The History of the Fresno Rescue Mission
The Fresno Rescue Mission was founded in 1949 as a non-profit, faith-based, evangelical Christian charitable organization with the purpose of evangelizing and meeting the physical needs of the area's destitute. The Mission was born out of a vision by the Rev. Clifford Phillips, a prayer meeting, the "Fisherman's Club," and the loving and concerned hearts of many local Christians.

Parenthetically, it should be pointed out that the Fresno area, post WWII, was a mini-Bible belt with many zealous evangelical Christians. From this same group of men - many founders of the Fresno Rescue Mission, also came Christian radio stations like KBIF, KRDU, Christian camp grounds Hume Lake and Hartland, the Fresno Bible House (now Berean), our sister mission, Fresno's Evangel Home and many other churches and para-church ministries.

Cliff Phillips was an Indiana farm boy, raised by a devote Christian mother, but only becoming a Christian in his early thirties while attending a meeting at Chicago's Paul Rader Tabernacle. In business in Chicago, Cliff, early in his Christian experience, was burdened by the homeless. Before coming to Fresno after WWII, he worked with the Sunshine Gospel Mission and the Pacific Garden Mission. Early on, Cliff saw the need to work with the homeless of the San Joaquin Valley.

Initially, the Mission worked only with skid-row alcoholics and transient farm laborers. As time passed, the Mission developed into the multipurpose organization that today reaches out to not only the homeless, but also the drug and alcohol dependent, impoverished families, neglected and abused children, single transient adults and other displaced persons in the greater Fresno County area.

Below is some of the Mission's history. We offer a special thanks to Allan Larson, former Board Member, who wrote many of the wonderful stories that follow:

back to top

"Fishers of Men" (1949 - 1963)
1949: Mission Opens - 916 H. Street

Looking Back with a Purpose

1950 1807 Tulare Street - Fresno California Photo from FRM Newsletter April 1951

The invitations had been sent out for a big wedding feast. The responses were limited. The excuses for not coming were many. The Host was disturbed. He wanted a full house. What would He do? That's it! He would send His staff into the out-of-way and public places giving a compelling and personal invitation to anyone who would accept. Matthew 22:1-10

Into the wintry, cold, and rainy night a survey party of two looked for a point of beginning. Huddled in doorways, recesses of buildings, and against walls and fences trying to keep warm were the persons who were eligible for this compelling and urgent invitation. Both sides of the railroad passing through the downtown area presented the prospect of a constant flow of new persons to whom the invitation could be given.

A Beginning

Challenged by these scenes, the survey team of Dr. Dwight Trowbridge, Ophthalmologist, and Clifford Phillips, Building Contractor, gathered together a group of men to form a Board of Directors and Advisory Board. As in the Biblical pattern, seven men made up the first Board of Directors, with thirty-six men serving on the Advisory Board. All of these concerned men have since gone to their eternal rest. Thank God for each one of them!

Estelle, daughter, Barbara and Cliff Phillips Our first year in full-time service Photo from FRM Newsletter December 1951

The first Board of Directors was made up of the following dedicated men:

• Roy L. Larson, President
• Clifford Phillips, Superintendent
• Carl Gustofson, Treasurer
• Glenn Newton, Secretary
• Dr. Dwight Trowbridge
• P. J. Ardelean
• G. Tom Reeves

The following remarks are taken from the Articles of Incorporation of the Fresno Rescue Mission:

"The purpose for which this corporation is formed are as follows: To establish and operate a mission for the purpose of reaching the unfortunate with the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ for the salvation of their souls; to assist in the feeding and clothing and lodging of those who are in need of the same; to glorify God in the salvation of souls, the edification of Christians through the teaching of the Bible as God's Word, and the promulgation of the Christian doctrines; the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures; the Virgin birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, His death in atonement for the sins of the world; His bodily resurrection and ascension; salvation only by faith in His shed blood and the imminence of His return; to establish, maintain and conduct schools for the religious instructions of the young and to further religious and charitable work."

