CYPRESS : Church Is Granted Extension on Trailers

Orange County Holiness Church, the embattled church that has struggled to keep its doors open for a decade, can stay another year in its makeshift trailers, the City Council decided this week.

The Japanese-American congregation was given a one-year extension to use the construction trailers that have been their sanctuary since 1985. But they must be out of them by Jan. 13, 1993, the council ordered.

“Based on the recent approval of the plans for the permanent project, staff supports the extended use of the trailers,” said Planning Director Chris Eynon. The council agreed and unanimously approved the extension.

The approval Monday marks the end of a long road for the church, which has been locked in a battle with the city over the use of its trailers since its property, formerly in unincorporated county territory, was incorporated into Cypress’ boundaries in 1989.

Until that time, the county allowed the congregation to meet in the brown trailers at the end of Bishop Street. But Cypress law was more restrictive and officials ordered the church to replace the trailers with a permanent church structure.

The congregation will stay in the trailers until construction begins and they are forced out, Pastor Jim Sakuri told the council. “We would like to continue to use the trailers until we move into the building phase.”

Monday’s decision also marks the start of an even more treacherous journey as the congregation now officially has one year to come up with enough money to construct a church building.

In January, the congregation submitted plans for the $750,000 building project, which were subsequently approved by the council. So far they have raised about one-third of the money needed for the new church.

The council has warned the congregation in the past that it is serious about getting rid of the makeshift sanctuary. Another extension is not likely.

Church officials are not taking the threat lightly. On Monday they told the council that they are serious about raising the funds, but needed to stay put so they could concentrate on the building program.