Annual event honors local pioneers
The annual Estrella Adobe Memorial Service honoring pioneers will be held at the historic Estrella Adobe Church at 542 Airport Road in Paso Robles on Sunday, May 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. The event is sponsored by Friends of the Adobes.
This year’s service is dedicated in memory of Arthur Von Dollen. Frank Mecham will welcome everyone and introduce speakers and the invocation, message, and benediction will be given by Pastor Charles Reed of Higher Dimensions Church in Templeton. Paul Burkle will play the antique pump organ to accompany hymns. Refreshments provided by the Questers; donations are appreciated.
About the Estrella Adobe Church
The Estrella Adobe Church (California Historical Landmark #542) was the first Protestant church in northern SLO County. It was built in 1869, but abandoned by 1912 before the History and Landmarks Committee of the Paso Robles Women’s Club restored the crumbling church in 1950. They called on San Miguel adobe expert Jess Crettol to do the restoration and he was aided by young inmates of the nearby Paso Robles School for Boys.
In 1952 the church was rededicated to the memory of the Estrella Plains pioneers who built the original structure and worshipped there. Approximately 48 of those pioneers are buried in the adjoining cemetery. Friends of the Adobes have been responsible for the little church since their founding in 1968.
For information and to support the Estrella Adobe and the Historic Rios-Caledonia Adobe please visit rioscaledoniaadobe.org or leave a message at (805) 467-3357. The Historic Rios-Caledonia Adobe Museum and Gift Shop at 700 Mission St. in San Miguel is open Friday – Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the Wally Ohls Research Library is open on Fridays from 12:30 to 3 p.m.