The "Church In Overalls"

And so the Fresno Rescue Mission became the downtown arm of the church or the "Church in Overalls", where the doors swing open to all those who pass by. There is always a welcome awaiting those who come through its doors. Here, then, is a place where mankind can come out of the cold of the night or heat of the day and find comfort and nourishment for the body and soul. Many a wayward man or woman, hearing the message of God's love for mankind, readily accepts the invitation; for they are hungry for the real love that only Christ can give.

The Mission stands ready to help those who want to be helped. Work is given them around the Mission for a few days in order that they might become strengthened in the Lord. Their food, clothing, and lodging are taken care of in return for their work. Those with medical needs are attended to on the several nights a week when the Medical Clinic is open for visits. Here under the direction of Dr. Dwight Trowbridge and the voluntary services of concerned doctors and nurses of this community, the medical needs of thousands of men (also women and children) have been ministered to during the past thirty years.

1949/1950: KRDU Radio Ministry Begins

Late in 1949/1950, a radio ministry was started; a fifteen minute program on Radio Station KRDU in Dinuba. Other stations were added and dropped as their effectiveness was determined. Currently, the Mission is broadcasting on Radio Stations KRDU and KBIF.

God blessed in a marvelous way and the work began to grow. Soon the place was packed with men and women who needed both physical and spiritual help. After six months at this place we realized that a larger place was needed. So in January 1950, we moved to larger quarters at 1807 Tulare Street. Here we have more room, a kitchen where food is prepared and sleeping quarters for a few men."

1950: Mission Moved - 1807 Tulare St. - Able to feed and house men!

God blessed in a marvelous way and the work began to grow. Soon the place was packed with men and women who needed both physical and spiritual help. After six months at this place we realized that a larger place was needed. So in January 1950, we moved to larger quarters at 1807 Tulare Street. Here we have more room, a kitchen where food is prepared and sleeping quarters for a few men."

1952: Mission Moved - 911 'G' Street

A move to 911 'G' Street was made in September of 1952, but not without much advance work. This property was purchased in April of 1952 and much time and effort was spent in repairing, remodeling and painting.

Morning Service Christmas Day - 1952 Photo from FRM Newsletter April 1953

1952: Women's Auxiliary - "Fresno Rescue Mission's Women's Fellowship"

October 31, 1952 marked the organization of the Fresno Rescue Mission's Women's Fellowship (now the Auxiliary) with Mrs. Estelle Phillips, President; Mrs. Tom Reeves, Vice President; Mrs. Arthur Falch, Secretary; Mrs. John Pedersen, Treasurer; Mrs. James Morey, Sewing Chairman; and Mrs. Edna Petersen, Prayer Chairman, and Mrs. Clifford Smith, Social Chairman.

1953: Ranch Purchased - "New Hope Ranch" (80 acre ranch in North Fork)

Large Three Story Dormitory at New Hope Ranch Photo from FRM Newsletter December 1953

After about a year at 911 'G' Street, the need to move the converts to a new environment for training became a burden. And in December 1953, an 80 acre ranch near North Fork was purchased; a paved road right to the property, electricity, spring water, three dormitories, a church seating 250 people, two good houses, shop, garage, chicken houses, everything needed for the project in mind.

1954: Fresno District Fair - "Booth Ministry" - (1954 - 1981)

For many years the Fresno Rescue Mission had a gospel ministry presence at the annual Fresno County Fair. The purpose was, first of all, to be an instrument of evangelism. During the years the mission had mobile chapels, they were also were taken to the fair evangelizing - often with the help of Child Evangelism Fellowship - the children. Many early Child Evangelism pioneers - like Emma Popp - were an important part of this ministry.

Part of the booth was set aside as a prayer / counseling room. Gospel tracks were given out by the thousands, mostly in the form of "gospel bombs." Those were gospel tracts rolled up in brightly colored cellophane. Crowds of kids were then "bombed" by FRM staffers throwing gospel bombs into the mid-way.

Only eternity will tell of how many were won to the Lord through this ministry.

