Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd

The parish began as a small Sunday School in the home of Hamilton Marstons on Grevillea Way in 1953.  Beginning with fifteen children in November, it ended eight months later with seventy enrolled.  The success of the Sunday school indicated the need for a church in the Sweetwater Valley.

The first bishop's committee was organized on July 15, 1954.  The following year, land was purchased. The Rev. Frank Maguire arrived as vicar in October, 1961.

On November 13, 1966, the congregation petitioned for parish satus and the following February it was received as a parish of the Diocese of Los Angeles.  We have been a parish of the Diocese of San Diego since it was established in 1973.  The Rev. W. Francis B. Maguire retired as rector in June, 1997, and the Rev. George M. Calvert was called to the the second rector in August, 1998.

Room is made at Good Shepherd for many points of view, and all questions are valued.  Newcom Exhibitions are welcomed, and their ideas, efforts, and presence are genuinely sought.  A wide variety of service, study and fellowship activities invite your fullest paraticiation in this community of Christians.

The Church of the Good Shepherd is located in the Sweetwater Valley Community of Bonita-Sunnyside which is a valley of contradictions.  Rural values and urban sophistication.  Stately homes and horse corrals.  Natural beauty and urban encroachment.

The Sweetwater Valley is an amazing place to live.  There are exciting and unique community-based activities and events happening the whole year round. The people here don't stand still much.  That is readily apparent the first time you drive through Bonita and Sunnyside  We run, golf, horseback ride, garden, bike, walk and hike.