June 5, 2007

Trinity Presbyterian Church to celebrate 50th anniversary

Trinity Presbyterian Church of Cambrian Park was founded June 23, 1957. To celebrate this anniversary, organizing pastor Dr. John R. Chandler will return for a celebration worship service, and a day of remembrance on Sunday, June 17 beginning at 9:30 a.m.

The events will be held at the church now located on 3151 Union Ave. in San Jose.

Chandler was pastor at Trinity Presbyterian from June 23, 1957 through Dec. 31, 1962. After leaving the U.S. Navy where he served in World War II, he attended Occidental College in Los Angeles; Princeton Theological Seminary; and received his ThD from Graduate Theological Union in San Francisco.

He organized two Presbyterian churches: Trinity in San Diego and Trinity in San Jose. He also served in the redevelopment project at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Pasadena. He has served as Executive Presbyter of the Lake Michigan Presbytery, Kalamazoo, Mich.; and the Los Ranchos Presbytery in Anaheim, Calif.

Chandler received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1992 and the New Church Development Legacy Award, which was presented during the 211th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. in 1999. His wife, Heroldine will join him in his return visit to San Jose.

“This will be a day of celebrating…looking back with great thankfulness and looking forward with a renewed vision,” said the Rev. Jack C. Longley, the fourth pastor of the church, who has served the congregation since September 1978.

A reception will follow. Many of the classrooms will be filled with memorabilia; there will be slide presentations as well as mementos of the first 50 years. A reception luncheon will be held in the church courtyard and rose garden. Everyone is invited to attend. For further information call (408) 377-8930 or visit the church Web site at www.trinitypresbyteriansj.org.