In the early 20th century, Assyrian families from the Middle East, Canada and the East Coast settled in Turlock to make new lives for themselves. As they found jobs, worked the land and developed a distinct ethnic identity, they also formed places of worship. One of these places of worship, St. John's Assyrian Presbyterian Church, is celebrating its 100th anniversary Saturday, Aug. 29.

One of these places of worship, St. John's Assyrian Presbyterian Church, is celebrating its 100th anniversary Saturday, Aug. 29.

"They chose this city because the climate is very similar to Iran's villages, planting grapes and fruits," pastor Edward Eissabake said.

In light of the anniversary, Eissabake has been combing through the church's historical written records. They were meticulously kept by dozens of clerks of session, who switched out every two years.

"I'm immersing myself in those details," Eissabake said.

The Assyrian Presbyterian ministry began in the early 1920s, when immigrants did not yet have a place of worship. They wanted to build their own church, but it took time to fundraise. So, for $11 a month, they rented a wooden house that belonged to David Joseph, Eissabake said. Joseph also served as the interim pastor.

The church building was erected in 1926 at 450 S. Palm St. Eissabake said it cost $1,000 for the land and $20,000 to build.

Elisha David, the church's first pastor, arrived in 1925 after graduating from seminary school in Chicago. Eissabake is the church's fifth official pastor, and he started full time in 2006. He is originally from Iran and immigrated in 1996.

Eissabake said it was important for Assyrian immigrants to worship in their native language. "They tried to preserve their heritage that came from the Middle East," he said. "They had to preserve their language, Assyrian. At the same time, they had to preserve their Presbyterian background."

That Presbyterian background began in the 19th century, when American missionaries went to Iran.

Eissabake said the church has helped many in need throughout its 100-year history. During World War II, when the United States government incarcerated Japanese Americans, the church took care of local Japanese farmers' property. It helped others throughout the Great Depression and built a house for its pastor in the 1930s, Eissabake said.

"They built it right after the Great Depression. You see how resilient they were," Eissabake said. "As immigrants, they did, and also they helped other people."

Eissabake said he believes this spirit of faithfulness, resilience and appreciation has helped the church survive for 100 years. The centennial celebration is being held to thank and honor its previous stewards.

"We don't have those people that started it, but we have little kids now that are very excited about Sunday school, about children's programs, and even they may not know their names," Eissabake said.

The centennial anniversary event, which will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Assyrian American Civic Club in Turlock, will feature a presentation and video on the history of the church, an exhibition of old pictures and artifacts, a choir performance, a catered dinner and a symbolic passing of the torch for church leadership.

Eissabake said he expects 560 people to attend the celebration, including Mayor Amy Bublak, Stanislaus County Supervisor Vito Chiesa and other elected officials. Different parts of the event will be in Assyrian and English to make it the more accePastor ressible. The event is sold out.

The St. John's Assyrian Presbyterian Church is one of at least five Assyrian churches in Turlock. Newspaper clippings from the 1920s claim that St. John's was the only Assyrian house of worship west of Chicago at the time. However, the Assyrian Evangelical Church of Turlock celebrated its centennial anniversary last year. Eissabake said St. John's is the first recognized church by a denomination.

As St. John's looks forward to the next 100 years, Eissabake said two aspects will not change: Its Assyrian and Presbyterian identity. However, he said the church will have to grapple with younger generations not knowing Assyrian, the aging and sometimes impractical building (it only has two bathrooms and limited accessibility), tight funding and the rise of megachurches and nondenominational churches. He also said the church will have to adapt to new technologies.

Still, as St. John's looks to pass the torch Saturday, Eissabake has hope that its success will continue.

"The only thing that gives some kind of confidence is hope and presence of God with us," he said. "The founders of this church did extraordinary with ... very few with the resources, language, culture. But they did it."