Our History

The Vallejo Drive Church has been part of the community for almost ninety years. In addition to providing a vibrant faith community for generations of families, it has been integrally involved with health, education and community ministry in Glendale. Below are just a few notes from our church’s history.

Vallejo Drive SDA Church was originally organized as the Glendale Sanitarium Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Southern California Conference on July 23, 1924, with 80 members.

In 1928 with generous support from the Sanitarium, the Conference organizations, and with “40 Cents a Week” from the members, an attractive 600 seat sanctuary was erected at a cost of $32,000.

Another significant historical fact is that on the brink of the Great Depression, the members were able to cap it all off with a fine refurbished pipe organ for $4,500. Between the years of 1957-1967, the membership grew and church seating became a weekly crisis. Under the inspired leadership of Pastors Campbell, Escobar and Pelt, the congregation found themselves 10 years and $1 million later in an adequate, debt-free, new church home. The new church was erected and dedicated in November 1967. In 1964, the church program-bulletin bore for the first time the name—Vallejo Drive Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The church has existed on the current site for 55 years. A lot of history has past and many wonderful people have come and gone during that time. The Vallejo Drive Church has been a stalwart institution in our community. It has stood for excellence and inspiration on many fronts.

Four key characteristics set Vallejo Drive Church apart from our community. Excellent preaching is a vital part of our identity and a key ingredient in the growth of our church. Our pastoral staff views our tradition of sharing the gospel of Jesus in an inspirational, practical way as a sacred legacy they seriously embrace.

Excellent music represents another key element of our church community. Dating back to the installation of a pipe organ in 1929, the opened its doors with rich musical heritage. We have been and continue to be blessed each week by talented musicians; outstanding organists, chancel choir and a myriad of performers bring an inspiration to worship that is matched by few. We are committed to praising God with all that is uplifting and inspirational.

Our excellent Sabbath School programs draw people of all ages; adults, young adults, teens or children to church every Sabbath morning making this place a bustle of activity each week. Every branch of Sabbath School has its own unique way of presenting spiritual lessons in practical ways. Sneak a peek in the children’s classes and you will see kids singing, painting, coloring, and dramatizing Bible stories.

The faithful giving of our members enables us to be a great financial resource to the local conference, the denomination, area schools and students, and media ministries. The generosity of our members provides weekly funding for Sabbath School programs, Vacation Bible School, Community Services, Homeless Feedings, Needy Relief, Pathfinders Organization, and other local projects.