Meet Your New Neighbors

Pastor Harold Gordon arrived in Tehachapi on July 1 with his wife CeCe and their 4-year-old son Elijah. They moved to Tehachapi from Oakland for Harold to take over as pastor of Tehachapi Valley United Methodist Church on Shout Rd.

Although Harold was born in Los Angeles, his family moved to South Carolina when he was 18 months old. He has a brother and a sister. Their mother passed away when he was young. He dropped out of high school and joined the army and spent three years in Germany. He says the army gave him focus. He got his high school diploma while he was in Germany.

When he returned to the United States, he began studying theology. He received his Bachelor's degree at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg and then went on to get his Master's degree at Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. He has now been a pastor for 38 years.

During his years in South Carolina, he was pastor for several churches. While in St. George he pastored three churches at one time. He said the church refers to this as a "three-point charge." He spent eight years in Orangeburg before moving to Faith United Methodist Church (UMC), Wesley UMC and New Francis Brown. His first marriage had ended in divorce after three years of counseling.

Harold moved to Oakland, California and was pastor for Downs in Berkley and then Jones Memorial UMC in San Francisco. He was working part time at a truck stop when he met CeCe. They fell in love and soon got married. They now have a 4-year-old son, Elijah.

Harold said he is excited to be in Tehachapi and was thrilled to learn that there are martial arts studios here. Over the years, Harold has studied martial arts and holds a black belt in taekwondo.

Welcome to Tehachapi to Pastor Harold, CeCe and Elijah Gordon. The Tehachapi Valley United Methodist Church is fortunate to have you.

If you have moved to Tehachapi within the last six months, Hilltop Welcoming Service has a bag of information about the Greater Tehachapi area, including local activities, events, government and facilities. There are always a few coupons and gifts, as well. It is a great way to learn about your new community. Being part of this column is strictly optional. If you would like a visit from the Welcome Hostess, contact our office at (661) 822-8188.