Richland Faith Assembly of God is celebrating its 75th anniversary and helping to honor the milestone was a proclamation issued last week by Ceres Mayor Javier Lopez and the City Council.

Rev. Charlie Clark founded the church as the South Modesto Assembly of God and moved to its current worship place at 1201 Richland Avenue in 1964.

Over the decades the church has hosted a number of southern gospel music groups which are well-known in Christian circles.

In its 75-year stretch, only six pastors have tended to the Richland Faith congregation. Herb Henry was at the helm of the church from 1986 to his retirement in 2021 when Richie Hartfield took over.

Having both attended Richland Faith for many years, Pastor Hartsfield, whose wife Cortney (Welch) Hartsfield is a graduate of Ceres High and member of its athletic Hall of Fame, is the church minister. They have three children.

The mayor noted that Richland Faith hosts a number of events throughout the year, such as a Vacation Bible school, a parking lot sale, Mother’s Day tea party, Trunk-or-Treat, Backpack Blessings and will be providing Thanksgiving dinner to the community in November.

In accepting the proclamation last week, Pastor Hartsfield said he appreciates the city taking note of the milestone and a recent milestone of Hope Tree Church.

“We are so thankful. We want to continue to show Jesus because He is the truth, the life and the way. And we’re thankful that we can hold that name of Christ up to this world that desperately needs to hear it.

“We appreciate this city. We love being a part of this community. We want to continue to work together and bring good things to this city.”

On Sept. 13 Hope Tree Church celebrated its 100th anniversary with music, guest speakers and a catered meal. The church began as Glad Tidings Mission Assembly of God Church which later evolved into Valley Christian Church. In 2023 Pastor Chris Henry changed the name to Hope Tree Church.