newportmesa a church for the community

Our Story

In 1935, Newport-Mesa Christian Center had its beginnings in Newport Beach as The Full Gospel Church. Services were held in the Allison Building on 22nd Street, and Reverend A. B. Singer was the first pastor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 1937, the building was sold and the members voted to relocate in Costa Mesa to 1806 Newport Boulevard. Three years later, under new pastors, Reverend and Mrs. M. C. Cronic, the congregation moved to a store building at 22nd Street and Newport Boulevard.
In the fall of 1941 , construction of a 30' x 60' sanctuary and five classrooms was begun just a block away at the corner of 22nd Street and Elden.

In 1965, the ground was broken at that location for a 400-seat auditorium. It was about this time that another church, Glad Tidings Assembly of God, was growing in Newport Beach.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 1971, the church's name was changed to Newport Christian Center and, in 1973 , we merged with the Costa Mesa church. The resulting union became known as Newport-Mesa Christian Center (NMCC). Dr. George O. Wood, pastor of Newport Christian Center, became the pastor of the newly merged congregation. Because of the continued growth in attendance and the lack of seating and education space, a new location for the church was needed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 1981, a lease agreement was reached with Southern California College, now Vanguard University, for six prime acres at the corner of Newport Boulevard and Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. The present facilities were then constructed and the congregation grew to over 1500 adults and children. Newport Mesa's worship center is currently used during the week by Vanguard University for their chapel. In return, the church uses various college classrooms for ministry and spiritual formation purposes.

In the Spring of 1988, Dr. George Wood accepted a leadership position within the Assemblies of God and later became the General Secretary in Springfield, Missouri. He is now serving as the General Superintendent. Dr. Jim Bradford served as the Senior Pastor for twelve years (1988 – 2000). Dr. Don Baldwin served as the Interim Pastor for two years (2000 – 2002).

On June 16, 2002, Scott Rachels began his role as the Lead Pastor at Newport Mesa. In this new season of ministry, we are excited to see the spiritual growth and momentum that God is stirring within our church. We believe that God is uniquely equipping our church to be a church for the generations to significantly impact Orange County with God's message of Hope.