In June of 1924 (yes 19), Developer/Builder Warren McGrath sought permission to start a church in Long Beach. As he was a member of the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, he sought this permission from the Congregational denomination.
We will be bringing historical highlights to the congregation throughout this next year as we begin to celebrate being a community of faith for 100 years.
A Centennial Slideshow: Photos showcasing 100 years of Bay Shore Church
Centennial Luncheon: June 29, 2025
You can watch a video highlighting our members & moments from the Centennial Luncheon HERE:
Memorable Dates:
- July 1924: The first meeting was held in Tract Auditorium about the Alamitos Bay Shore Community Congregational Church.
- June 1925: A special service was held to celebrate the achievement of permanent status as a church.
- December 1925: The groundbreaking ceremony of the permanent structure was held.
- March 1926: The first service was held.
- 1926: The first of three buildings are completed, what would become the Fellowship Hall and Gabrielson Chapel.
- 1936: Rev. Milt Gabrielson begins serving at Bay Shore Church.
- December 1941: educational unit of the church formally dedicated.
- 1947: second floor added to the educational unit of the church.
- October 1949: groundbreaking held for the construction of the Sanctuary building.
- November 1950: construction on the Sanctuary completed, Sanctuary dedicated .
- 1954: Youth Center building completed
- 1961: the merger between the First Congregation Christian Churches and the Evangelical Reformed church approved by the congregation.
- 1964: we declared ourselves “open”, without restriction as to race, class or ethnic background.
- 1969: the Bell Choir is formed
- 1973: Rev. Milt Gabrielson retires
- 1975: Rev. Ken Coates becomes our new minister.
- 1986: Rev. Charles Ensley becomes our new minister.
- May 1990: Sanctuary dedicated following reconstruction
- 1997: COA Monthly Meal Service program created; Odette Gulley Library dedicated.
- 2009: Pastor Susie joins our church family.
- 2014: Rev. Dr. Dave Clark becomes our Senior Pastor
Learn more about Bay Shore Church through the years:
- Watch our Centennial Moments on our YouTube playlist.
- Read transcripts from our Decade Moments: 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s
- Click image to see archival media from our past 100 years:
Image above courtesy of Long Beach Public Library Digital Archive. c. 1930
Pictured here is the long front facade of the multi-floor Bay Shore Community Congregational Church, which opened in 1926 at 5100 The Toledo. The building features stucco walls, multiple small arched windows, and red tile roof trim; also visible are the building’s front lawn, walkway, and sidewalks. The pastor listed on the marquee at the door is Reverend W. G. Pierce, who served as pastor from 1929-1931. A larger sign at left, posted further away from the entrance, reads, “The fewer the voices on the side of truth the more distinct and strong must be your own.”