“Preach the Gospel at all times, use words if necessary” – the wisdom of these words are modeled by the Evangelical Christian Church in Montebello, CA. They have been a living testimony of God’s love and faithfulness, and on September 28, they celebrated their 80-year church anniversary.
From the very first day of the church that was planted in the 1940s until today, this church is involved in the life of the community, and help others not just spiritually, but also in tangible ways. The history of this church is a story of sacrifice, ministry, and faithfulness to their calling.
The Testimony Characterized by Care
Initially, the church was established by a group of Slavic Evangelical Christians who immigrated to Los Angeles from Russia and Ukraine. In 1945, the church was officially registered in the state of California. The first church services were held in rental facilities, but in 1950, they were able to acquire their first House of Prayer at the intersection of 7th St. and Spence St. in Los Angeles.
In the upcoming years, the church grew through immigration of those who came after the end of World War II, followed by the believers coming from Argentina who were late arrivals from the countries of the former Soviet Union, and lately, received refugees of the war in Ukraine. For many, the Montebello Church became their first home in a new country, a place of comfort, support, and hope.
The church continues to grow today through the benevolence ministry by helping those in need, by sending relief aid to Ukraine, by supporting chaplains and missionaries, as well as serving in the prison ministry. As a results of their ministry, hundreds of families were able to experience the love of Christ.
Church Home in Montebello
In 1973, the church moved to a new spacious church building located at: 2000 W. Olympic Blvd., Montebello, CA, where they continue serving and worshipping together. The building was purchased and fully paid by the contributions of the church members. It is interesting to note that throughout the 80-year history of the church, there were only seven head pastors which indicates spiritual stability and sincere trust.
Celebration of Thanksgiving and Praise
On September 28, the church had a special 80-year anniversary church service which attracted a lot of guests from many cities and states. On this day, there were words of celebratory words full of gratitude, encouragement, and edification by the following pastors:
- Vasiliy Stupin: «I was born again in this church. God is truly among this church, and it was a source of strength for me”.
- Nikolay Larshin: «Let us care for one another, stimulating to love and good deeds» (Heb. 10:24).
- Pastor Ageyev: «Eighty years is not just one year more than my age. “I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matt. 16:18)
- Ivan Mileyev gifted a memorable plaque with the words: “Standing firm for another 80 years!»
- Sergey Debelinskiy gifted the hourglass with the words: “You had a blessed past. Treasure your time!»
- Anatoliy Pinchuk: «The church was not established by men, but by Christ. God rejoices when the children are walking in the Truth».
- Aleksey Melnichuk: «You also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house…» (1 Pet. 2:5).
The joint choir from the southern region led a solemn assembly in worshipping God in Russian and Ukrainian languages, and many poems were read in an honor of the celebration. At the end of the service, everyone in attendance received a parting gift of a pen and a Bible bookmark.
After the end of the service, there was a time of fellowship and a reception consisting of plov, fruit and sweets, prepared by loving hands of the ladies of the church and was a tasty addition to the spiritual feast.
Pastor Valeriy Konopelkin summarized the celebration with the words: “The event is awesome! It is as if I was transported to Favor!”
Future with God
Despite the challenges of life in a large megapolis, the church of Montebello continues to be a starting point and a spiritual home for many people. It is a living church that serves the community, and continues to preach the Gospel – often without words, but always with the words of love.
«Be devoted to one another in brotherly love… contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality» (Rom. 12:10–13).
Truly, this was a great celebration. God was glorified in their midst, and that is truly what is important in the life of the Church.
Our calling is to preach the Gospel. If necessary, we will use the words.
Pavel Surghai
More detailed church history you may find here.
