History

1952  -  Bristol Street Baptist began a mission to Laguna Beach and started the 1st Southern Baptist Church of Laguna Beach.

1954  -  The first pastor Edmon Perimon was called to the church. The church moved from Laguna Beach to Dana Point and became the 1st Baptist Church of Dana Point.

1956  -  The second pastor J.D. Andrews was called to the church. The main focus of the church was to minister to the marine families stationed at Camp Pendelton.

1958  -  The third pastor Rev. Jim Gantenbein was called to the church. A constitution was adopted and the church became incorporated.

1961  -  Property in San Juan Capistrano was purchased with God’s blessing.

1967  -  The fourth pastor Rev. William Davenport was called to the church. With construction of a new building on the San Juan Capistrano property underway the church changed it’s name to Capistrano Valley Baptist Church.

1968  -  The first service held in the newly constructed building happened on Palm Sunday. The church was dedicated on April 7th. This service was so filled that it was immediately apparent that more space was needed. Construction of the educational buildings began and Capistrano Valley Christian Schools was launched.

1979  -  The fifth pastor Rev. John Hatcher was called to the church.

1981  -  The sixth pastor Rev. Michael Carlisle was called to the church. The Women’s Ministry was started.

1989  -  The seventh pastor Tony Lauch was called to the church.

1992  -  The eighth pastor Dr. Paul E. Hall was called to the church

1999  -  The ninth pastor Rev. John Helms was called to the church.

2002  -  The tenth pastor Ellis Pitman was called to the church. The relationship between the church and school was greatly improved during this time.

2004  -  Co-Pastor Corey Melia and Pastor Dan Moncton were called to the church. The church was able to greatly expand the mission outreach with 30% of the budget going to missions.

2006  -  The Church ordained Youth Pastor Justin Hoeppner into the ministry. Vast improvements were made to the sound and video equipment in the Worship Center.

2007 – Caleb Luke joined the staff as Director of Jr. High Ministries and began a thriving Jr. High Youth Group.