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Spring 2010
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California Churches Offer Nourishment for the Spirit Stories by David Evans
An interesting thing about the borough of California is that much of the land is taken up by California University of Pennsylvania. What might catch your eye on the way to campus are the church establishments you pass. The town of California had a fairly ordinary start. “A History of Washington County, Pennsylvania,” written by Earle R. Forrest, available online (http://history.rays-place.com/pa/wash-california. htm), includes an article that narrates the town’s history. In May 1848, several men purchased roughly 300 acres of land. They named the town “California” because it was laid out the same year gold was found in the state of California. At first, the rural town made up of small homes was known for its boat building. Then, boat building was replaced by the railroad industry. Though there were few churches in its early days, religion has been present in California as early as the 1850s, according to Forrest. Fast-forward to present-day California. It would seem to some as though all of the corners and side-streets are lined with churches. California’s official Web site lists 14 churches that hold services. Perhaps the most fascinating of the churches in town is the Crossroads Community Church. It has held services for 3½ years at Coffee Connections, 246 Third St. A branch of the Assembly of God denomination, the church sees a weekly turnout between 35 and 40 people, according to the Rev. Greg
McKim. Led by McKim, Coffee Connections usually has anywhere from five to 10 people inside at any given time, both customers and passersby, and is a cozy place to discuss religion, as well as politics, education, the economy – you name it. It isn’t just a conveniently located coffee shop with hospitable hosts; it’s an unconventional church where the people aren’t preaching at you from every corner of the room. The church, as well as the coffee shop, is a nonprofit organization. The church also participates in food drives. “We want to practice what we preach,” McKim said. “Our doctrine is still orthodox, but presented in a very unorthodox way.” McKim describes the church as “mis-
sion-oriented.” Originally, McKim was a missionary. However, after more than 30 years in the ministry, he and his wife were asked to plan a new church for the Assembly of God. Unsure of how to accomplish such a feat, yet unable to ignore such a strong calling, the McKims started Crossroads Community. The reasoning for Crossroads Community Church to continue holding services at Coffee Connections is simple enough, according to McKim: “We felt [Coffee Connections] crossed cultural lines in a good way. People come in for a cup of coffee and, if inclined, a bit of fellowship.” McKim adds: “The primary purpose of Coffee Connections is to provide a place to meet and to develop friendships. I am confident we’ve accomplished that.”
Upon entering the small town of California, it would seem to some as though there’s a church on every corner and side street. It’s easy to get the impression that California is a religious town; however, this is not necessarily the case. For some, religion just doesn’t offer the comforts that it used to. Science gives different explanations than those found at church. Many have argued that in a faithversus-fact world, fact is more secure. “I’d say most people don’t go to church because of their school and work sched-
ules,” suggests Megan Miller, a junior journalism major at California University of Pennsylvania. “People are working five to six days a week, and Sunday is their only day off.” Many students, both in high school and college, are also attempting to work part-time shifts. Students who choose to participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports, music or student council, are even more pressed for time. Other reasons for decline in church turnouts could be that people don’t agree with
all the rules of their church, or they don’t want to pay the church dues. However, for some, church still offers hope and comfort. Brad Trump, 21, a senior secondary education major and Methodist, said, “I’m not religious in the conventional sense. ... I draw a line. I don’t believe crooked people can get into heaven just because they went to church on Sunday.” He added, “Modern lifestyles have changed. Going to church is not being instilled in the youth as something important anymore.”
Above: Coffee Connections, 246 Third St., is next door to Dairy Queen. Photo by David Evans At Left: California Baptist Church, 432 Second St., is a familiar sight to students. Photo courtesty of www.california15419.com
Some Students Question Faith; Others Embrace It