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Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church
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Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church (CVPC) is located at 1678 Kirker Pass Road in Clayton, California. It is situated at the base of Mt. Diablo; just east of where Ygnacio Valley Road changes to Kirker Pass Road at Clayton Road. The church follows the Presbyterian ideology which is part of the Reformed tradition within Protestantism. The Elders, Deacons, Trustees, and the Pastor administer to the needs of the community, including residents of Antioch, Bay Point, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Lafayette, and Walnut Creek, California. Mission giving is an important part of the church’s philosophy. The church celebrations include Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, the Day of Pentecost, and observes other days such as Baptism of the Lord. The church has a rich history as it began with a purchase of a six acre site that included a house and a swimming pool. Attached to the house was a garage which was remodeled to serve as a temporary Chapel. The Rev. John Kinsey was called to head the new work in July 1956 by the Board of National Missions. In October 1956, the San Francisco Presbytery approved the plans and in 1957, they issued a charter to the church. In 1958, work began on a multi-purpose building and a Christian Education building. In 1959, worship services were moved to the multi-purpose building and provided a room for more social activities. The Christian Education building now houses the Children’s Center and the original house is used as offices. In 1968, the Rev. Otto Henn was called as the installed pastor. Rev. Henn retired from CVPC and the congregation honored him by designating him as Pastor Emeritus. In 1988, the Rev. Linda E. Regan was called as the installed pastor. Rev. Regan retired from CVPC and the congregation honored her by electing her as Pastor Emerita. To be chosen in such a manner demonstrates how much both these pastors were loved and respected. In 1995, work began on the long-awaited Sanctuary. This was a result of having sold a portion of the land. In 1997, the new Sanctuary was dedicated and worship services have been continuously held there. The multi-purpose continues to be used for many social activities. The campus now consists of four buildings: the Sanctuary, the Fellowship Hall, (multi-purpose building), the Office Building (the original house), and the Children’s Center (the Christian Education building). The Sanctuary features beautiful stained glass and a soaring domed ceiling. One of the features of the sanctuary is its openness with its many glass windows and doors, allowing natural light to flow in. Another feature is the acoustics and tone quality enabling beautiful music to fill the air. The Sanctuary is often used for weddings and concerts, as well as worship services. The Fellowship Hall is used for many social events and the Office Building accommodates the staff, as well as a multi-purpose room at the entrance. The Children’s Center is a learning center for children three through five and, as such, is a mission of the church.
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