Chula Vista Bible Baptist Church

Ever wondered what fifteen people and a Knights of Pythias Hall have in common? The Chula Vista Bible Baptist Church story begins in 1968 with just such a group, led by Pastor Orville M. Tuck. They started their journey in National City at that very hall, then moved their services to the rented Marian Hall in Chula Vista. The Chula Vista Bible Baptist Church officially organized on June 2nd of that year. Pastor Tuck’s son-in-law, George H. Pool, took over leadership in 1969. Pastor Tuck subsequently moved to Missouri. Pastor Pool secured land at the church’s current location. He oversaw the construction of the first auditorium. The inaugural service in the new building took place on July 7, 1971, with forty-one attendees. In 1976, Dr. R.C. Wetzel joined Pastor Pool as co-pastor. For a time, they simultaneously led both the Chula Vista Bible Baptist Church and Bethel Baptist Church, also in Chula Vista. Pastor Pool accepted a new position at Grace Baptist Temple in San Antonio, Texas in 1979. After his departure, Bethel Baptist Church merged with Chula Vista Bible Baptist Church, further expanding the congregation and leading to additional building construction in 1981. Dr. Wetzel dedicated an impressive amount of time to ministry, serving 60 years in total. 50 of those years were spent in Chula Vista, with 34 at Chula Vista Bible Baptist Church alone. He retired in December 2015, concluding a 65-year ministry career. In 2016, Dr. Jorge “Don” Balares became the new pastor of Chula Vista Bible Baptist Church after transferring his membership from the Bible Baptist Church in National City. His ordination took place on September 4, 2016. His brother, Jorge “Jun” Balares, became assistant pastor in 2019. Andrew Opilas joined the pastoral team as youth pastor in 2020, while his wife, Ruth, continued serving as music director. Today, Chula Vista Bible Baptist Church is a cornerstone of the community. It offers a variety of programs including Sunday School, Children’s Church, Bible studies, and music ministry. The church remains committed to its founding principles, upholding the King James Version of the Bible.