In 2011, Christ the King Church celebrated its Diamond Jubilee of 60 years in the community and Christ the King School honored its 50th Anniversary. It is clear that 2012 is another significant year for Christ the King with the retirement of Martha “Meta” Evanson after forty-eight years of dedicated service.

Meta began working as the housekeeper and cook for the CTK Rectory during a cool Easter Sunday on March 29, 1964. Her first client was Monsignor Wade, who enjoyed tuna sandwiches every day for lunch.

Meta’s exceptional ability to prepare a fine meal, like an Irish Stew, and manage a rectory for a large parish, was clearly evident by the number of priests she served over the years including: CTK’s Pastor Father Brian Joyce; Associate Pastor Father Donie O’Connor; and retired Associate Pastor Father Brian Timoney. They, and many others, will miss her dearly. When asked about the number of priests she had served, Meta, at the age of 91, quipped that, “they’ve gotten better looking every year”.

Mayor John Hanecak recognized Meta’s contributions to the community with a proclamation at her retirement dinner at the Contra Costa Country Club on June 4. Bishop John Cummins was also in attendance to recognize Meta for her tremendous years of service.