Our History

On May 14, 1870, a church was organized in the home of Reverend Richard C. Fryer and met in the Spadra School House from 1870 to 1883. Five charter members attended the first meeting. In 1881 it was named Spadra Baptist Church.

After funds were raised, a building for the First Baptist Church of Pomona was erected on the corner of Fourth and Park in Pomona. Gifts for this effort were so generous it was necessary to announce that no more money was needed. This building was torn down in 1957.

Pomona was growing northward and the church felt the need for a larger building—they had 300 members. The site at the corner of Holt and Garey was purchased even though some felt it was “out in the country,” being surrounded by a blackberry patch. The bell from the previous building was used in one of the two bell towers. The cornerstone contains a Bible, a list of the 300 members, pictures, and a copy of the Progress Bulletin newspaper. At the completion of construction, church members gathered at Fourth and Park to move to 601 N. Garey Ave. They reportedly marched and sang “Onward, Christian Soldiers” to the new location. In February 2005 this building was torn down.

On August 10th, we broke ground once more as the First Baptist Church of Pomona had outgrown its facility. It was decided to build on the parking lot just above of the North Education Building. On November 29, 1987 the building was complete. The entire congregation again marched north to the new building at 601 N. Garey Ave.

Our Worship Center is the heart of our campus. But after nearly 35 years of regular usage, it needed upgrading to improve its functionality through a re-envisioned use of space, to provide enhanced sound and lighting, and to “set the stage” for ministry in the coming decades. Renovations in the Worship Center building began in September of 2021 which included: updated seating, new carpeting and flooring, improved lighting, audio and video screens,
reconfigured stage including accessibility upgrades. Renovations were completed on Easter of 2022.

In 2024 Purpose Church welcomed our 19th Lead Pastor, Eric Holmsrom. Pastor Glenn Gunderson retired after 31 faithful years as our lead pastor passing the baton to Eric. From the beginning of this process, we have seen God move and direct every step. We give all glory to God as our church came together in a unified decision on the future of Purpose Church. God has been faithful for 154 years and we know He will continue to be! FOR MORE INFO CLICK HERE!