Bidwell Presbyterian Church connects with community
CHICO >> Bidwell Presbyterian Church was founded in 1868 by none other than John and Annie Bidwell.
The church was originally called Chico Presbyterian Church and then later Bidwell Memorial Presbyterian Church. Annie Bidwell, in a show of Christian humility, did not want the church named after her, according to Bidwell Presbyterian Church Associate Pastor Greg Cootsona.
Cootsona said the church was originally located at Fourth Street and Broadway and arrived at its current location, near Chico State, at 208 W. First St. in 1909.
“The commitment to Chico and to our broader culture is embodied in John and Annie Bidwell. To know Chico is to know the name Bidwell. Several Chico landmarks carry their legacy: naturally the congregation, which bears their name,” Cootsona said.
Cootsona said the church is unique because it has always had a long relationship with downtown Chico and includes Chico State.
“Church members are friendly to new people and our members are engaged in the community in different ways. There is a sense of connection with the community,” he said.
Cootsona said Chico State and Butte College students, faculty and staff attend the church. He said the current membership is 1,200 members.
Cootsona noted there have been a few defining events at the church.
“It's a demonstration of the commitment of the dean here, as part of downtown and the city we are part of.” Cootsona said. “Two important events in Chico are when the dam almost broke in Oroville and the Camp Fire which occurred in Paradise. We engaged with the community to help respond to that.”
Another defining event for the church was the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The protocol was significant. We are connected. Not being able to meet in person was a defining moment,” Cootsona said.
The church followed public health protocols.
“We re-opened at a probable time in 2021. It was good to start meeting in public,” Cootsona said. “We make ourselves available to other groups for the importance of community help.”
Cootsona said the church is very dedicated.
“We have an ongoing commitment to the Christian method and gospel which is part of our identity,” Cootsona said. “The town of Chico is not much older than the church. We are thankful for our heritage and thankful for the deep sense of community and faith and hope and love. When people attend church for the first time, they
“The commitment to Chico and to our broader culture is embodied in John and Annie Bidwell. To know Chico is to know the name Bidwell. Several Chico landmarks carry their legacy; naturally the congregation, which bears their name.”
— Greg Cootsona, Bidwell Presbyterian Church associate pastor
have a sense of being welcome and cared for. That's what we value.”
Glen Eaton is a member of the church and also served as an elder. Eaton was ordained as an elder 40 years ago. He is not currently serving as an elder, but still remains active in the church.
“Bidwell is an awesome congregation. We have had a general change in church attendance. The pandemic was a blow. We are definitely on a positive trajectory. A lot of new young families are becoming part of the congregation and Sunday school is thriving,” he said.
Eaton's wife died in October 2023 and he joined a church support group.
“The church just rallied around me. The intent is to provide a support system,” he said. “It's a way to connect in a small setting. Our life group was life saving for me after Michelle died and continues to be. They are like family. It's been a huge blessing in my life.”
Eaton is proud of the church.
“It's a prominent part of downtown and is a beautiful church. It's lovingly maintained and has persevered over the years,” Eaton said. “It's been a major part of the community for 150 years.”
The church aims to help students giving the proximity to Chico State.
“We give out hot cocoa to students when it's cold out,” he said. “We are fortunate to be located downtown. We have the pulse of what's going on in the city. In the summer we give out popsicles and ice cream.”
The church staff chooses two Sundays a year to serve in the community and help clean up parks and restore.
“We notice what organizations need help,” Eaton said.
Church members help older citizens.
“The church helps senior citizens by bringing them food and taking them to doctor appointments. We make struggling people feel cared for. There's a sense of belonging and it's so beautiful. I'm honored to be a part of this church,” said church member Lauren Mesa.
Mesa said a Chico school benefits from church efforts.
“One woman in the church helped lower income kids at Citrus Elementary School,” Mesa said. “She goes there weekly to help kids with reading, science and math. “
Mesa said church staff meets with people to find out how they can serve.
“Last month we made scarves. We gave them to students to distribute to the homeless. High schools contribute socks,” Mesa said. “We go to the hand sculpture and serve meals and contribute toothpaste and other self care items. We hang out with the homeless and talk to them. Most people avoid them.”
Bidwell Presbyterian Church offers two mass times, with Sunday services at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Alcoholics Anonymous meets at the church on Monday nights. There are also Christian spirituality classes taught on neuroscience and divorce recovery and grief support groups.
More information about the church can be found at bidwellpres.org.