Who we Are. . .

History of Trinity United Presbyterian

 

1. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN Church of Modesto Organized on March 30, 1879 by Rev. Thomas Fraser, (Synod of Pacific Missionary)

  • 12 Charter members met in Rodgers Hall, over saloon-post office-store.

  • 1880 Purchased lot at corner of 14th and "I" Streets.

  • A $4,300 wooden building was dedicated on January 2, 1881.

  • By 1888, there were 59 members.

Irrigation (early 1900's) brought many people to Modesto and membership increased to 225. In 1910 it was torn down and a new $50,000 building was constructed.

  • Landmark building lasted 62 years and held a pipe organ, dark room, gym, swimming pool, education rooms, and a 750 seat sanctuary.

Late 1960's the aging First Church buildings could not meet Earthquake, Fire and Safety regulations of city code and re-building costs were prohibitive.

 

      2.  TRINITY Presbyterian Church of Modesto

  • Organized October 20, 1963 by Rev. George Telle.

  • 72 members of First Presbyterian transferred their membership and together, 101 Charter members met in a rented bar on Carver Road.

  • Dedication of the Sanctuary and Cooper Hall at 1600 Carver Road happened on April 3, 1966; Membership was 169.

      3.  TRINITY UNITED Presbyterian Church of Modesto

  • Merger of First and Trinity churches was approved in 1972 and took effect on January 1, 1973, under the name of TRINITY  UNITED Presbyterian Church.

  • Pastors of the two churches, Rev. George Telle and Rev. Wilson Yost, became "co-Pastors" in the merged church (Both have since retired).

  • After sale of 14th and "I" site, Covell Hall, Atrium and Office buildings were added.

  • Rev. Steven M. Hanna was called as Senior Pastor in August 1980 and preached his first sermons to 240 people.

  • Rev. David A. Kerr and Rev. C. Lee Heim were called as "Assistant" Pastors in 1982 and made "Associate" Pastors in 1983. 

  • The Student Center was added in 1983 to provide classroom space. 

  • The present Sanctuary was built in 1988.

  • Today, of the 700 members, approximately 450-600 attend Worship regularly.

Current Pastoral Staff and the Year They Joined

Trinity United as Staff Members

Rev. Steven H. Hanna - Senior Pastor (8/80)

Rev. David A. Kerr - Outreach Ministries (7/82)

Craig Wright ~ Ministry Development (9/2006)

Rev. George F. Telle - Pastor Emeritus

Becky Pombo - Children's Ministries and

Nursery School Director (6/85)

Richard Colla - Music Ministries (1/90)

Cory Peña - Student Ministries (1/2007)

Richard Huenefeld - Administrative Ministries (4/03)

Les Malakian - Associate Pastor: Adult Education (3/00)

Chuck Jostad - Assimilation/ Care Groups (3/01)

 

GET INVOLVED

At Trinity United, we challenge everyone to “get in the game!” To become active participants in God's Kingdom.  Whatever your age or interest area, there is a place for you to get involved at Trinity United. Our many ministries offer multiple ways to be a part of our community, learn more about our faith and serve others.

 

JOIN A CARE GROUP. . .

Care Groups are small fellowship groups which meet to share the Word of God, focused curriculum and life experiences. Many different things go into the formation of a Care Group, including level of faith, age group, and geographic location. The end result is a group of people who come to know God  and each other in a very personal way. To learn more about Care Groups at Trinity United, click here.

 

BECOME A CHURCH MEMBER. . .

Joining our church is not like joining a club. There are no dues or secret handshakes. The only requirement  is a profession of belief in Jesus Christ.

Come and See, our new member class, as it prepares you for this life-changing proclamation. You’ll also learn about “TLC”:  Living a life TRANSFORMED by the power of God; experiencing His LOVE in a community of believers; and discovering your CALL to Kingdom service.

 

SERVE. . .

Our many ministries provide a spring board for involvement at any level.  Whether you want to take part in a fellowship group, travel on a Mission trip, work with kids or simply pray for someone, you can find a place to do so here. No job is ever too large or too small to be pleasing to God, and you just may be surprised how fulfilling it is for you!

HOME

Reaching Out in Love. . .Building Up in Love

. . .Sending Out in Love

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Trinity United Presbyterian Church
 1600 Carver Rd.+
Modesto, CA 95350
Phone: (209) 529-3228