Peoples Church is a non-denominational church in Fresno, California. The church is led by Pastor Dale Oquist. The church campus is home to Fresno Christian High School, a private school attended by students in grades K-12.
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Peoples Church was founded in 1954, by several families from the Fresno area. The first pastor, Rev. Floyd Hawkins led the church from January 1955-August 1959. He was followed by Rev. Guy A. Davidson who led the church until April 1963. Under his leadership the congregation of about 200 converted old turkey houses into their first building.
In 1963, Pastor G. L. Johnson replaced Davidson as head pastor. Under Johnson's leadership, the church grew into a 2000-seat sanctuary in 1977 at the church's current location at Cedar and Herndon Avenues. Since moving to the Herndon campus, the church has added two Sunday school buildings, a youth building, a Worship Ministries wing, and most recently the G. L. Johnson Chapel.
On Sunday, June 3, 2007, Pastor Johnson announced during the three morning services his intention to tender his resignation in the Spring of 2008. He said the timeliness of his decision was based upon his 80th birthday and his 45th anniversary as leader of the Peoples Church congregation. Pastor Johnson retired in late February 2008, and the pastoral search committee began a nationwide search for a new pastor.
In 2010, Rev. Dale Oquist, formerly of Olympia, Washington, was elected Lead Pastor at Peoples Church by overwhelming majority of voting members.
Peoples Church is known for its strong use and support of creative arts.
For decades, the Peoples Church Christmas celebration has been a highlight of holiday events for the Fresno area. Starting in the 70's, it has grown to a full production including contemporary band and orchestra, choreography, lighting effects and a variety of original and arranged Christmas music.
PCSA (Peoples Church School of Creative Arts)[1] was established to provide "quality instruction and performance opportunities in a Christian environment.”[2]