1955: Host of the I.U.G.M. - May 1955

1959: New Hope Ranch - Property Sold

back to top

"A Season of Planting" (1964 - 1968)
1964: Groundbreaking - 310 'G' Street - Ceremony & Prayer Walk - October 1964

Redevelopment and Another Building - A New One This Time!

Oftentimes changes seem to be a beneficial requirement. So redevelopment in various forms and areas come to the city of Fresno. The Mission was faced with a relocation problem. Several locations were considered and after much negotiation with property owners and the City Planning Commission, the 310 'G' Street site was purchased and rezoned for Mission purposes.

Groundbreaking Ceremonies - 1964 Photo from FRM Newsletter November 1964

The plans for the new Mission building were ready by September 1964, and approved for construction with former Board member and contractor Doley Clark in charge. On a Saturday morning, November of 1964, following the Saturday morning prayer breakfast, a large group marched from 911 'G' Street to the new site for the ground breaking ceremony. Board President, Dr. W. G. Winter, Superintendent C. H. Phillips and contractor Doley Clark each turned a shovelful of dirt. With a good program of music, short speeches and a prayer, the new site was dedicated to the Lord for the purpose of reaching "the least, the last and the lost" for Christ.

The construction of the new building was literally a "leap of faith." Cliff Phillips said in latter years, (to paraphrase Cliff), "that we only had enough money to dig a whole in the ground, put in a concrete floor and lay block up to ground level." As men worked, the funds came in. (There were no "capital campaigns, government grants or resource development teams in those days). Much of the work was done by converts of the mission working under the supervision of contractor Doley Clark.

Cliff Phillips, who was from a construction business background was always quick to jump in with a hammer or paintbrush. His wife, Estelle, on more than a few occasions, shook her head in dismay when Cliff would come home with his suit speckled with paint, scuffed up or torn from his construction work.

Ed Moulet, a homeless man on skid-row, Fresno, was led to the Lord by Cliff Phillips one day as they were going to work on the new mission building. Cliff immediately put him to work on the building. Ed, saved all of several hours, was a little hung-over from the previous nights extended "bender." Climbing up on the partially constructed scaffolding he promptly took a fall on the hardpan landing on his shoulder and partially on his head. Ed was a pretty tough old boy; he got up, shook himself off and went back to work. He never missed a day of work, was sober from then on, with a glowing testimony of God's saving grace, until the day he passed away about 10 years later.

1965: Property Dedication - 310 'G' Street - Mission's 16 year Anniversary Observed

The observance of the Sixteenth Anniversary of the Fresno Rescue Mission on April 1965 was climaxed with the dedication of the new Mission building.

The New Building at 310 'G' Street - 1965 Photo from FRM Newsletter January 1967

1965: Emergency Family Shelter Ministry - Using old house across the street from the new Mission

The original Family Shelter - 1965 Photo from FRM Newsletter March 1982

Occasionally, families in distress dropped in at the Mission for help but no accommodations were available. This provided another challenge for the Mission to face. A house across the street from the Mission was purchased. This served for some months as a very inadequate means of shelter. Soon plans were under way for a new building. Plans were approved by the city of Fresno, including the rezoning of the property for that purpose.

1966: Host of the I.U.G.M. - April 30 - May 4, 1966

1967: Fire at the Mission - Fire destroys linen and box room, part of the upstairs bathroom and dorm.

back to top

"A Time of Change" (1969-1982)
1969: Groundbreaking - 315 'G' Street - "Emergency Family Shelter"- New Facility

1970: Property Dedication - 315 'G' Street - "Emergency Family Shelter" -

March 22, 1970

Demolition of the old house took place in the summer of 1969 and ground breaking soon took place. The new building was designed for office space, a chapel, motel type units, and accommodations for house parents. Many volunteered their help. Doley Clark was again the contractor. Dedication of these new facilities took place on Sunday afternoon, March 22, 1970.

