Remember the year 1935. A young boy attended Sunday School at Chevy Chase Baptist Church. Ronald Banes was that boy. He was two and a half years old. His family had moved nearby in 1933. Chevy Chase Baptist Church has a long history in this community.
The church’s story began in 1927. Members of the First Baptist Church started Sunday School classes. They met at John Muir school. It was located at Chevy Chase Drive and Acacia. The classes became successful quickly. The Los Angeles Baptist City Mission Society stepped in. They purchased two lots across from the school. A small chapel was built. It opened on Easter Sunday that same year.
Ronald Banes recalls the early days of Chevy Chase Baptist Church. He said it was a thriving church. His mother attended the Yucca Class. She became active in the Women’s Missionary Society. His father attended services and helped when needed.
The first sanctuary was small. Banes remembers the many pillars. He always seemed to sit behind one. Soon the congregation wanted a larger church. Paperwork was required to get materials. This was just after the war. The new space was ready for Easter Sunday in 1945. A baptism took place that day. Banes was 12 and part of the baptismal group.
That same year, Dr. James T. Martin became the minister. He was charismatic and brought in new members. Again, a larger sanctuary was needed for Chevy Chase Baptist Church. The mission society offered to sell them their church. The price was $60000 in 1949. It included the two lots and buildings. The congregation had to raise the money to buy their own church.
After buying the church, they raised another $60000. They borrowed more to fund a new sanctuary. June 1950 was an exciting time for Banes. He graduated from Glendale High. Two days later, the Korean War began. On Sunday, the congregation broke ground for the new Chevy Chase Baptist Church.
Getting materials was difficult again. This time it was because of the Korean War. Banes’ father was going to help with the new sanctuary. Sadly, he died in a construction accident. Banes stepped in to help with the project.
The first service was held in 1951. Banes had been there all day Saturday. He returned that night. The lights were on. Everything was ready. More than 60 years later, the memory remains vivid for Banes. He calls it awe-inspiring.
Chevy Chase Baptist Church has been a pillar of this community. It has grown and changed over the years. It continues to inspire all who enter its doors. Its history is a testament to faith and perseverance.