Services moved to the property of Jan Barron.
1975 – 1977: Rev. Peter Barker (3rd Vicar) The congregation moved to the Sierra Sky Ranch area, utilizing a modular building and establishing the Sumner Walters Conference Center.
1977 – 1981: Rt. Rev. Robert H. Mize Jr. (4th Vicar) A retired Bishop of Damaraland (Namibia) and noted anti-apartheid advocate. He began the planning for a permanent stone-and-mortar church.
1981 – 1984: Rev. Canon David W. Lueck (5th Vicar) Oversaw the design and construction of the new church at Highway 41 and Road 632, consecrated on May 13, 1984.
1984 – 1993: Rev. John Allen (6th Vicar)
Mid-1990s: Rev. George Izzett (7th Vicar)
Late 1990s – 2002: Rev. Richard Lamontagne (8th Vicar) Initiated the process for the mission to achieve full Parish status.
2004: Reclaiming the Name The vestry voted to reclaim their original 1894 identity, officially renaming the parish Christ Church.

2007 – Present: The Anglican Era

In December 2007, the Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin voted to align with the global Anglican Communion. This led to a legal split with The Episcopal Church and a loss of property and assets. Christ Church remained steadfast in this transition, maintaining its commitment to Biblical authority and the proclomation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2002 – 2020: Rev. Gordon Kamaii (9th Vicar / 1st Rector) Guided the transition from a mission to a self-sustaining parish. Lead Christ Church out of The Episcopal Church and into The Anglican Church in North America.
2017: A Step in Faith Following the loss of the church building during the dispute with The Episcopal Church, the congregation stepped out in faith by renting space at the Oakhurst Masonic Lodge.
2019: A New Home God provided the funds to purchase our current property at 40447 Redbud Drive, a former Christian Science Center.
2020 – 2022: Rev. Michael Bush (2nd Rector) Led the parish through the pandemic before returning to his calling as a U.S. Navy Chaplain.
2022 – 2023: Deacon Chuck Kendall Provided vital pastoral care and consistency during the search for a new rector.
2024 – Present: Rev. Paul Gibbons (3rd Rector) Arriving from Christ Church, Plano in July 2024, Fr. Paul currently leads us as we continue to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and call the people of Oakhurst to worship.