A small group of five Episcopalians met frequently for about a year in the mid-1970s, with Fr. Ronald Swanson, Rector of St. James', Sonara, celebrating the Eucharist at the Pinebrook Picnic Ground near Arnold. Due to various problems, this group dissolved.

On March 8, 1981, the Rev. Robert Downs, Vicar of St. Matthew's, San Andreas, reorganized the group and began celebrating the Eucharist in the home of Bob and Margie Harris in Arnold. There were seventeen communicants at that first celebration. Reg and Mable St. George built a portable altar, and a chalice and paten set was given as a memorial to Bob Harris' mother. Barbara Watson made colorful Eucharisic vestments, and these were dedicated in memory of Peter Harris. Services were continued in homes, once a month at 5 P.M., plus Christmas, Easter, and special occassions, for the next four years. Attendance grew from a yearly total of 225 in 1981, to 465 in 1984. At the beginning of 1984, services were held in the Pinebrook Community Center. Fr. Downs last service was held on February 6, 1985, before leaving for a position in Carmel.

     The Bishop appointed the Rev. Martin Risard as Missioner, and he celebrated the Eucharist for the first time at St. Clare's on February 17, 1985. The number of services was increased to twice a month at Pinebrook Community Hall. The Bishop's Committee was offically organized with Marge Harris appointed Bishop's Warden, Rosemary Atkins, Junior Warden, Neil O'Brian, Clerk, Robin Garcia, Treasurer, and Don Feathers member and Lay Reader. Services continued to be held at 5 P.M. In 1986 a Celtic Cross for the altar, carved out of red cedar, was given to St. Clare's by Bob and Marge Harris in memory of their son Peter.

     The Diocesan Convention of 1986 received St. Clare's as an organized Mission of the Diocese. Fr. Risard was appointed Vicar. The Mission has continued to grow slowly. The Bishop's Committee decided upon a plan to look for a more and accessible location look for a permanent location, and conduct a strong program of evangelism in the communities it serves. In 1986, the Mission, in accordance with its plan, held its first regular Every Member Canvass and Building Fund Campaign, formed a Growth Committee, and set to work implementing the plan. Jean Feathers was appointed Stewardship Chairman. 1987 saw the formations of a very active E. C. W. group. with Alice Risard as its first President. The group held it first bazaar, for benefit of the Building Fund, raising over $1,800.

     With assistance from the Diocese, two acres of land were acquired in Avery, near the Center of the Ebbett's Pass area. The property is located on Highway 4, a main arterial for the south part of Calavaras County. A multi-purpose building providing space for worship, offices, and activities was begun in Dec. '87.