LAKESIDE COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

1893 – Present

Worshiping the Lord, Serving the Community, Sharing the Gospel

 
 
               
             
     

Our Story begins in 1893.

The town of Lakeside was without a local church until the Presbytery of Los Angeles supported and commissioned a new church for the town. The First Presbyterian Church of Lakeside was organized and the first Worship Service was held on the front porch of the Lakeside Inn. The church had 13 charter members. In 1895 church membership had grown and construction of a church building had begun on the corner of Maine Ave and Parkside St. The first church service was held February 9, 1896. The “Old Church” is now home to the Lakeside Historical Society. 
 
Lakeside’s Presbyterian Church was the start of the Victory Bell that rung at noon on April 25, 1918. The bell was rung every day at noon for seven times – one for each letter in the word “victory” followed by silent prayer for World War 1 to end.  The practice of ringing the church bell was soon followed throughout the nation.  The bell was also rung during WWII, Vietnam, our country’s bicentennial, and the Gulf War. 
 

Church Growth

The church continued to grow in numbers and in 1948 two surplus Army barracks were added for use as the kindergarten quarters for Sunday and later for the day preschool.  Also in 1948, the church also officially changed the name to LAKESIDE COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
 
In 1953 as a result of the growing congregation, especially Christian educational needs, two acres of land on Channel Road were donated by the McClain family and another 2.58 acres were purchased.  The Children’s Preschool Center moved into their new building in 1953 and the church building and office building in 1962. Pastor Ted Roberts, the second longest stated Pastor, officiated.  
 
Floods in 1978 and 1980 brought severe flooding to Channel Road and some damaged parts of the church property.  The flooding in Lakeside was so severe a local supervisor called for ‘a state of emergency.” Flooding has since been controlled after the construction of a bridge over the San Diego River on Channel Road in the late 1980’s.  
 
In 2024 using proceeds from the sale of unused buildings, the church session allocated to Missions, Major Maintenance, and Investment. As a commitment to Missions, LCPC has since donated special one time donation, beyond our designated mission outreach, to people harmed by wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and assisted other organizations with church planting.  Major maintenance improvements included new roofing for the entire campus, sealing the steeple due to serious leaks, xeriscape front landscape for water conservation, repair a rotting breezeway cover, repair and paint the exterior of the campus, remodeling two existing restrooms for ADA accessibility, adding ADA ramps, installing hearing listening devices for hearing impaired. The next large project is to repair the the two large 17″ beams and supporting posts that have rotted.  Needless to say the cost of the projects has been significant and exceeds the funds we have allocated. Please if you are able, consider giving to our building fund so we can continue the much needed repairs.       
 

Community Involvement

In 1984, the Reverend Robert “Bob” Mentze was called as stated Pastor and became the longest pastor, serving and mentoring the congregation for 34 years.  Under Pastor Bob’s guidance and leadership, the adult education program grew, the sanctuary added a series of stained-glass windows depicting the life of Christ. The church added a pipe organ and a three-manual electronic organ, and we held free concerts for the community throughout the year. 
 
One the biggest change in the community was the development of the ministerial association which Pastor Bob and other local church leaders created as a way for better cooperation amongst Christian churches to assist those in need in our community.  This cooperation led to the creation of Lakeside’s HELPS Center (across the street from the church).  The HELPS Center continues to serve the needs of those less fortunate in our community.  
 

Moving Forward

Throughout the years, Worship, Spiritual Growth, and Community involvement have been at the heart of Lakeside Community Presbyterian Church.
 
In 2021, Reverend Timothy “Tim” Avazian was called as our stated Pastor.  Pastor Tim is excited to lead us in our spiritual development & relationship in Christ, in prayer, and a commitment to build a community of grace and respect while sharing the love of Christ with one another. 
 

WORSHIP

 
              

CHILDREN

 
  • Lakeside’s best preschool, our very own Children’s Center. Serving the community since 1953. 
  • LCPC offers Vacation Bible School
  • Participates in Lakeside Community events: Western Day’s, Back to School Backpack, Spirit of Christmas
  • Easter Children Celebration
  • Halloween Trunk or Treat
  • Youth events
  • Parents Nite Out – every couple needs a little break now and then, so let us care for your children with a variety of crafts and a movie while you go out to dinner or take a long-needed nap!
 
 
   
 
 

 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT