In 2John 1:4 the apostle wrote, "I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father." Indeed, in these times of ever changing morals and digression, it is so refreshing to find good brethren continuing to worship and serve the Lord without compromising the Truth. Additionally, it swells the heart with joy to find a congregation of the Lord’s church that has withstood the test of time and carries a long history of faithfulness to the Master.

In Philippians 2:12, Paul declared, "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Paul held a special place in his heart for these Macedonian brethren, and no doubt their continued faithfulness was a large reason for that.

Great joy will be your reaction if you ever have the opportunity to visit the brethren meeting at 69th Street in San Diego. Over nine years ago, I was introduced to the brethren there by Buster Woody and had the privilege of worshipping with them. My first impression of the church there brings to mind the words of John 13:35, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." The disciple there are some of the most warm and friendly people I have ever had the privilege of meeting.

The church there was established in 1966 by brother Joe Stevens, who rented a building on National Avenue in SanDiego, with eight members in attendance. Later that year, brother Stevens passed from this life and brother John L. Lawson, Sr. became the pulpit minister. Since that time, brother Lawson has and continues to serve the Lord and the brethren there as the preacher along with associate ministers Donald Warner, Arthur Evans, and David Washington.

Later, they purchased the building that they were renting, remodeled it, and also bought the house next door. In 1981, the brethren purchased a lot on 69th Street. Eight years later, on July 23, 1989, they moved into their new building, located at 580 69th Street, where they have worshipped since that time.

The brethren at the 69th St. congregation continue to be an influence in their community both by personal example and various works of the church. The Bible is taught in worship, devotionals, and from door to door as the single objective standard of Truth. The brothers and sisters conduct home Bible studies with both members and non-members and spend much time in fellowship with one another, as well as with other faithful brethren throughout San Diego. Additionally, three services are held every month at the San Diego County Jail. Last year, fourteen were added to Christ through baptism and so far this century, four have either been baptized or restored.

Understanding their responsibility to God and to mankind, the 69th St. congregation earnestly strives to fulfil the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20) to the salvation of precious souls. Thus they have set high goals as a congregation that they are working to achieve. They are working to have more members involved in the personal work program. As a result, they hope to increase the average attendance at both Sunday morning and Wednesday evening Bible classes and baptize fifty souls into Christ by the end of the year.

Their schedule of services include Sunday morning Bible class at 9:45am, followed by worship at 11:00am. Sunday evening Bible classes are at 5:00pm with evening worship at 6:00pm. Finally, mid-week Bible study is on Wednesday evening at 7:00pm. The brethren are also eager to conduct home Bible studies with anyone who is interested.

If you would like more information or directions to their building, you can write to them at 580 69th Street, San Diego, Ca. 92114. You may also call 619- 264-1454. If you decide to visit with the brethren there, be prepared to stay a while after services, because no visitor leaves without being welcomed by every member of this 120 member congregation.    FS