Our History

The history of the Hemet - or San Jacinto - Valley (both names have been used) is a mixture of Spanish explorers, their missions, and the Cahuilla tribe.   As time passed,  the American westward migration found this valley and began settling here.  The new settlers came from the eastern states, Canada, and even England and Wales.

 The Anglicans among these settlers came together and created a very active Episcopal Ladies' Guild.  The first Episcopal service here was held around 1886.  Later, several local families donated property to the church and were instrumental in the lengthy struggle to establish a Los Angele Diocese.

In 1903, the Mission of the Good Shepherd was recognized.  Over the next 40 years, the church was expanded with the addition of a parish hall and the bell tower -  actually the first bell tower in the valley.  By 1948, the Church of the Good Shepherd had established itself as a self-sufficient church.

As time continued, the church has grown in its outreach programs, most notably in 1965.  That year our Reverend Roy Shippling established the Valley Community Pantry.  As the years continue, it has become an important resource for our area and to the County of Riverside.  According to research done by Rev. Shipppling's son, Mike, the Valley Community Pantry may have been the first food pantry in Riverside County and possibly all of Southern California.  

The physical church also changed, with the addition of stained-glass windows in the 1960's (one of which was purchased with "Green Stamps").   Then, in the 1970's the church was again expanded, nearly tripling the available seating for members.  Good Shepherd became part of the Diocese of San Diego when it was formed in 1974. 

Our story continues as the church of the Good Shepherd has continued to be a presence in the city of Hemet, and the San Jacinto Valley, by adapting to the needs of the community and by offering a traditional service with contemporary relevance.    So please come; we would be blessed to have you worship with us

The climax of the Eucharistic liturgy is when we come to the altar and receive the bread and wine which has become for us the body and blood of Jesus Christ, thus strengthening our unity with Christ that we may be transformed, as the bread and wine has been transformed. Most visitors who are not Episcopalians wonder whether it is permitted to join us at the altar for this sacrament.

All baptized Christians are welcome to come to the altar and receive the body and blood of Christ at communion. Christ is the host of this meal. It is not required that you be an Episcopalian, or that you be a member of Good Shepherd.