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On December 15, 1963, Rev. C.W. Searle became
pastor and served until May 16, 1964, then on May 24, 1964, Rev. Morrison
again took over as pastor until May of 1965. Again, there were guest
speakers until June 27, 1965 when Mr. C.R Laffon accepted the
pastorate.
When C. R. Laffoon took over, he was a licensed minister, but not
yet ordained . A couple from the community wanted him to marry them but
Mr. Laffoon wanted to be ordained first, which he was in 1966. He then
performed his first wedding ceremony in the church.
A comment was made that considering the church's past history, Rev.
Laffoon would only last two years at the most as pastor of La Presa
Community Church. The atmosphere of the church at this time was unsettled,
to say the least, and growth was slow. The congregation realized
that they needed a dedicated minister who was willing to stick to it no
matter what! God brought just that minister in Rev. C.R. Laffoon. Yes, he has
had his times of discouragement, but has been faithful and hung in there
and because of that God will reward him.
In 1968, a building was purchase through a loan from a member of the
community, and moved onto the lot adjacent to the church. This loan was
paid off in March of 1973, and a dedication service was held where the
agreement for the loan was burned. In September of 1976, a new set of
by-laws were written to follow more after the pattern set in the N.T. for
government and discipline in the church. After being led by God, Pastor
Laffoon taught on the importance of the N.T. Pattern. After much prayer
and fasting the by-laws were accepted. During the summer of 1977
the first baptistery was built. Prior to this, baptisms were held in a
local church after their evening services for a small rental fee. On June
26, 1977, the baptistery was dedicated. A beautiful painting of a river
scene was painted behind it by Mary Weldy, a member of the
church. In the summer of 1973, the church decided to accept Peter
L. Shipley as their deacon. This makes him the first deacon the church
had ever had. Since January of 1979, the church has been under going
remodeling by Pastor and church members. This is a slow process, but when
it is completed we can take joy. Prior to this time, chairs were being
used.
November 3rd of 2004, Rev. C R Lafoon goes on to be with the LORD after
several years as a faithful service to the LORD. Assistant Pastor Peter L.
Shipley is named Senior Pastor for 2005. In conclusion, the vision God has given for La Presa
Community Church is to make his house a place of refuge where people can
go and be blessed the day he comes again for His Church. For we know,
"For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid , which
is Jesus Christ." " For the LORD Himself shall descend from
heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump
of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we who are alive and
remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the
LORD in the air; and so shall we ever be with the LORD." AMEN
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