Traveling back and forth between northern and southern California, one quickly becomes aware of a sense of seclusion as the cities and towns scattered throughout the San Joaquin Valley become fewer and farther between. Yet, there is no shortage of faithful Christians who make their homes in the valley and exert an enduring influence on the communities in which they live. One such group of brethren may be found in the booming city of Visalia. Located just 35 miles southeast of Fresno, Visalia is currently experiencing tremendous growth, and the church is growing along with it.

The West Visalia church of Christ started in 1964, when brethren began meeting together at the YMCA building, and then at a building located on Mineral King Street. Four years later, they moved into a new building at 4400 W. Tulare and have worshipped there since that time.

In 1979, the brethren of the Noble Avenue church of Christ (established in 1934) merged with the brethren on Tulare Ave. and they began worshipping and working together as one congregation. Now, after more than 20 years at Tulare Avenue, the church has out-grown its building and they are preparing to move into their newly built facility located at 4525 W. Caldwell Avenue. Lord willing, they plan to occupy their new building in August.

The congregation is currently overseen by its two elders; James T. Haire and Gene Mullins. They are blessed to have five deacons serving in various capacities and Noah Hackworth is presently serving as the pulpit minister. Allen Robertson (retired Gospel preacher) also serves in the class room and pulpit when needed.

The brethren at West Visalia are extremely active as they fulfil their mission and obligation to the Lord, one another, and the community. West Visalia is the host of the Annual Greater Visalia Lectures, which are held each year during the first full week in May. The members are involved in a weekly visitation program and home Bible studies, with both members and non-members, are conducted at every opportunity.

The presence of the Lord’s church is felt in Visalia through its active members participating in these visits and home Bible studies as well as the weekly 300-word article that the congregation places in their local news paper, the Visalia Times Delta. Additionally, the brethren are soon to begin their second year of intensive Bible teaching through their School of Evangelism, which is conducted 2 nights per week. They are blessed with an active and growing youth group, and the elders of the congregation also oversee the annual Yosemite Bible Camp, which is directed by Jack Stewart of Bakersfield.

Recognizing that they are not alone in this world, the church continually reaches beyond its doors to influence and affect (to the glory of God - Matt 5:16) the world around them through benevolence to those within Visalia and abroad. Furthermore, they financially support certain foreign and domestic mission works as well as students attending preacher training schools.

With an eye to the future, the leadership at West Visalia is intent on developing congregational strength and abilities through teacher training and leadership training for their members. They are also working to further the borders of the kingdom of God by intensifying their community out-reach programs of personal evangelism.

Like an oasis in the desert, this loving group of Christians is an oasis of hospitality and friendliness. They have a well deserved reputation for refreshing the weary traveler and visitor to their number. Their worship to God is both reverent and rejuvenating and no one leaves without a greater understanding of the Word of God and His will for man.

Services at the West Visalia church of Christ begin with Sunday morning Bible study at 9:45am, followed by worship at 10:45. Sunday evening worship begins at 6:00pm and midweek Bible study is on Wednesday at 7:00pm. If you would like more information about the West Visalia church of Christ or you need directions to find their building, contact them at:

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