Our History

It all started when…

A small group of people in San Diego knew there was a need for a Baptist Church in New San Diego.  Alonzo Horton, the city’s founder, recognized the need for Christian congregations in the new San Diego and challenged protestant denominations to build.  Below is just a brief look at our first buildings in San Diego…

The First Baptist congregation was organized by Rev. C. F. Weston on June 5, 1869.  It was organized by a small group of people in a small room in what is now downtown San Diego.  The first church building was commenced in August and opened for worship October 3, 1869.  This building was on Seventh Street near F, on a lot donated to the church by Alonzo Horton. 

Horton also gave the new congregation a church bell—the first church bell ever used in new San Diego.  This bell is now situated in the rafters of the current building in University City and is still rung on certain occasions.  The Horton Prize Bell was dedicated on the October 31st 1869.  Rev. B. S. McLafferty was called to take charge of the congregation, and arrived for that purpose on December 18, 1869. 

As the church grew, a new church building was built in 1888 on the corner of 10th and E.