“Did you know that Gateway Fellowship Church started with a missionary’s dream?” This church has a unique story. It began not as a church but as a waiting point. Harvey Davis and his wife Jackie founded Gateway Christian Fellowship in 1950. Their original goal was to serve as missionaries in Liberia.
Harvey and Jackie were waiting for their visas. During this time they started Gateway Fellowship. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall was the church’s first location. However the church was asked to leave due to their overwhelming worship style.
Pastor Davis then established Gateway’s first permanent location. It was at the corner of 21st Street and Pico in San Bernardino. In 1953, the Davises received their visas. On January 1, 1954, they passed the leadership to Howard and Jeannine Davis.
Bishop Howard and Jeannine Davis embraced the ministry. Within 12 years, the church averaged 300 attendees. The 30 x 60 location became too small. People sat on the platform and floor.
On June 30, 1966, Gateway held its first service at a new location. This was at the 50 x 70 4th Avenue location. Gateway started a bus ministry during this time. They also began Little Mountain Christian School. Later, it was renamed Gateway Christian Academy. The sanctuary was remodeled to seat 800 people.
In 1991, Pastor Howard’s wife Jeannine passed away. In 1992, he married June Starr from Michigan. She became Gateway’s beloved First Lady. Her five daughters became favorites of visiting ministers. In 1996, Pastor Davis passed the leadership to John and Santa Stratton.
John and Santa Stratton were born in San Bernardino in 1955. They attended Cajon High School. They married soon after. John and his mother-in-law visited Gateway Christian Fellowship after feeling a call to God. They both received the Holy Ghost that night. Soon, his wife, daughters Rachael and Paula, his mother, and his father-in-law joined Gateway.
John’s first leadership role was Outreach Director. He helped grow the congregation and school. In 1996, he became pastor of Gateway Christian Fellowship. His passion for outreach and missions was clear. He helped build many churches overseas. He also led mission trips.
In 2013, Adrian and Rachael McClain became pastors of Gateway. Rev. John Stratton and his family continue to minister at Gateway.
Pastor Adrian McClain was born in 1979 in Columbus, Georgia. He came from a missions family. After Bible college, he married Rachael Stratton. She graduated from the University of Redlands. She also served as music minister at Gateway. In 2008, Adrian became Assistant Pastor. In 2013, he was installed as Senior Pastor. The McClains have four children. They continue to grow revival at Gateway Christian Fellowship. Gateway Fellowship Church has been active for decades. It continues to be a beacon of faith.