Our History

Over Sixty Years of Ministry

Historical Highlights

1941 Summer, Clara Bush requested the So Cal district to investigate establishing a mission station to serve La Mesa, California. October, Mission Board extended a call to Pastor A.S. Lucas.

1942 January 18, initial church service at the American Legion Hall. September, a dance hall on La Mesa Blvd and Acacia St. purchased for $3,150 and converted into a chapel. October 18, first service in this building conducted.

1944 Current location on La Mesa Blvd is procured from the city of La Mesa.

1951 Groundbreaking and dedication for the first unit of the school building.

1958 Ken Lamb installed as principal–teacher of day school. September, school opened with two teachers, Ken Lamb and Eunice Elser, and 55 students.

1959 September 20, dedication of second education unit.

1967 Pastor Lucas retired.

1969 Pastor Arthur Puls installed.

1973 May 6, dedication of new education, fellowship, and administration facility.

1982 Ms. Kathie Perkins, 7th grade teacher, received the Pacific Southwest District Middle school educator of the year award.

1984 Mr. Bill Roan, 4th grade teacher, received the Pacific Southwest District Elementary school educator of  the year award.

1984 The first 8th grade student received the Arthur Bean Christian Service Award..

1992 October, groundbreaking for the
Preschool building for kindergarten, preschool, and adult ministries.

1993 Opened Preschool.

1997 Pastor Richard Burkey installed.

2000 Mrs. Karen Trapp—Our ESC Director received the Pacific Southwest District School Age Care Director of the year award.

2005 Plans for a new “state of the art” school facility approved.

2009 Moved into brand new, state-of-the-art school facility.

2009 Ms. Xavria Schwarz, principal, received the Pacific Southwest District Administrator of the year award.

2009 Mrs. Christine Small, 3rd grade teacher, received the Pacific Southwest District Elementary school educator of the year award.