The spirits of Christmas past and Christmas present lives on in the little Helendale
Community Church on Riverview Road. Christmas past in its history of giving of self, time,
money and labor to leave a lasting memorial in our community. Christmas present in that
the little church is still being used to this day.
Many of us over the years have seen the little Helendale Community Church and wondered
about its history. In response to a resident's request, I've done a little research on it
with one of my local mentors, Sarah Orebaugh, former Postmistress of Helendale. Sarah is a
treasure trove of background material and a good friend.
Helendale has been the scene of a lot of history. Before the little church was built,
the Sunday School was held at many different homes and other places. A Mr. Clyde Jordan
had a panel truck which had benches on each side of the truck and had verses from the
Bible lettered on the sides of the truck. Clyde would drive around the neighborhood on
Sunday mornings with his brother-in-law, Frances Abkens and pick up the children. As they
made their way to wherever the Sunday School was being held that week, the children would
sing their Sunday School hymns.
Frequently, Sunday School met in the old Wadsworth house as that was where Clyde Jordan
lived. In the 1920's frequently services were held at the old school house in Helendale.
Other locations were at K.T. Smith's home on the property of Bill Patapov and in
1938-39 at the Charly Simmons home. One of my favorite locations occurred shortly before
Pearl Harbor when an old chicken house in Oro Grande was used.
Gladys Kieser's home was pressed into services as well as Frances and Ruth Abken's home
in 1947.
In the true community spirit, eventually it was decided a permanent home for the
services was really needed. The Jordans, Abkens, Orebaughs and others had a meeting and
Mrs. Clyde Jordan donated the land for their church. In July of 1947, Clyde Jordan
purchased the lumber for construction and hauled it to Helendale. In August, 1947, Arthur
Crawford made the frames for the windows and set the door frames. September, 1947, came
and instead of cooling off, one of our hottest months ever dawned on the intrepid workers.
Undaunted, the men worked on the church in 122 degree heat (and we think its tough to play
golf when it's hot)!
With 30 days of hard labor in addition to their regular employment, the church was
ready to be roofed in. A roofing party was held in October of 1947. Other work was done
during the winter of 1947-48 and in May of 1948. the cupboards and most importantly, the
OUTHOUSE was finished. When the door with a little quarter moon was hung, they were ready
to go (pardon the pun)!
The first Sunday services were held that month (May) with breakfasts being cooked over
bonfires outside.
The first Christmas tree in the new little church was put up in December of 1948. With
Christmas carols being sung, there was hardly a dry eye as they all knew the hard labor
which had gone into their very own church.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Orebaugh (Sarah's father and mother-in-law) always gave the donations
for the Christmas treats for the Sunday School children.
Later on (1962), the need was felt for a church bell to ring on Sunday, so Mr. and Mrs.
Wise donated the bell which came from a family farm in North Platte, Nebraska. Arthur
Crawford went to work again and built the bell tower and the steeple. His wife, Mrs. Pearl
Crawford, was a charter member of the Helendale Church and was the pianist at all the
services for many years.
Valeria Brown, a member for 25 years and still a resident on Vista Road, and Interim
Pastor Charles Barnett both assure me that the church has been in continuous use over the
years for not only their services but also for Spanish speaking services, AA and other
group meetings held in the church.
On one occasion, a group of Boy Scouts on a nature hike were caught in a severe
thunderstorm and sheltered overnight in the church. So, Silver Lakers, the Helendale
Community Church has had open arms to all. Regular non-denominational services are still
held and all are invited to visit.
As you have read, when you see the little church your not just looking at wood, nails
and stucco, you're looking at gifts from the heart and at love for their community and
fellow men.
