In 1972 a group of Portuguese-Americans, most of them young people, inspired by two Portuguese-speaking missionaries, Father Jose Carlos and Father Ivo Rocha, decided on a place where they could cherish their Portuguese heritage and the Catholic faith. To that end they bought 5 acres at 2602 South Walnut Road in Turlock. This was A major step that took courage, hope and vision. A good number of young people and families participated enthusiastically and generously from the very beginning. Soon a non-profit cooperation called Portuguese Cultural Center was established with the following official members: Father Ivo Rocha, Father Jose Carlos, Luis Azevedo, Antonio Luis Borba, Antonio Carvalho, Maria de Jesus Martins, Antonio Simoes, Joao Simoes, Armelim Fontes Sousa, Joao Fontes Sousa, Honorio Teixeira and Jesuina Teixiera. Father Joaquim Esteves, a senior priest and friend of the community, was very helpful and supportive. In December of 1972 religious services began in a mobile home at the Center and on June 11 of the following year, 1973, the first church was blessed and dedicated by Bishop Don Merlin Guilfoyle. In October of 1981 the Center was established as Our Lady of Assumption of the Portuguese Church and Father Ivo Rocha was appointed pastor and Father Valentim Freitas associate pastor. Some time later Father Richard Forti is invited to celebrate mass in English at 9 AM and begins to work in our youth program. Although dedicated as a Portuguese personal parish with a special ministry to the Portuguese- speaking, Our Lady of the Assumption is open to all that want to join. In 1982 the Parish Hall was built as a place of worship, education, an social activities. Father Eugene Trainer is appointed Administrator in 1986 and Father Manuel Fontes Sousa Co-Administrator January 17, 1987. In August of 1989 Father Manuel is installed as Pastor at the mass of the feast of our patroness. More recently we have begun working in our new home. Let this new church be a sign of the living church which we are. Let us be living stones in love and service