<\/p>\n
The choir sings during the final service of Pioneer Congregational United Church of Christ at their church on L Street in Sacramento on Sunday, May 31, 2026.<\/p>\n
HANNAH RUHOFF<\/p>\n
hruhoff@sacbee.com<\/p>\n
Beneath stained-glass windows glowing with biblical icons from 1926, the pastor of Pioneer Congregational Church United Church of Christ reminded the congregation of God\u2019s presence as more than 50 mourners filled the pews.<\/p>\n
Tears welled in the eyes of those gathered in the sanctuary at the Midtown church on 2700 L Street.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can look at all the windows and be reminded of the greatness of who God is, but you know who I find to be the best representation of God? My neighbor, my friend, my partner, the person who sits next to me in the pew, you\u2019re here because you\u2019re not just loving the building, but you\u2019re loving each other,\u201d Rev. David Bocock said.<\/p>\n
Pastor David Bocock gives the final service of Pioneer Congregational United Church of Christ at their church on L Street in Sacramento on Sunday, May 31, 2026. HANNAH RUHOFF hruhoff@sacbee.com
Raymond Graetz hugs Barbara Renzi before the final service of Pioneer Congregational United Church of Christ at their church on L Street in Sacramento on Sunday, May 31, 2026. HANNAH RUHOFF hruhoff@sacbee.com <\/p>\n
The small but mighty choir filled the room with songs of welcome and gratitude, setting a warm and celebratory tone for the gathering for the 177-year-old church organization.<\/p>\n
Community members shared personal stories about their deep connections to the L Street building.<\/p>\n
For many, it had been the backdrop to life\u2019s most meaningful milestones: a place where they were baptized, married, and raised in faith. Within its walls, they found friendship, support, and a lasting sense of community that has spanned generations.<\/p>\n
Raymond Graetz and Joseph Lenihan comfort each other during the final service of Pioneer Congregational United Church of Christ at their church on L Street in Sacramento on Sunday, May 31, 2026. HANNAH RUHOFF hruhoff@sacbee.com
Fay Grundel tears up as she shares memories of the church during the final service of Pioneer Congregational United Church of Christ at their church on L Street in Sacramento on Sunday, May 31, 2026. HANNAH RUHOFF hruhoff@sacbee.com <\/p>\n
Bocock, known as Pastor Bo to the congregation, told The Bee that the moment the century-old building was put up for sale it made the future of the congregation unclear.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have some plans, and so we\u2019re looking at a possible merger with another denominational UCC (United Church of Christ) church,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019re talking about renting space, we\u2019re talking about federating, which is a fancy church word, and it\u2019s like a merger, but it\u2019s not. We\u2019ve talked about maybe closing, but that\u2019s the last thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Betsy Ruggit, the church historian, said the streaming habits started with COVID-19 made it easier for people to stop attending church in person which stopped funds.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe redid the kitchen, so it\u2019s a commercial kitchen, and rent out the kitchen for catering and doing that, but it\u2019s not enough to bring in,\u201d she said. \u201cWe have a couple other churches that have little services here that wasn\u2019t enough to meet all of our financial needs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bocock said he won\u2019t be a part of knowing the future plans as he will be moving to the Sierra Vista Community Church in Arden. He said he isn\u2019t sure where people will go next as his four years as the pioneer pastor comes to an end.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re needing a break for sure. Their hearts are heavy, and they need to grieve, and they need to spend time grieving,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Barbara Renzi wipes her tears during the final service of Pioneer Congregational United Church of Christ at their church on L Street in Sacramento on Sunday, May 31, 2026. HANNAH RUHOFF hruhoff@sacbee.com
John Couch and Stephen Sylvanus listen to the final service of Pioneer Congregational United Church of Christ at their church on L Street in Sacramento on Sunday, May 31, 2026. HANNAH RUHOFF hruhoff@sacbee.com <\/p>\n
Ruggit said the church building was sold to a buyer who plans to turn it into a mix-use building.<\/p>\n
\u201cI made sure that it had a historical designation, because that was really important to me, because I did not want the building to be torn down,\u201d she said. \u201cIt does have a historical designation that the exterior cannot be modified or changed, even like the stained-glass windows, that is part of the actual exterior of the windows, and so they\u2019re all protected \u201c<\/p>\n
Bocock, a self-proclaimed \u201cliberal redneck\u201d from Oklahoma, spoke of a story of Paul and Jesus to the congregation as they face uncertainties about what lies next for the group.<\/p>\n
Pastor David Bocock tears up during the final service of Pioneer Congregational United Church of Christ at their church on L Street in Sacramento on Sunday, May 31, 2026. HANNAH RUHOFF hruhoff@sacbee.com
Empty pews before the final service of Pioneer Congregational United Church of Christ at their church on L Street in Sacramento on Sunday, May 31, 2026. HANNAH RUHOFF hruhoff@sacbee.com <\/p>\n
\u201cIn our scripture lessons for today, we read where Paul and Jesus inspired early Christians not to lose heart and to go with faith wherever God is sending them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The pastor encouraged his community to know that there is courage in choosing not to give up, but instead to search together for the place for them.<\/p>\n
\u201cTrust that God has been preparing you for this moment, and go in faith,\u201d he said. \u201cGod will continue to guide the pioneer congregational church. So, as you walk out these doors for the last time, do not think of it as ending, think of it as a procession into God\u2019s future.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said God has been faithful through every generation before, noting the church\u2019s long history.<\/p>\n
\u201cCarry the memories with gratitude, carry the grief of modesty, and carry hope as well,\u201d Borock said. \u201cSomewhere ahead is a new home, a new chapter, a new opportunity for ministry you cannot yet find.\u201d<\/p>\n
Barbetta Laurelle greets Raymond Graetz and Joseph Lenihan before the final service of Pioneer Congregational United Church of Christ at their church on L Street in Sacramento on Sunday, May 31, 2026. HANNAH RUHOFF hruhoff@sacbee.com
\u201cThis do in remembrance of me\u201d is written on the altar at Pioneer Congregational United Church of Christ on L Street in Sacramento. The congregation held their final service in the building on on Sunday, May 31, 2026. HANNAH RUHOFF hruhoff@sacbee.com
\n Related Stories from Sacramento Bee<\/p>\n
Nicole Buss<\/a><\/p>\n The Sacramento Bee<\/p>\n Nicole Buss is The Sacramento Bee\u2019s Roseville\/Placer County watchdog reporter. She previously covered Placer County at Gold Country Media. Buss grew up in Lincoln and is a graduate of Sierra College and Arizona State University.\u00a0\n <\/p>\n
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