Yosemite Community Church

by Ron Orozco
July 20, 2001 - The Fresno Bee

YOSEMITE -- No disrespect intended, but Cheri and Ron Lytle, who are visiting from Chico, say it's hard to concentrate on the Rev. Brent Moore's sermon "Christ Died for the Ungodly" because there's so much to see out the windows.

"Back home, it's hard to look through windows and see this kind of beauty," Ron Lytle says. "It's a holy place in a holy land."

They're talking about Yosemite Community Church on the valley floor of Yosemite National Park.

How many chapels can you look out the main doors and see a spectacular waterfall the likes of Yosemite Falls?

"It's very nice to be able to look out these windows and see the awesomeness of God's creation," Cheri Lytle says. "God just seems so powerful to me here."

The Basics

This chapel, erected in 1879, is well-used. On Sundays, there are two nondenominational morning services, followed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints afternoon meeting, then a nondenominational evening service. Mass is celebrated Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Moore's morning service begins with the ringing of chapel bells, which amounts to deacon Phil Willitts yanking a rope at the back of the sanctuary.
Moore asks for a show of hands from more than 100 congregants: "How many are from other countries? From other states?" He's baffled after everyone says they're from California. "Normally, it's a mission field at your doorstep," Moore says.

Early American with colonial chandeliers and light fixtures. The charm makes it home to more than 400 weddings each year.

"It's exactly the same as when I was a child," says Karen Brualdi, 58, of Sherman Oaks. "I have tremendous love for this place."

Here are a few notes based on a recent visit to Yosemite Community Church:

Does a stranger feel welcome? Says visitor Rose Schottman: "People of all denominations can come here and worship together. We know the same creator."

What's the first thing you notice from the pews? There's an inlaid cross in a larger wooden cross behind the pulpit.

What might you see that you can't other places? The chapel exterior still has the water line from the 1997 Yosemite flood that damaged pews and the piano.

What is everyone talking about? More than 200 couples renewed their vows last month at the chapel's annual marriage renewal service.

Who is the behind-the-scenes hero? After playing the guitar and singing solo, Steve Reiley says goodbye to congregants. He's got to go to work at the park.

Where on the grounds should you spend a few minutes? From a wooden bench, dedicated to the memory of Matthew A. Baxter, marvel over Yosemite Falls.

Does this church reach out to the community? Summer teams share the gospel with park visitors and others at the campgrounds.