“Pour out my Spirit on all flesh.” These powerful words from Joel 2:28a fueled the birth of a church. Today we are standing in front of New Horizons Church. It continues to inspire its community.
New Horizons Church has a rich history. It began as North Park Community Church. The church is part of the Advent Christian General Conference. This conference includes many churches in the United States and mission churches abroad. The denomination emerged from a movement led by William Miller in the 1800s. He proclaimed the Second Coming of Christ. The denomination officially formed in 1860.
As the movement spread from the East Coast, a church was founded in San Diego in 1911. A Vernon and Velena Morse established it with deep faith. Their vision came from Joel 2:28a.
With support from the Advent Christian Conference of Southern California, the church started in a tent. This tent was in downtown San Diego. It began on October 19, 1911, with eight charter members.
A property search committee found land. The land was at the corner of Kansas Street, now 29th Street, and Landis St. Mr. D.A. Davis from Pasadena bought the land. He held it for the church. In June 1912, the tent moved to this new location. Reverend Samuel Forsey became the church’s first permanent pastor in December 1913.
In 1914, Mr. Davis provided labor to build a church and parsonage. Before completion, he gifted it to San Diego. This gift was in thanks for God’s goodness to him and his wife, Mary. The church was dedicated on November 11, 1914. It grew through faith and service. New ministries formed. The Women’s Home and Foreign Mission Society and Loyal Workers started in 1915. Men’s Fellowship followed in 1959. A Children’s Choir began in the 1970s.
New Horizons Church faithfully served North Park and San Diego through many changes. These changes included the flu epidemic and the Great Depression in the 1930s. Times of war such as World War II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam, and the Gulf War also brought change. The North Park airplane crash in the 1970s impacted the community too.
The church facilities also evolved. In 1951, the sanctuary expanded. A church fellowship hall was built. The 1970s brought remodeling and renovation. A new fellowship hall replaced the parsonage, including a complete kitchen. Leaders were sent to the mission field.
In the 1990s, New Horizons Church recommitted to North Park. Another renovation made the church accessible and earthquake-strong. This renewal project gave the church its current appearance.
Today, New Horizons Church continues to serve in North Park. It aims to love God and love people. The church has sponsored Boy Scout Troop #53 for 40 years. It hosts Narcotics Anonymous. It partners with organizations. These groups benefit the community. Examples include Scleroderma, Hospice of San Diego, and Election Day Polling. Electronic Recycling and Blood Drives have also been hosted over the years.
New Horizons Church treasures its heritage in North Park. It invites everyone to know God’s love through Jesus. The church is committed to the Lord and the community with love, faith, commitment, sacrifice, and perseverance.
Pastor Mike MacIntosh pastored Horizon Christian Fellowship in San Diego for 41 years. Then he passed the role to his son, Phillip MacIntosh. Feeling called to a new season, Mike travels to strengthen churches. He mentors pastors. Mike and his wife Sandy have been married for 57 years.
New Horizons Church stands as a testament to faith. It demonstrates service in San Diego. Its history reflects dedication to God and community. The church welcomes all to share in its journey of faith, love, and commitment.