Meet Your New Neighbors

I met Dr. William Costello, his lovely wife Annette and their seven children on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 22, following services at Tehachapi Sovereign Grace Church where Will had been installed as permanent pastor the week before.

The family came to Tehachapi from Visalia where Will had been pastor of Grace Bible Church for six years before joining the pulpit-supply team of Grace Bible Church of Bakersfield. When Pastor Mike Jarvis resigned from TSGC at the end of 2022, Will was sent to fill in for two weeks but kept returning after that. He commuted to Tehachapi for a year-and-a-half.

Will, his wife Annette and their seven children finally moved to Tehachapi in May of 2024 and are thrilled to be here. Annette home schools all their children ranging in age from 15 to 3 years. She is also in charge of the Ladies Bible Study Program.

Will was born in the Hudson Valley of New York and attended Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia majoring in Bible Studies. This a where he met Annette. Annette was born in Grants Pass, Oregon, the youngest of four children. Her parents were missionaries in Indonesia from 1980 to 1984 before returning to the United States. The family ended up in Virginia.

Will and Annette came to California where Will earned a Master's degree in Church Growth followed by a Doctorate in Theology at Master' s Seminary in the San Fernando Valley. He said he has been preaching ever since.

The entire family has a wide-variety of interests. When he is not in the pulpit, Will likes to write. He is also a licensed Realtor. Annette said she likes crime mysteries and detective shows. Liam, 15, writes and paints. So far he has written a 100-page book. He said his goal is to write 36 books. Ivan, 13, loves science and wants to be an inventor. Alina, 11, is an artist and loves to draw people. Anya, 10, likes to sew and read. Amia, 8, also likes to read but, in addition, she loves to swim. Jude and Alora, 3, who are a handful but well-behaved, haven't really expressed any individual interests yet but help take care of the family cat, a Tuxedo named Tom-.

The membership of Tehachapi Sovereign Grace Church is fortunate to have this wonderful family in their midst and Pastor Will as their Pastor. He welcomes all to his services held Sunday at 10:30 a.m. TSGC is located beside Lee's Music at 20413 Brian Way. "Welcome to Tehachapi" to the entire Costello family.

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.