Magalia Community Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Magalia Community Church
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Magalia Community Church (2024)
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | Stirling Hwy., Magalia, California |
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| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | 1904 |
| Built by | Albert Samuel Parsons (original) Carrie Brydon (1904 reconstruction) |
| NRHP reference No. | 82002172 |
| Added to NRHP | January 11, 1982 |
The Magalia Community Church is a very old and important church in Magalia, California. You can find it on Stirling Highway. Building the church started way back in 1850. But it wasn't finished then, only the floor and four walls were built. The church was finally completed in 1904. Because it's so old and special, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This means it's a recognized historical building.
Contents
Church History
Building the First Walls
Around 1850, a Christian minister named Albert Samuel Parsons came from Cherokee, California. He started building a church in Magalia. We don't know why, but he left the building unfinished. Only the foundation, floor, and four walls were standing. The windows you see today were part of that first incomplete structure.
A New Beginning
By 1900, Reverend Parsons had moved away from Magalia. People in the area lost interest in finishing the church. The land owner, Mr. George McLean, even wanted the unfinished church removed. Luckily, a woman named Miss Carrie Brydon arrived in Magalia from Canada. She was a strong believer in good values.
Miss Brydon saw the unfinished church. She got permission to move it to a new spot. This new place was near Old Skyway Road and Glover Lane.
Finishing the Church
Miss Brydon got help from Annie Bidwell and the local Crew family. Annie Bidwell was a very kind and generous person. (You can learn more about her at Bidwell Mansion.) Together, they raised $600 to finish the church.
With this money, they took the church apart and rebuilt it. They added an entrance area called a vestibule. They also built a bell tower, a tall steeple, and a small kitchen. Later, the kitchen became part of the main church. This made room for a pulpit, an organ, and a piano. Annie Bidwell bought the bell and organ for $50. The completed church was officially opened on Easter Sunday in 1904.
Moving the Church Around
The church building has been moved several times. People have different stories about where it was located. Some say it was near Whiskey Flat (Paradise East), California. Another spot might have been near Coutolenc Road and Old Skyway Road. It might also have been in Magalia between Nimshew Road and the Magalia Reservoir.
The Church Today
Church members say that in 1993, the small church made its last big move. It traveled to its current home on Stirling Highway in Magalia, California. The Magalia Community Church was officially recognized as a historical site on August 21, 1982. The community still helps to pay for its care and preservation. Every Sunday morning, the original church bell rings to announce the start of services.
Gallery
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Organ donated by Annie Bidwell
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Magalia Community Church around 1904
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Original Church windows
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Original Doorknob - Church Entrance
