Over 65 years ago, a small but mighty group of believers took a bold step of faith after being displaced by eminent domain near Foothill and Paxton,” Valley Crossroads Pastor Roscoe Shields Jr. explained. “We purchased the land you’re standing on today—a three-acre parcel— through sacrifice, fundraising, and God-given vision. The original design called for three distinct phases: a sanctuary, a fellowship hall, and, finally, a community gymnasium and wellness center. The sanctuary was completed in the early 1970s. Then in 1988, the slab for the Fellowship Hall was resurrected into a full building.”
This final phase—a community center to serve the San Fernando Valley and beyond—has been in the making for more than 50 years. In fact, initial drawings for the Center were even found from 1968.
At the groundbreaking service this summer, faith leaders from the community and partners in the building project joined church and conference leaders to speak on the impact of the project. Southern California Conference (SCC) leadership expressed support for the project. “Your commitment to Pacoima and the greater San Fernando Valley reflects the heart of Christ’s mission—to care for the least, the lost, and the lonely,” John H. Cress, SCC president, shared. “This Community Center will be a safe haven for youth, a support for families, a resource for seniors, and a beacon of hope for all.”
Sali Butler, member of Valley Crossroads church and the building committee, shared about the current ministries of the church, including food and clothing distribution for which people gather each Sabbath, the line wrapping around the church building. “We’re bursting out at the seams,” she shared. “But this building is just going to allow us to do so much more.”
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