San Fernando Spanish Church Celebrates God’s Faithfulness Throughout 50 Years

The church stands during the processional.

This summer, San Fernando Spanish church celebrated decades of ministry. A small group that would become San Fernando Spanish church met to worship together for the first time in the 1940s. A church building was later purchased, and the congregation met there until a 1971 earthquake damaged the building
beyond repair. But this didn’t dim the congregation’s faith—they met elsewhere in the area to continue their mission and ministry.

All the while, the 200 members were committed to rebuilding a church of their own. Just a mile and a half away from the church’s first home, construction began on a new church building. In June 1976, the new church building was dedicated. Five years later, construction began once again, this time on a multipurpose building on the church property, featuring a gym, dining room, kitchen, community center, and more, completed in 1982.

Group photo.jpg // In 1976, the building was unveiled featuring four large murals depicting the three angels’ message, the second coming, the Lord’s supper, and the new earth, one of which is pictured in the background of this photo taken in the church foyer this June. (Left to right: Harrison; Ricardo Viloria, Central California Conference president and first youth pastor of San Fernando Spanish church; Ahn; Chan; Samuel Del Pozo, San Fernando Spanish church pastor; and Jahdiel Matos, San Fernando Spanish church youth pastor.

The history of this church tells a story filled with twists and turns. But this summer, this history culminated in a celebration focused on God’s faithfulness through it all. Members, former pastors, and guests gathered to recognize God’s working in the San Fernando Spanish church throughout 50 years with
songs of praise, prayers of gratitude, testimonies, and messages of encouragement.

Danny Chan, Southern California Conference (SCC) executive secretary and ministerial director, highlighted the church’s record baptisms and flourishing tithe in recent years. “This church has been a beacon of light in this community,” he said. “May it continue to bring hope, meet needs, and be known as a healthy, loving community because this church exists here.” Royal Harrison, SCC executive vice president, then presented the church with a check to support the work of evangelism.

“A 50-year anniversary is a precious moment for immigrant churches celebrating God’s faithfulness over the years,” said Kyoshin Ahn, executive secretary for the North American Division, who shared the morning’s message.

“The best years of this church do not have to be behind us,” Ahn declared, “it is before us. Amen?” Ahn claimed the promise of growth in Christ found in Philippians 1:6, saying, “May that be the case with this church.”