1970: Superintendent Retires - Mr. & Mrs. C.H. Phillips - March 23, 1970

On March 23, 1970, after twenty-one years, Superintendent and Mrs. Phillips retired from the active ministry of the Mission. women's auxiliary activities.

Clifford and Estelle Phillips For Twenty-One Years They Have Given Themselves Photo from FRM Newsletter January 1967	Ernest and Adelaide Gabrielson Photo from FRM Newsletter March 1970

1970: Positions Assumed - Ernie & Adelaide Gabrielson, Superintendent / Director of Women's Auxiliary - March 1970

Ernie and Adelaide Gabrielson were appointed by the Board of Directors to assume the duties of Superintendent and Director of the Mission

1970: Outreach Ministry for Children Begins "Mobile Gospel News Chapel" April 1970

In April, 1970, another outreach of the Mission was directed to the children of the neighborhood. A bus was purchased and named the Mobile Gospel News Chapel. Soon this bus proved to be inadequate and a trailer type Chapel was ordered and put to use. Several other Mobile Chapel trailers were purchased as the work moved ahead. One such Chapel was presented to the Mission as a Memorial to a son who had died as a result of an automobile accident. These Chapels have also been used at the Fresno District Fair each year to bring the Gospel to many children and their parents.

1970: Property Expansion - 315 'G' Street - Bank building next door sells property to the Mission

Several years after the construction of the Family Shelter, the American Express Agency property next door to the Shelter became available and one dear sister of the auxiliary gave the $5,000 needed to purchase the property.

It is on this site where a new building has been erected to house the Women's and Children's Work.

Rezoning of the property for this use was accomplished at a very minimum expense and trouble with the City Planning Commission. Praise the Lord! The cost of the new building and added requirements for on and off site improvements will range between $35,000 to $40,000. Many contributions have been received towards this project but more contributions are needed.

1976: Superintendent Passes Away - Mr. Ernie Gabrielson - June 9, 1976

In Memory Ernest Gabrielson 1912 - 1976 ". . . Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." —Philippians 1:20C, 21 Photo from FRM Newsletter July 1976

When Ernie Gabrielson assumed the office of the superintendent of the Mission in March of 1970, the work was not new to him. Ernie had been on the Advisory Board from the beginning of the Mission and down through the years had served as a Director. At the time of his appointment, Ernie was serving as President of the Board of Directors. He closed down his business, sold the property, and began a full-time ministry at the Mission along with his wife Adelaide, who took on the responsibility of directing the Women's Work. Ernie knew and loved the work of rescue, both adults and children. Ernie was doing some repair work on one of the Mobile Chapels when he had his heart attack. Later, the evening of June 9, 1976 at 7:15 p.m., Ernie slipped away to be at home with his Lord, free of pain that for so many years had wracked his body.

1976: Interim Leaders Appointed - Jack & Louise Fast

A past Director, Jack Fast and his wife, Louise were appointed by the Board of Directors to be interim leaders of the Mission.

1976: Superintendents Elected - Ed & Lucille Carnell - November 1, 1976

Rev. Ed Carnell and his wife, Lucille, after ten years at the Sacramento Rescue Mission, accepted the call to come to Fresno and assume their duties November 1, 1976.

1977: Addition to Family Shelter - Reopened February 1977

1978: Resignation - Ed & Lucille Carnell - October 31, 1978

The Carnell's served the Mission for two years, resigning as of October 31, 1978.

The Carnell's served the Mission for two years, resigning as of October 31, 1978.

1978: Interim Leaders Appointed - Rev. & Mrs. Clifford Phillips

Rev. Clifford Phillips, founding superintendent, was asked to be acting superintendent until December 31, 1978.

1979: Superintendents Elected - Rev. James & Janice Taylor - January 1, 1979

This gave the newly elected replacements, Rev. James Taylor and his wife, Janice, time to make the shift from Pastor of a church in Selma to their new responsibilities at the Mission beginning on January 1, 1979.

