About Us
Saint John Assyrian Presbyterian Church is a Christ-centered congregation rooted in faith, history, and community. Recognized as the predominant Assyrian Presbyterian congregation in California’s Central Valley, our church has served as a spiritual home for generations of Assyrian believers.
Assyrian Presbyterians in the Central Valley began worshiping together in 1926, united by a shared faith and a desire to establish a church of their own. On January 13, 1926, the Assyrian Presbyterian congregation officially formed what would become Saint John Assyrian Presbyterian Church. With the assistance of the Presbyterian Board of National Missions, along with generous fundraising efforts and dedicated labor from the Assyrian community, the church building was completed and dedicated in 1927 at 450 South Palm Street, Turlock, California — our home to this day.
Our first pastor, Rev. Dr. Elisha David, faithfully served the congregation and helped guide its early spiritual growth. Under his leadership, the church was firmly established, and in 1956, the congregation formally adopted the name St. John’s Assyrian Presbyterian Church.
Today, Saint John Assyrian Presbyterian Church continues its mission of worship, discipleship, and service as part of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC). We are committed to the authority of Scripture, the saving work of Jesus Christ, and living out the Gospel through faith, hope, and love.
If you would like to learn more about what we believe, we invite you to visit our Our Core Beliefs page.
We are currently led by Reverend Edward William Eissabake, who serves as pastor and shepherd of our congregation. Through biblical teaching, prayer, and pastoral care, he leads the body of Christ toward spiritual maturity and faithful living rooted in God’s Word.
At Saint John Assyrian Presbyterian Church, we honor our heritage while looking forward in faith — seeking to glorify God, strengthen our community, and share Christ’s love with all.
The following is the text excerpt from the very first prayer prayed at St. John’s church
January 13, 1926.
O God, in Thee we trust and we do believe that Thou wilt bless our effort in building a church which we have been longing for about six or seven years; that we might worship Thee according to our Holy doctrine. Thanks be to Thee O God. Thou has heard our prayers. Thou has given us a beloved and sacrificed self, the pastor Rev. Eshika David. We invoke Thy blessings O God, that we may be a consecrated and holy church, to go forth gathering sinners in Thy Kingdom, and building saints in Thee. O God, we need a place of worship, wherein we may worship Thee. We trust that Thou will provide for us, in order that we may be more effective in serving Thee and our fellowmen.
It is Thee whom we trust.
Amen.
