Church Pioneers
The earliest record of a movement for a Community Church on Point Loma is found in the diary of the late Dr. Charlotte Baker. In an entry dated October 24, 1897, she tells of the formation of a Community Sunday School, and of her appointment as its superintendent.
Preachers and Sunday School teachers of various denominations took turns in coming from distant San Diego to help out, Dr. Fred Baker’s sailboat being their means of transportation. It was literally an all day trip, with entertainment at the home of the Bakers and other hospitable friends. Records include mentions of Rev. Orno Tyler making the trip in October of 1929, and Rev. Jospeh Fox in 1932.
Church Organization
On December 8, 1936, a group of citizens met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Depew to discuss ways and means of starting a church. The Committee of Eleven, which was appointed, decided to present a church project to the community, agreeing to stand all the expense campaign.
For over a year a diligent search was made for a suitable lot on which a church could be built. Owing to deed and zoning restrictions, it was finally clear that the location would have to be outside the restricted areas, and lots were obtained near Chatsworth and Voltaire.
By the time the lot was purchased, the original plans contemplated were entirely outgrown, and the building committee appointed found it necessary to revise the entire program.
This work appealed to all types of residents on account of its threefold objective – a broad Community Church, an efficient program of Christian Education and a complete Assembly hall for all community activities.
The '30s
The ‘30s were a time of Dreaming and Planning and Hoping; but much more than that, a time of Action and Work and Results.
How did we happen to become Presbyterian? In December 1936, the Point Loma area was allocated to the Presbyterian Church by interdenominational agreement. It was felt that “a Presbyterian Church, built on a community basis, would be broad enough in scope to welcome all Christian people of the area irrespective of their former denomination affiliation.” With this green light, a dedicated group started a neighborhood interest campaign which resulted in the organization of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church. On June 24, 1937, the church was incorporated with 133 charter members under the auspices of the Presbytery of Los Angeles that covered this region. The first service of this incorporated body was held on June 27, 1937, with 115 of its charter members.
Plans were submitted, a site was found, and on October 9, 1938, the first worship service was held in the mission-style chapel. This first phase of the building program contained the chapel, church school rooms, social hall, kitchen and offices. All this, plus the land, cost $30,000! A seminary student, Thomas Franklyn Hudson, was called to be the first official Pastor.
So this decade, which began with a vision and an empty lot, ended with an active congregation and a completed facility.
The first services were held in the new sanctuary (our present Chapel) on October 9, 1938.
The '40s
This was the Educational Decade in which the first Director of Christian Education, Blanche Smith Craig, was hired. Next, the much needed Educational Unit was built. Hired as Pastor in 1942, S. Dean McBride led the dedication ceremony of the classroom facility on Sept. 19, 1948. Prior to this, the Sunday School met in donated temporary bungalows, erected on cement blocks, out on a vacant back section of the corner lot. In keeping with the growing educational aspect of these years, so many adults came for instruction and guidance, that identical dual worship services were started in 1946.
The '50s
Stretching, reaching and expanding, we entered the Decade of the Sanctuary. Now that dual worship services were in session to accommodate the flourishing membership, plans were set in motion to provide more room for them. A Groundbreaking Ceremony was held Feb.7, 1954, and the Cornerstone Ceremony took place on the 17th anniversary of the founding, June 27, 1954. In the cornerstone were placed such items as a Bible, Hymnal, daily newspaper, church newsletter, and photos of congregation members.
One other important ceremony was held in the ‘50s: The Ceremony of The Keys on Dec. 12, 1954. This impressive pageant culminated in the unlocking of the front double doors and the entry of the congregation into the completed sanctuary for the first worship service. Attention was next turned to the existing early buildings. Extensive remodeling in 1955 resulted in an enlarged Social Hall, a new kitchen and parlor, modernized offices, and a New England face lift for the Chapel.
Our present Sanctuary was dedicated December 12, 1954.
