Did the walls of Faith Center Church ever imagine holding such a vibrant history? This unassuming structure at 1615 South Glendale Avenue pulsates with stories. It whispers tales of humble beginnings and audacious dreams. Faith Center Church wasn’t always the sprawling complex we see today. It began as Maple Chapel in April 1947, a modest remodeled bungalow on the corner of Maple and Adams Street in Glendale. Just 35 souls gathered under the leadership of Pastor Ray and Ruth Schoch. Their vision, however, extended far beyond those four walls.
Faith Center Church, originally Maple Chapel, held its first family camp meeting in the mountains in 1948. These gatherings became so popular they eventually led to the purchase of Sa-Ha-Le Camp at Big Bear. This wasn’t just a summer retreat. This camp became a place of spiritual renewal, a place where God’s presence was felt powerfully, with stories of unexplained lights in the sky mirroring the light found in their hearts. The seeds of faith sown at Maple Chapel grew beyond spiritual gatherings. They recognized a need for education rooted in their beliefs. In 1949, Kahnack Christian Academy, later known as Faith Center Christian School, was born. The school started humbly, using the church’s Sunday school rooms as classrooms. This embodied their dedication to nurturing young minds with a foundation of faith.
Pastor Schoch’s visionary leadership didn’t stop at camps and schools. He dreamt of a radio station, a bold idea met with skepticism by many. Yet, in 1956, KHOF-FM, “Radio the Christian Way,” went on air. Miracles seemed to pave the way for KHOF. A stranger’s unexpected climb to the top of the radio tower resulted in a publicity bonanza for the station. This publicity pushed KHOF-FM into the spotlight, broadening its reach and influence. This growth necessitated a move. The congregation outgrew the little bungalow that was Maple Chapel and held Sunday services in a rented space. Then, in 1964, a “For Sale” sign on a three-story building caught Pastor Schoch’s eye. Located at the corner of South Glendale Avenue and Eulalia Street, this property, formerly owned by Forest Lawn Memorial Park, became the new home of what is now Faith Center Church.
The move marked not only a physical expansion but a renaming. The name “Faith Center” reflected the church’s multifaceted mission. It was a center for missions, schools, radio, and eventually television. Faith Center continued its media expansion with the launch of KHOF-TV, Channel 30, in 1969. This bold step made Faith Center the first single-church-owned television station in the U.S. Their broadcast ministry grew again in 1971 with the acquisition of KIFM in Bakersfield. These ventures weren’t just local. Faith Center’s influence spread globally, aiding the establishment of Christian radio stations in Mexico City and showing interest in stations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From a small congregation in a remodeled bungalow, Faith Center Church blossomed into a multi-million dollar media empire. Their journey is a testament to faith, vision, and the power of community working together to spread their message. As you stand before Faith Center Church today, remember its journey, from a small seed of faith to the towering tree of influence it has become.