From humble beginnings….
Our First Worship Service
The First Sabbath School and Worship Service was held on July 9, 1977 a rented Assembly of God Church building which had a seating capacity of 70 people. Over 100 people showed up, packing the place with adults and children. On August 11, 1977. The Southeastern California Conference Executive Committee authorized the formal organization of the Filipino Company, with Elder Dale Barizo as its first pastor. In October 1977 the Filipino Company was organized.
Our Church Name
Fil-AmJoyce Steinback suggested the name “Filipino American SDA Church” for the group. She felt it was appropriately descriptive of the mixed membership of both Filipinos and Americans who made up the Congregation.
God’s Providential Leadings & a new Church Building…
In 1978 the Church had outgrown the Assembly Church at Spring Valley so that the 300-seat Church facility of another Assembly Church on 8th Street in National City became its new meeting place. New ministries started too grown and the increased use of the facilities caused the Assembly of God Congregation to make the occasion to terminate our contract to rent from them. The prospect of not having place for the Filipino Company to meet on Sabbath led to much prayer. It was around this time when Dr. Pedro Villanueva, one of the first leaders of the group saw God’s providential leading.
During a graveside service at Glenn Abbey, Dr. Pedro Villanueva saw a “For Sale” sign on the church property adjacent in the cemetery. An offer was made to purchase the property. The church group put their resources together in sacrificial giving. Within six months the necessary amount needed to close Escrow for the $230,000 sale was raised including an extra $30,000. After several “Work Bees” and major repairs, the congregation moved into this facility-their new home church. On May 16, 1981 the San Diego Fil-Am SDA Church was formally organized from a Company to a Church by Elder Elwood Staff. The total Charter Membership was 193 with an attendance 200 every week.
Progress & Blessings…
Since the beginning to the present we have seen God’s hand blessing and guiding us to progress onward. Under the leadership of Pastor Dingoasen a new Multi-purpose and Youth Center was build which was dedicated October 3, 1987 during the 10th anniversary celebration. We also saw the membership of our church grow from a small company to a bigger church membership. We thank the Lord for the Pastors, members and friends who have contributed much for the progress of the Church.
Written by: Jose C. Valdez, Jr.