Del Aire: A History of Faith & Service
Del Aire Baptist Church:
A History Of Faith & Service
The story of Del Aire Baptist Church began in February 1945, under the direction of the Los Angeles Baptist City Mission Society. Reverend Eugene Crow was sent to the area by Dr. Arnold Boal, Director of Church Extension, to establish a new church in what was then a churchless Del Aire.
The fledgling congregation initially met in two purchased army barracks. As the church took root, it received a generous donation from the closing Watts church: two pianos, brown hymnals, black choir robes, and seats from an old opera house, marking Del Aire’s humble beginnings.
On June 10, 1945, the first service was held with Reverend Crow as pastor. Two months later, on August 3rd, the church officially organized with 40 charter members. The first baptisms occurred in September, and by Labor Day Sunday, the Sunday school boasted 376 attendees, reflecting the church’s diverse denominational origins. In February 1950, Pastor Crow resigned to become Director of Evangelism for Southern California.
That same month, Marvin C. Andersen from Scottsdale, Arizona, became the church’s second pastor. During his tenure, a new sanctuary was built in 1950, followed by a church office, the Fireside Room, and a kitchen. In 1955, the church launched its first missionary program, supporting Ted and Beth Livingston in Japan until their return to Hawaii for further studies.
September 1960 marked the church’s 15th anniversary, celebrated with a Sunday service and potluck dinner. By then, the church had welcomed over 800 members, with 464 on the current roll. The church had grown from two army barracks to five buildings on five lots, valued at over $100,000, and operated on an annual budget of $32,360.00. The church employed a full-time Youth Director, Fred Williams, alongside Pastor Andersen. Two Sunday morning services were needed to accommodate the growing congregation. The completion of the San Diego Freeway in 1963 and the decline of the aerospace industry led to the relocation of many members. In 1964, the church began a 20th-anniversary building program, expanding the sanctuary to include a Narthex and remodeling the exterior and landscaping. In 1965, Pastor Andersen resigned to lead the First Baptist Church of Hollywood.
Reverend Kenneth Weston, with his wife Kathy and their two daughters, became the third pastor on August 14, 1965. During his time, the church remained active and growing, celebrating its 24th anniversary in 1969. The church also began discussions about the potential impact of the Century Freeway (105 Freeway) construction. In early 1970, Pastor Weston resigned and moved to Washington State. Reverend Kenneth Losh provided invaluable support during the interim, and Dr. Harold Shaw and his wife Lillian served as interim pastors in October 1970. At that time, the church had 215 active members, with an average morning worship attendance of 142, Sunday school attendance of 120, and evening service attendance of 50.
In September 1971, Reverend Harden V. Rowland and his wife Vivian, with experience in Hawaii and California, became the fourth full-time pastor. Under his leadership, the church was refurbished, and visitation programs were established. In January 1975, Allan Erselius became the part-time Youth Director, following Fred Williams’ resignation. Roger Jump and Steve Alexander, students at Covina Seminary, and dedicated Sunday school leaders also contributed to the youth ministry. In 1975, the church had a total membership of 199, with 112 active members. The congregation supported the church’s ministries and physical needs during this crucial period.
During Pastor Rowland’s ministry, the church began supporting Haitian National Minister Reverend Lucien Narcius and his family. A Hispanic ministry was also established, eventually becoming a self-supporting church under Pastor Willie Najera. Despite maintaining sound biblical doctrine, the church experienced membership losses due to the San Diego Freeway construction. The church also lost its parsonage to the freeway project but maintained cooperation with the American Baptist Churches of Los Angeles. The church property was valued at $260,000 at the time. Reverend Rowland retired in September 1981, and Reverend Ken Longmore served as interim pastor.
In December 1981, Reverend Charles Davis, his wife Letitia, and their children Michael and Stacy became the church’s fifth pastor. In 1985, the church had 86 active members. After four years, Pastor Davis resigned. Reverend Joe Guthrie and Reverend Don Lawson served as interim pastors, under the leadership of Dr. Henry Campbell.
Reverend Mark Tubbs became the sixth pastor in July 1987. During his tenure, membership increased, and new ministries were implemented. His wife Ann actively participated in music and youth ministries and provided support for young mothers. They were parents to Loraina Marie and twins Kevin and Marcus. By 1990, the church had 130 members. Pastor Tubbs led mission trips and oversaw the revision of the church’s constitution, the establishment of a Ministry Council, and the initiation of small group Bible studies, AA groups, and teen groups. In 1982, Pastor Tubbs and Ann relocated to Oregon.
In March 1994, La Monte King became the seventh pastor, having previously served as Youth Director and interim pastor. Under his leadership, the Diaconate was organized, and a championship basketball team was formed in 1998. Pastor King, a dynamic preacher and teacher, resigned in February 2000.
On March 1, 2000, John L. Jefferson, Youth Pastor from Park Windsor Baptist Church, became interim pastor and was later called as the eighth pastor in October 2000. Pastor Jefferson, with his wife Luetricia and their children, guided the church through a period of transition, implementing a five-fold ministry plan. Despite membership decline, the church experienced spiritual growth. Partnerships with Volunteers of America and the Los Angeles County Office of Education led to the establishment of Early Head Start and Head Start programs on the church campus.
In 2006, the church partnered with the Crescent Bay West Los Angeles Association of the California Southern Baptist Convention, while maintaining its affiliation with the American Baptist Churches of Los Angeles. Under Pastor Jefferson’s leadership, the church adopted the “Walking Into Impossibilities” strategy in 2007, focusing on discipleship. In 2008, the church adopted the “Whatever It Takes” (W.I.T.) slogan and undertook a major renovation project, completed with the help of volunteers from Texas and sister churches.
The church continued to evolve, revising its mission statement and focusing on five core purposes: worship, evangelism, discipleship, ministry, and fellowship. The church committed to being diverse and intergenerational, striving to build a loving and nurturing community. After 65 years, Del Aire Baptist Church remained committed to serving the Hawthorne/Del Aire/Lawndale/Lennox/South Inglewood area, welcoming people from all backgrounds.
