Many Azure Hills Church members remember when the church campus was a country club, complete with an Olympic-sized pool and a snack bar. It was a place where the Grand Terrace community came to experience connection and recreation.
“My family and I came here six months after the formation of the church … my daughters worked in the snack bar. There were awesome french fries, malts, and veggie burgers,” recalls longtime Azure Hills Member, Ray Hulse.
Azure Hills Charter Member, Carolyn Marovitch, also remembers the journey of the country club becoming a church. “I was actually with the group that walked through the country club before it was purchased.”
Founded on January 1, 1965, by 288 charter members, the church has grown to over 2,300 members. The weekend of January 17-19, 2025 the church celebrated 60 years of rich history with a weekend of worship, fellowship, and gratitude under the theme 'All Belong,' reflecting the church’s commitment to embracing and uplifting people of all backgrounds and walks of life, in a spirit of love and community.
The anniversary weekend began on Friday, January 17, with a Night of Worship led by Youth Pastor George Tuyu. Senior Pastor Tara VinCross preached on how everyone has a place at God’s table.
During the first worship service on Saturday, Pastor Lee Venden presented a unique message that included from his late father, former senior pastor, Morris Venden. In the second service, Southeastern California Conference President Dr. Jonathan Park congratulated the church for its 60-year history of gospel ministry. Grand Terrace Mayor Bill Hussey and Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Sabino then presented a plaque and proclamation honoring Azure Hills' contributions to the community including hosting community events, supporting safety during the pandemic, and creating the Elias Community Center. The proclamation celebrated all that has happened in these 60 years and the future collaboration the church will have with the city of Grand Terrace.
Former Senior Pastor John Brunt preached a message titled, "Welcome," reminding the congregation to welcome others as Christ has welcomed us. The service concluded with five baptisms, including 92-year-old Florita Welborn, the oldest person ever baptized at Azure Hills who has attended the church for nearly 50 years, as well as Holly and Chris Negron and Anthony and Jankel Cadavid.
Over 800 people stayed to enjoy an amazing lunch together in the newly remodeled Fellowship Hall. The celebration continued with an evening concert by the Heritage Singers and concluded on Sunday, January 19, with a pickleball tournament on the Azure Hills courts, organized by church member Dr. Ernie Medina, Jr. The round-robin tournament featured players from ages 10 to 86 years old!
Throughout the weekend, Azure Hills celebrated God’s faithfulness, community impact, and commitment to welcoming all. “We are so grateful to Dr. Andy Sandiford and the Anniversary Planning Committee, who did a fantastic job organizing this weekend,” said Pastor Tara VinCross. “We are eager to see all that God will do in the years to come as we pursue Jesus, committed to loving our neighbors in Grand Terrace and beyond.”
By Keturah Reed, Azure Hills Church