History of the Lakeside Community Presbyterian Church

In 1886, Lakeside was established as a town site. The Lakeside Inn was completed

and Lakeside soon became a popular resort. During the 1890's, a group of Christians started meeting on the porch of the Lakeside Inn. The First Presbyterian Church of Lakeside was established on March 12, 1893, with 13 members as authorized by the Presbytery of Los Angeles. In 1895, Miss Hattie French of San Diego made a donation of $500 to erect a meeting place for our congregation, now 30 members strong. Land at the corner of Parkside and Maine was bought for $10.00 and the first church building was constructed. Dedication was held on March 29, 1896.

On June 3, 1904, the first official ministerial call was extended to the Rev. Charles H. Abernathy with a salary of $1500 per year. (From 1893 until this time, pastors were often stated supply coming from the El Cajon Church, the Rev. D.E. Ambrose being the first in 1893.)

The years 1910 to 1920 were ones of up and down growth and financial instability. Ten pastors came and left.

On April 16, 1919 a Victory Bell Movement was started, and our church was the first in the country. (A bronze tablet in the old church recognizes this fact.) Every day at noon during World War I, the bell would be rung seven times for the seven letters in "VICTORY". The Presbyterian women gathered for peace prayers. This practice continued across the U.S. in many communities until the war ended.

The first choir was started in November, 1927. During 1920 to 1930, the church saw growth as the congregation went up to 103 members but declined at the end of the decade due to the Great Depression. The 1930's saw difficult years and recovery from depression. Membership was growing but finances were down. The 1931 treasurer's report showed a $325 deficit. Sunday School enrollees were numbered at 154. The Reverends Nalbach, Wichman and Adams served during the years of 1935 to 1945. 

In January, 1948, the church name changed from First Presbyterian to Lakeside Community Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Theoderic E. Roberts began the longest pastorate to date from March 13, 1949, until his retirement on June 1, 1981.

The land on Channel Road was purchased in 1952. The Lakeside Children's Center was opened in 1953 and the first buildings on Channel Road were completed in 1954. The Lakeside Presbyterian Retreat was founded in 1959. 

1962 saw the ground breaking for the new Sanctuary on Channel Road. The first service of worship was held in the new building was on January 13, 1963. The 1960's also saw the Open Door for Dialogue and Arts started in the old church building on Maine, and growth in the choir program.

Floods in Lakeside during 1978 to 1980 impacted the Church and the Children's Center. A $30,000 disaster repair loan was secured in 1980. In 1981, Rev. Ted Roberts retired after 32 years as pastor. The Rev. Bill Koch was called as pastor on July 11, 1982, but stayed only fourteen months.

On March 1st, 1984, the Rev. Robert W. Mentze became stated supply pastor and on June 2, 1985 was installed as called pastor. Our pipe organ was installed in October of 1984, and over the last 15 years has seen a number of additions and improvements making it a very versatile instrument for worship and concerts. (It is the only pipe organ in Lakeside or Santee.)

Pat Harvey began as Pastoral Assistant on April 1, 1990 and stayed until November, 1992. A year-long celebration of our church's centennial began in 1993. Centennial Sunday, March 14th, included a review of our history in the old sanctuary at Maine and Parkside followed by a march to the present sanctuary, led by a bagpiper and banner bearers. Present and past pastors, presbytery officials and civic leaders led in our Centennial worship with a "standing room only" congregation. The day was concluded with a banquet at the Lakeside Community Center.

On May 1, 1994, the Rev. Donald D. Newhouse became Pastoral Assistant. The Church celebrated the 20th anniversary of Pastor Bob's ordination and the awarding of his Doctor of Ministry degree on June 1, 1997. The church continues to stress a strong Christian Education program with Sunday School classes for all ages, including adults, Bible Studies, youth groups and men’s and women’s ministries.