Did you know that Bonita Presbyterian Church started as a small prayer group? It all began in 1971. A group of members from Point Loma OPC met for weekly prayers. They weren’t in a grand building. They simply gathered. Their faith grew. Their numbers increased. Soon they needed a proper space for worship.
Bonita Presbyterian Church held its very first service on September 17 1972. The location? The Ella B. Allen School. Forty-four people attended that initial gathering. Think about that. Forty-four people filled a school room with their faith and hope. It’s a powerful image.
Their first pastor John Garrisi joined in April 1973. The congregation officially joined the Presbytery of Southern California on September 12 1973. They were officially a church. It was a significant step in their journey. They were building their community.
In 1977 they finally broke ground on their own building. That’s a big deal. It’s a testament to their dedication and perseverance. They worked tirelessly. Volunteers spent nine months every Saturday. They dug ditches and laid pipes. They built the foundation. They were building more than just a church. They were building a testament to their faith. A place for worship and community. They even held devotions at 8:00 a.m before beginning their work. Their faith truly fueled their efforts.
The first service in their new building on Central Avenue took place on Christmas Day 1977. Imagine the joy and celebration. Their hard work had paid off. It was a Christmas miracle. Today Bonita Presbyterian Church continues under the leadership of Reverend Joseph Puglia. This church isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to faith. Community and perseverance. It’s a story of hope and growth. It’s a legacy of dedication. A place where the spirit of community lives on. This is Bonita Presbyterian Church. A place where history and faith intertwine.