Volunteer effort built this chapel. Laurel Bible Chapel stands here as a testament to faith and community. Let’s step back in time and explore the origins of this spiritual haven.
In the early 1900s two families journeyed to San Diego. The J. G. Traggardh family came from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The William Brunner family arrived in 1905 from Iowa. These families formed the seeds of a growing fellowship.
The Brunners sought out the Traggardhs after hearing of them. They met with other brethren in Los Angeles. The families worshiped and studied the Bible together. They gathered at the Traggardh’s home every Sunday. This continued until the Brunners returned to Iowa. After a year and a half, they came back to San Diego. They rejoined the fellowship with joy.
In 1919 plans emerged to build the first Gospel Hall. A vacant lot on Texas Street was secured. It was a few blocks from University Avenue. Brother Traggardh invested $800. This was from his personal savings. The money bought building materials. William Brunner and others contributed their construction skills.
As the community grew a new assembly formed. Some members remained with Brother Traggardh. They stayed at the Bible Truth Hall. Others followed Brother Brunner. They purchased a former Baptist Church. This new assembly became Marlborough Gospel Hall. It was located on Marlborough Street. The Marlborough Gospel Hall expanded. It reached over 200 members. Around 1950 its name changed to Marlborough Gospel Chapel.
After thirty years the congregation outgrew its building. A vacant lot on Laurel Street was purchased. This led to the construction of Laurel Bible Chapel. It was a labor of love. More than 8000 hours of volunteer work went into the project. In the fall of 1957 Laurel Bible Chapel was dedicated. It was dedicated to the service of Christ.
For about 45 years believers have gathered here. They break bread and teach Sunday School. They reach out to the community. Laurel Bible Chapel stands as a beacon of faith. It springs from the Plymouth Brethren tradition. Yet it is not bound by it. The church is a body of believers. They are guided only by scripture and the Holy Spirit. They are not bound by traditions.
At Laurel Bible Chapel, members consider themselves sinners. They have found redemption in Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God. They have repented. They seek to live faithfully. They dedicate themselves to God’s will.
The church understands salvation comes from God’s grace. It is not earned or deserved. They share God’s grace with everyone. They show others how to be disciples of Christ. They demonstrate freedom from sin.
Laurel Bible Chapel continues to welcome all. It invites people to participate. It encourages them to worship together. It reminds everyone that all have direct access to God.