1980: Board Discussion

Desire to purchase adjoining property owned by Pittsburg Steel Corporation

1981: Program Dropped From Radio Station KIRV - December 13, 1981

1982: Fresno County Fair - Ministry Ends - (1954 - 1982)

1982: Host of the I.U.G.M. - Third time the event is hosted in Fresno - May 1982

1982: Mobile Children's Chapel Ministry Ends - (1971 - 1984)

back to top

"A Time to Refocus" (1983 - 1989)
1983: Burrel Ranch Bought

40 acres purchased with the understanding we would pay off debt. In Escrow December 1983.

1984: Foundation

A recommendation is made to create a Fresno Rescue Mission Foundation. The discussion was tabled to be discussed at a future date. June, 1984

1984: Land Leased: Under the overpass / paved / parking - May, 1984

1984: Proposed FRM Expansion Discussed - South Building - $600,000 - August 1984

1985: Building Renovation

Sprinkler system added to the Mission building - March 1985

1986: Radio Programming

Radio Station KIRV begins airing new programming - April 1986

1988: Board Discussion

The Mission begins discussions to purchase a computer. The proposed cost - $13,500 to $17,000 dollars.

1988: Building Dedication

Plaque presented at the banquet to Allan Larsen - September 17, 1988

1989: Board Discussion

The Mission begins proposal for "Save the Children"

1989: Mission's 1st Concert - "Country Gospel Jamboree" - May 19, 1989

1989: Property Purchased

Land behind the Family Shelter to be used as the Children's Playground.

back to top

"Decade of Expansion" (1990 - 1996)

1990: Property Purchased - Vacant lot purchased (Access route to the Youth Center) - June 1990   1990: Dedication Ceremony - Madera Rescue Mission - July 21, 1990
1990: Fire - Blue House The House sitting between the Warehouse and the Family Shelter burns down, endangering the shelter.

1992: Building Completed - "Craycroft Youth Center" - October 1992 - Open House December 5, 1992

1993: New TV Program - Channel 34 - March 1993

1993: Minor Remodeling - July 1993

CYC then reopens for young women and their children. - November 1993

1993: Foster home for girls is explored

1994: Property Purchased

2.5 Acres to the North side of the Mission goes into escrow - August 1994

1994: TV Ministry Expands - Channel 43 - September 1994

1995: Mc Call Property: 20 Acres are for sale

• Board explores the possibility to purchase - March 1995
• Offer made on property - April 1995
• Property in escrow - May 1995
• Construction begins for "CYC Sonshine Ranch" - May 1995

1995: CYC Expansion

• Opens office building - March 1995
• Construction/Dedication of:"CYC Playground" - June1995

1995: Property Purchase

Vartikian House Purchased from the Poverello House - November 1995

1996: Grand Opening - "CYC Sonshine Ranch" - October 1996

back to top

"Time of Introspection & Redirection" (1997 - 2005)
1998: Resignation - Rev. James & Janice Taylor - April 1, 1998

1998: Director Appointed - Rev. Larry Arce - (Appointed as Director / CEO)

1999: "Shoe Box" Ministry Begins

Children in the Shelter are given a Bible, stuffed animal and miscellaneous items. The Ministry was sponsored by an outside donation - July 1999

1999: Radio Station Change - KBIF & KIRV dropped, KCIV added

2000: Property Purchased

Purchase of the Union Pacific property bordered by Ventura Street, G St. FRM property line and the UP track property was approved: $325,089.00 - January 9, 2000. The very next month the purchase of the land was tabled due to a dispute over cost per sq ft.

2001: Academy Trailer

The need for an Academy Trailer was presented - January 2001. Installation of the trailer, which continues to serve as a classroom for the Academy, was completed in 2001.

2001: Property

The property on San Benito and G Street became available for sale. The board approved an offer of $100,000 with this intent to exchange it for property elsewhere in Fresno - April 2001

2001: Corporate Resolution

Remove buildings from property located on San Benito and 'G' Street

2001: FRM Foundation - By Laws discussed

Dale Renberg working as a consultant for the Mission on the project - May 2001

2002: Strategic Planning

A committee was formed - March 2002

2002: Donor Development

The need for a Resource Development Department was discussed - April 2002. Donor Development Department staffed end of 2002. Donor Development team formed, consisting of staff and volunteers.

