Yettem Officially Designated As Historic Site

The community of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church of Yettem came together on Saturday, April 25, for a monumental moment in our town’s story — its official designation as a historic site.

Now, passersby can view a large stone plaque near the cross at the foot of the church gate detailing a brief history of Yettem.

In attendance was event organizer Chuck Simonian, who worked closely on the project with members of E Clampus Vitus, a semi-secret fraternity dedicated to preserving Western history, and several politicians and their representatives.

The list includes U.S. Congressman Jim Costa, Tulare County Board of Supervisors Chair Amy Shuklian, Assemblymember Alexandra Macedo, Parish Priest Reverend Father Ashod Khachadourian of Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Tulare County Supervisor Eddie Valero, Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Armenia Berj Apkarian and Roxanne Serna from Melissa Hurtado’s office.

After Reverend Father Mashdots Keshishian of St. Mary Armenian Church of Yettem offered a blessing, the program began.

Costa, in light of the ceremony being held one day after April 24, or Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, spoke to the importance of recognizing the Armenian Genocide.

“It’s important because, still today, we have 120,000 Armenians who have lost their native homeland in Artsakh, otherwise referred to as Nagorno-Karabakh,” Costa said.

The Yettem church received a number of recognition certificates from outside parties: the Tulare County Board of Supervisors, the California State Assembly, the California State Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and St. Sarkis Armenian Church.

After the ceremony, the crowd gathered in the church hall to enjoy a light lunch and refreshments.

When Yettem was first established in the early 20th century, it was a bustling Armenian community, home to many who had come in escape of the genocide.

As the generations continued, many moved to nearby cities like Fresno, Visalia, Dinuba and Orosi, leaving Yettem largely destitute of an Armenian presence.

However, on Sundays, our “Garden of Eden” comes to life again. The congregation travels up to one hour each week to attend church at St. Mary, and it is for this reason that Yettem still receives accolades for its unwavering sense of community.

The designation, which will remain on the church grounds for countless years to come, serves as a reminder that, no matter how far away they go, Armenians always bring with them a slice of our homeland.

Anahid Valencia