Harbor Christian Center

Can a church be born from a telegram? Harbor Christian Center’s story suggests it can. This vibrant hub, here in Wilmington, began as “Ye Old Time Gospel Mission” in the 1930s. Helen and Norman Carl, guided by faith, founded this mission in a simple grocery store. The early days saw drunks, street people, and dockworkers drawn to the gospel message. The small space overflowed with worshippers. One Sunday, a telegram arrived during service. It declared their building was slated for demolition to make way for a new highway. This highway is now Pacific Coast Highway. Faced with this sudden news, the congregation prayed. Through a series of miraculous events, they secured a new location beside the very highway that threatened their existence. The church members rebuilt the mission with their own hands. It became a testament to their dedication. Harbor Christian Center, then the Gospel Mission, even thrived during World War II. Despite blackout restrictions, services continued. They covered windows, lit a single candle, and shared the gospel. They even installed a loudspeaker outside. This allowed people to listen from their cars, a truly innovative move for the time. In 1947, Herbert Ezell became the new pastor. He and his wife, Edna, ushered in a new era. The church relocated to Wilmington Boulevard in 1948. It was renamed “Boulevard Assembly of God.” Prayer meetings and revivals often stretched into the early morning hours. In 1973, the church became Harbor Christian Center, embracing people of all backgrounds. The 70s brought renowned speakers like Derek Prince and Kenneth Copeland. Pastor Ezell’s ministry even extended to Mexico. He led missions there, supported by the church. They even purchased a plane to facilitate these trips. His vision for Christian education led to the founding of Happy Harbor Preschool in 1978. It later evolved into Pacific Harbor Christian School. Pastor Herbert Ezell passed away in 1986. His son, Don Ezell, and daughter-in-law, Linda, then took the helm. They led the church through trials, including two fires in 2007 and 2008. Despite these setbacks, Harbor Christian Center persevered. Services continued under a tent for nine months while the building was restored. The church’s resilience mirrors its early days, overcoming obstacles to share faith and community. From a telegram’s disruption to a highway’s side, Harbor Christian Center continues to be a beacon of hope.