The '60s
The main events in this decade centered around People. This holds true even as in 1960 the back wing of the Educational Building was finished, in 1964 the inside of the Chapel was renovated, and in 1964 and 1969 the two parking lots were developed. Of course, all of these building projects were required to accommodate the growth of the Real Church: the people of Christ.
September 1962 saw the joyous welcome of Louis E. Vick as he was installed as Assistant Pastor. Five years later the congregation accepted, with deep regret, the resignation of S. Dean McBride who had guided the church as Pastor for 25 years. On May 31, 1967, Dr. McBride was named Pastor Emeritus by a grateful congregation.
With over 2,000 members, up-to-date business management was a necessity, so a Church Administrator was employed in 1967. The last staff person to enter the history of the Pt. Loma Church in the ‘60s was Paul D. Clark. Installed as Pastor on June 30, 1968, the Rev. Clark served until 1980.
The '70s
The key concept for this decade was Innovation.
Innovation in worship came through the introduction of a less traditional, more informal early Sunday morning worship service in the Chapel.
Innovation in music was indicated by hiring the first full-time Minister of Music, Kathi Rundus, in 1978. This followed the retirement of J. Dayton Smith after his 22 year tenure as Choir Director. More musical innovations were the formation of a Handbell Choir and Recorder Ensemble.
Innovation in expression was fulfilled by a lay-readers group named “The Red Brick Drama Society”, and by the use of colored slides to augment Sunday sermons.
The final innovation of the ‘70s was the complete remodeling of the chancel area of the Sanctuary, allowing for better grouping of the choir, improved sight lines for the congregation, and more room for special events such as pageants, musical groups, weddings, baptisms, and reception of new members.
The '80s and '90s
This era could well be described as one of Ministry Growth. Early in this period, in September of 1981, Arthur F. Sueltz was called to the post of Pastor. Several new programs began under the leadership of Pastor Sueltz, and included the construction and dedication of the Family Life Center in 1991. Instrumental and vocal musical evenings brought enthusiastic response from the community. A learning center for toddlers was started, filling a need at one end of the age scale, while the Chatsworth Adult Center welcomes all seniors in the area to a weekly agenda of classes, crafts and fellowship at the other. In addition, several AA chapters began to use the church as a gathering place, and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts both had charters here.
At the same time, our regular church activities still continued, including Junior and Senior High fellowship, Presbyterian Women, men’s and women’s prayer and study groups, and small Covenant Groups. All this formed the foundation of a strong and concerned Christian community, filling all levels of need in the greater Point Loma community.
A New Century
This decade may well be remembered as the Season of Renewal. Art Sueltz retired in 2003 after 22 years of service, and was named Pastor Emeritus; he was followed by Interim Pastor Gary Demarest. The Rev. Dr. John Paul Powell became our 5th Senior Pastor on Pentecost Sunday, May 15, 2005. He came from previous service in Pittsburgh, PA; Lubbock, TX; Sherman Oaks and Glendale, CA; Iowa and Oregon.
Under his leadership a greater sense of congregational participation has emerged with the adoption of a Mission Plan which is centered on the Three Greats:
the Great Commandment to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength, and our neighbors as ourselves;
the Great Commission to disciple the nations, going, baptizing, and teaching all the Christ commands; and
the Great Ends of the Church as described in the Presbyterian Book of Order.
Beyond these shared values, a greater growth in adult discipleship has emerged along with fuller participation in small groups, children’s and youth ministries, young couples, senior ministries and Sunday fellowship with Coffee on the Green.
Our Renovation Project is scheduled for completion in 2012.
In anticipation of our Diamond Anniversary on Sunday, June 24, 2012, our church grounds will be undergoing extensive renovations. The renovation plans include many exciting improvements and modifications to the Sanctuary, the outdoor spaces around the Sanctuary, and certain meeting and work spaces.
Come join us and help us write the future of our church!