Join us on Saturday, May 16th & Sunday, May 17th 2026 in celebration and remembrance of 115 years of ministry and service for God’s Kingdom in Exeter, California!
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,”
~ Hebrews 12:1 ~
“In Exeter as it is in Heaven”
Saturday, May 16th
Saturday morning celebration & picnic in City Park:
– 8:00 am gathering & fellowship –
– 9:00 am prayer walk –
– 11:00 am potluck lunch –
– 6:00 pm Hymn Sing –
(In the Church of God of Exeter Old Chapel, 246 W. Chestnut St.)
Sunday, May 17th
– 9:30 am Special “Lest We Forget” worship celebration –
(In the Church of God of Exeter Family Life Center)
To include testimonies, stories, prayers of thanksgiving, cake, and the opening of the time capsule.
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A Brief History of the Church of God of Exeter, Exeter, California
In 1897, a small company of Gospel workers arrived in the unincorporated community of Exeter, California with two horses and a covered wagon. The camp and revival tent they set up on the north side of Pine street planted the seeds that later became the Church of God of Exeter. In 1911, another revival tent meeting led to home Bible studies and prayer meetings, officially birthing the church. From the homes to an old store building, to both floors at the Kirkman Hall building on Pine Street, the church grew. A Baptist church building with a nice tall spire, was acquired, located at Quince and Palm. Alas, the building subsequently burned down. The church then met and worshipped at Wilson School and in private homes until plans were made to construct a new building on the corner of Chestnut and H Streets, and in the 1920’s a new building was erected on the east side of the property calling its first Pastor, J.P. Milford, who served five years. Then the church called Effie Lavell, who served three years, then Eli Sensney, serving until 1923. Lester Hook led until 1928, who was succeeded by Mamie Bisconer for a year, and then Pastor Hook returned for another five years. In 1935, Ralph Conrad served five years, during which time the church saw much numerical growth. In 1940, H.M. Sell served, during which the congregation began a fund campaign for a new building. In July, 1945, Pastor Ray W. Keith became the congregation’s eighth Pastor, seeing the present-day Chapel building completed. In 1956, Gean Nunneley succeeded Pastor Keith, serving ten years. In 1966, John Good became Pastor for many years, and was followed by Dean Meyer, until 1990. Bailey Hagar became Pastor for a brief time, then Marvin Middlebrooks served until 1993, succeeded in 1994 by Pastor Joel Hutchison, who oversaw the construction of our current Family Life Center, which was dedicated on June 10, 1996.
Since that time, Pastor Hutchison was succeeded by Pastors Greg Kendall, Wayne Putman, Michael Guzman, and currently Brandon Zoll.
The church enjoys great favor in the community, and seeks to know Christ and make Him known throughout our community and world.