2002: Lighthouse Guild

A new women's auxiliary, "The Lighthouse Guild," was formed in October, 2002. The purpose of the Guild is to influence women to become part of the Fresno Rescue Mission, promoting community awareness, fund raising and service projects.

2003: Concert: "Sons of the San Joaquin" Perform

1st major fundraiser. The event was originally scheduled for May 2nd, but was delayed 1 month due to rain. June 6, 2003

2003: The Foundation Fresno Rescue Mission is established

The Foundation Fresno Rescue Mission is formally established. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide trusted charitable estate planning services to help meeting personal planning goals while furthering the work of the ministries and programs of the Fresno Rescue Mission. This includes oversight of new businesses established for the purpose of supporting the Fresno Rescue Mission.

2004: Fresno Rescue Mission Hosts AGRM Convention (again) - May, 2004

2004: Fresno Rescue Mission Launches "RESCUE Spirit Bar"

Larry Arce's dream of the Fresno Rescue Mission having its own candy bar came to fruition in May, 2004, when the RESCUE Spirit Bar was launched. Manufactured by DeBas Chocolatier, a local Christian company, the Spirit Bar will produce income that will directly benefit the homeless.

2004: On-Line Christian Bookstore

Another way to earn income for the Fresno Rescue Mission: The Spread the Word On-Line Christian Bookstore is launched: www.fresnorescuemission.spreadtheword.com

2004: Donation Station - July, 2004

The Fresno Rescue Mission established a "Donation Welcome Station" in the southwest parking lot. This provided donors with a specific location to drop off in-kind donations. The men in the recovery program act as "goodwill ambassadors" as they serve our donors.

2004: The Academy Introduces the Career Development and Computer Learning Center

2005: Fresno Rescue Mission Participates in Planning to Establish New Family Shelter in Clovis

There is a need for a family shelter is Clovis, due to the number of homeless families living in motels and cars. After much discussion, the Fresno Rescue Mission determined the shelter was not feasible at this time.

2005: "Lighthouse Treasures" Thrift Store Opens

The Fresno Rescue Mission opens its first thrift store, adjacent to the Emergency Family Shelter on G Street. (March, 2005)

2005: Safe Area Opens

The Fresno Rescue Mission, in partnership with the Fresno Police Department and Crime Stoppers, established the "Safe Area," an alternative to booking intoxicated individuals into the County Jail.

2005: First Annual "In God We Trust" Music Festival

A group of Christian Businessmen, through their Thursday lunch bible study, sponsored the first In God We Trust Music Festival at Coombs Riverbend Ranch. The proceeds benefited the Fresno Rescue Mission, One By One Leadership, Valley Teen Ranch and Save Mart Cares. Featured entertainers were Sandi Patty and Point of Grace.

2005: First Annual Birthday Party for the Homeless (August, 2005)

2005: Super Thrift Store With Cars Opens (September, 2005)

The Foundation Fresno Rescue Mission established the Super Thrift Store With Cars to generate income for the Fresno Rescue Mission. Located at 181 E. Sierra Avenue, Fresno, this thrift store includes a car lot. Proceeds will benefit the ministries of the Fresno Rescue Mission and allow for future growth.

2005: Fresno Rescue Mission Partners with the City of Fresno to Establish City Steward Program (September, 2005)

The Fresno Rescue Mission, through Fresno Works, partnered with the City of Fresno to develop the position of City Steward. Funded by a $100,000 grant from the City, Fresno Works employs graduates of The Academy. The City Stewards act as liaisons, answering questions and giving directions to visitors of Downtown Fresno. Once a week the City Stewards also work with Parks and Recreation to ensure the medians in Downtown Fresno are kept clean.

2005: Discussions Regarding the Future of the Craycroft Youth Center - Family To Family Program

2005: Fresno Rescue Mission Included in Chinatown Revitalization Project Planning