Calvary Bible Presbyterian Church

Mystery shrouds the exact founding date of Calvary Bible Presbyterian Church. Some sources point to October 1, 1870, with a charter and eight devoted members. Calvary Bible Presbyterian Church actually started as Calvary Presbyterian Church. The original structure, a charming Carpenter Gothic Victorian building known as the Memory Chapel, stands as a testament to the church’s enduring presence. In 1976, this chapel earned recognition as the “Oldest Protestant Church in the Harbor Area” by the City of Los Angeles. Relocated in 1939, the Memory Chapel now rests at its current location, a silent observer of the church’s evolving story. Calvary Bible Presbyterian Church played a pivotal role in Presbyterian history. In 1873, when the San Jose Presbytery divided, the inaugural meeting of the Los Angeles Presbytery took place within its walls. This distinction earned Calvary Bible Presbyterian Church the title of “Mother Church of the Los Angeles Presbytery.” The church’s journey wasn’t without its trials. Economic shifts led to declining membership in the 1880s, threatening its very existence. A single determined member refused to abandon Calvary Bible Presbyterian Church, her unwavering faith preventing its closure. She continued Sunday school classes and ensured pulpit supply, keeping the flame of faith alive. As the Wilmington-San Pedro area prospered again, so did the church. The small chapel, overflowing with new members, necessitated a larger building, completed in 1913. Tragedy struck on October 21, 1928, when fire consumed the new structure. The cause remains a mystery, and most church property was lost. One remarkable survivor was a large portrait of Jesus praying in Gethsemane, painted and donated by church member Dr. Phil Lisman. This painting now hangs above the altar, a poignant reminder of resilience and faith. The current building, the third to house Calvary Bible Presbyterian Church, was dedicated on November 4, 1929, with Rev. Herbert Tweedie as pastor. A new pipe organ was installed three months later, with Esther Scott as music director. Membership blossomed to 700. In 1927, Pastor Louis Evans formed the “Schooners Club,” a fellowship for young married couples, later renamed “The Mariners’ Club.” This group spearheaded social and fundraising activities, inspiring similar clubs across the nation. The church even had its own publication, with names like “The Broadcaster,” “The Church Door,” and “Through the Church Door,” evolving into today’s “Calvary Press.” Changing demographics once again led to declining membership in the 1960s. In 1975, facing potential closure, a group of Filipino members, led by Joey Gutierrez, Pastors Damiano Narvaez and Vivencio T. Gutierrez, and Ben and Florentino Poblete Sr., along with Pastor Dwight Blackstock, revitalized Calvary Bible Presbyterian Church through community outreach. The growing Filipino membership led to a mission study and six years of funding assistance. Under Rev. George Wilson, Filipino membership continued to grow. In 1983, Rev. Querubin Casiano became pastor, serving until 2000. In 2002, Rev. Emmanuel G. Orendain was called as senior pastor. Today, Calvary Bible Presbyterian Church thrives as one of the largest Filipino-American Presbyterian Churches in the United States, a vibrant community dedicated to faith and discipleship.