“Ever wonder how a church finds its purpose?” Let me tell you the story of Exodus Baptist Church. It is a testament to faith and community.
Exodus Baptist Church does not have a readily available history online. However, I can share some information about Baptist churches generally in San Diego.
In 1869 a small group of people knew there was a need for a Baptist Church in San Diego. Alonzo Horton the city’s founder recognized the need for Christian congregations. He challenged protestant denominations to build. The First Baptist congregation was organized by Rev. C. F. Weston on June 5 1869. It was organized in a small room in what is now downtown San Diego.
The first church building commenced in August. It opened for worship October 3 1869. This building was on Seventh Street near F. It sat on a lot donated to the church by Alonzo Horton. Horton also gave the new congregation a church bell. It was the first church bell ever used in new San Diego. This bell is now in the rafters of a building in University City. It is still rung on certain occasions. The Horton Prize Bell was dedicated on October 31 1869. Rev. B. S. McLafferty arrived to take charge of the congregation on December 18 1869. As the church grew a new church building was built in 1888. It was on the corner of 10th and E.
Another church started in 1946. They were grateful to the United States of America. God used America to deliver their home country the Philippines. America liberated the Philippines after Imperial Japanese occupation. They granted independence to the Republic of the Philippines on July 4 1946. God’s gift to the Filipinos was when American Baptist missionaries came to the Philippines. They preached the gospel. Many heard it and were saved.
In 1953 Rev. Fred and Mrs. Lorene Null went to the Philippines. They spent 25 years winning souls. They trained preachers and workers. They planted 25 Bible-believing Baptist churches. After suffering a stroke Pastor Null was led to San Diego. He discovered about 70000 Filipino-Americans lived there. He desired to reach them with the Gospel. Pastor and Mrs. Null began to establish a mission. They wanted to reach the Filipinos in San Diego. The Filipino Bible Baptist Mission of National City was born. They borrowed a small building on the side of the Calvary Baptist Church.
In 1982 Larry Obero accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. He surrendered to preach the Gospel. Larry and his wife Myrna stepped through the doors of the mission. When the mission was established as a church Larry Obero and his family were charter members. Larry Obero served under Pastor Null. Eventually the pastorate was passed on to him.
In 1992 the Filipino Bible Baptist Church moved to Chula Vista California. The church merged with Grace Baptist Temple of Chula Vista. The combined congregation became the Filipino and American Bible Baptist Church. Larry Obero was still the pastor.
In 2003 the church moved back to National City. They occupied the entire Calvary Baptist Church property. Pastor Obero desired to reach more than just Filipino-Americans. After prayer the church shortened its name to Bible Baptist Church. The church grew from 50 to an average of 500.
In 2008 Carlos Serrano and his family started the Bible Baptist Church of Delano California. Several years later Pastor Carlos Serrano returned to San Diego. He served once more at Bible Baptist Church of National City.
In 2018 Pastor Obero retired. Pastor Carlos Serrano took over the pastorate. The Bible Baptist Church continues to proclaim the Gospel in National City California and its surrounding areas.
These stories reflect faith, community, and a commitment to spreading the Gospel. While I do not have specific historical details for Exodus Baptist Church, its presence reflects this ongoing tradition. It is a place where faith and community intertwine shaping lives and contributing to the spiritual landscape of San Diego.