St. Jude's was born early in 1974, when Bishop Rivera met with a group of families who were interested in having an Episcopal congregation in Tehachapi. A. F. 'Buck' Waterstradt, project manager of the development of Stallion Springs found that he had something in common with the civil engineer working on the project - both were Episcopalians Charles Karoly was studying for Holy Orders, and hearing Buck's feelings about having a church in the area, brought the matter to Bishop Rivera's attention. The Bishop's response was immediate, and a meeting at the lodge at Stallion Springs was arranged. The Holy Eucharist was celebrated and an entire family received the sacrament of Holy Baptistm. At the meeting following. though there were only five or six families, the enthusiasm was so great that Mr. Waterstradt was appointed Bishop's Warden and things were underway.
To assist in organization and growth, Sister Jeannette Kastorf of the Church Army was sent. She officiated at the office of Morning Prayer with intermittent assistance from area lay Readers. Fr. Brian Endicott celebrated the Eucharist frequently, and from the latter part of 1976 officiated at services when Sister Jeannette had been given another assignment. The congregation through this period remained small, but faithful. Its life was literally from week-to-week. By arrangement with the Sams family, the local mortuary became the Sunday morning home of the congregation. Other meetings were held in homes of the people and local restaurants.
The group chose the name of the Apostle Jude after considerable discussion. As the patron of lost causes? No; but as the patron of the despondent and lonely, yes. They at no point considered the mission a lost cause; but have always had a sense of mission and ministry to the community.
By the middle of 1977, the Bishop sent Fr. Robert L. Stevenson to meet with the nucleus congregation. He celebrated the Holy Eucharist at the home of Spencer and Lillian Lees. and following the liturgy discussed with them their hopes and dreams. and what they Qlt they needed in a priest. The signal was sent to the Bishop of their desire to have Fr. Bob as their first priest and Vicar, and the appointment was made. keeping a high visibility in the community, visiting in many homes, counselling and comforting people he carved a significant niche in the affections and loyalty of the people of the Tehachapi area.
Early in 1980 the Episcopal Church Women of St. Jude's were formed for a three-fold purpose: Christian Fellowship, Christian Devotions, and the development of projects contribut-ing to St. Jude's church. In April, a Men's organization was formed for fellowship, idea sharing, and working toward a useful and productive church in the community. By mid-June Spencer and Lillian Lees contributed a parcel of land nearly two acres in size located on South Curry Street. a main thoroughfare. It was becoming obvious that the mortuary location was only for a Sunday morning congregation, and that a permanent building was needed and desired.
The building committee was formed and began its difficult task of getting congregational input, arousing interest, developing plans, investigating avenues of finance9 and the many things involved in having a building. Many gifted and devoted individuals worked together to do the work involved.
Ultimately the congregation raised some $45,000 in building pledges, and were supported and encouraged by a diocesant grant of $10,000 and a $20,000 United Thank Offering grant. A loan from the Diocesan Investment Trust of $35,000 is in the process of being paid off, with excellent progress.
Ground-breaking for St. Jude's Church was held in September of 1983. and, with a large congregation of local people and clergy and laity from the deanery and diocese. Bishop Rivera dedicated the building on November 4, 1984. St. Jude's has a parish hall which serves as a worship area, and offers the people a setting both aesthetically appealing and at the same time functional.
The Tehachapi area has a population of some 16,000 people. It is a scattered community and has experienced a significant population increase recently, due largely to the expansion of the California Correctional Institution and the resulting influx of many families who serve the needs of the prison.
Fr. Stevenson retired as Vicar of Tehachapi mid-1986, leaving a community which loved him as missionary, pastor and counsellor of all. Bishop Rivera appointed the Rev. John M. Calagan to be Vicar of St. Jude's in January of 1987.
The congregation has goals and plans for the future which involve developing an informed and committed core of communicants, reaching our into the community for Christ in terms of attracting new members, forming a responsible church school program for all ages. and increas-ing our facilities as growth begins. We seek growth, not survival; and we look to the Lord for His guidance.
