On the last Friday and Saturday of this hot summer, the San Diego Maranatha Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 6065 Skyline Drive, celebrated its 40th anniversary.
Starting on Friday, the very special celebration began at 5 p.m. with a Meet and Greet, followed by a Vespers Service at 7 p.m.
San Diego Maranatha Seventh-day Adventist Church’s landmark celebration continued on Saturday with a full agenda of praise, song, recognition, prayer, scripture reading, tributes, inspiring sermons, fellowship, and a whole lot more.
The Anniversary Mass Choir, vocalist Tiesh Townes, and gospel recording artist Langston Grant & Friends sang songs of inspiration, praise and pure joy.
Their performances drew enthusiastic rounds of applause from the very appreciative audience.
Friends of San Diego Maranatha Seventh-day Adventist Church also showed up to help commemorate the big 40-year milestone.
“I was very impressed by the work they have done over the multiple decades that they have been serving the community,” visiting pastor Dr. Horatius Gittens shared. “I had an excellent experience working with the people of this congregation. I really hope they will continue to inspire themselves by doing more great things for this community.”
Deserving tributes and honors were given to Don Wiggins, Denise Spruill, Ken Early, and Croquette Hudson for their many important contributions.
Former pastors featured Pastor James Robins, Pastor Stephen Henderson, Dr. Horatius Gittens, co-pastors Dr. Andrea and Dr. Kurt King, and current Pastor Nyslie Guerrier.
After the inspirational sermon by Dr. Andrea Trusty King and a light lunch on the patio, it was time to take a break and prepare for the 5 p.m. anniversary banquet.
“Today was amazing—to see all of the people from near and far, from old heads to new heads, and just to see how God has watched over this church for 40 years. My heart is full,” said Dr. Andrea King.
Former 17-year member Pastor Stephen Henderson had this to say about the San Diego Maranatha Seventh-day Adventist Church experience:
“Today was a very special service because this church has been in existence for 40 years.
“In the early days, it was definitely a struggle. We didn’t have any rich folks in our congregation. Everybody had to make sacrifices, but people did the best they could.
“It’s really beautiful to see how far they have come. This church shows what can happen with God’s blessing.”
The high-powered, high-praise celebration was filled with joy, happiness and the unmistakable spirit of a church family grateful for 40 years of God’s faithfulness.
As the celebration continued into the evening, the 40th Anniversary Banquet featured local saxophonist Erisa Nicole providing entertainment during the meal. Musical selections were also presented by Barron Peeler and Dale Fleming, while additional recognitions and awards honored those who have helped shape San Diego Maranatha’s story. Video greetings from former members who were unable to attend brought another special touch to the evening, as they shared their love and memories from afar. Throughout the banquet, several guests spoke from the heart about what San Diego Maranatha Seventh-day Adventist Church has meant to them and how their experiences there helped keep them rooted in faith. It was a warm and fitting close to a very special reunion weekend.
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