A glance at the history of The Trinity Apostolic Faith Church in Richmond, California, quickly reveals an interesting fact: this church is probably the oldest branch of the Apostolic Faith work, for it dates back to the early days of the Pentecostal outpouring.

The news of the Latter Rain at Azusa Street in Los Angeles in April, 1906, spread quickly. A Reverend William F. Manley had a mission at 9th and Harrison, in Oakland, California (San Francisco Bay Area).

He had been preaching that the baptism of the Holy Spirit was received at sanctification, but when he heard of the Power falling at Azusa Street, he realized that he was in error. He wrote to the group in Los Angeles, asking them to send someone to his church so he could go to Los Angeles to seek for his baptism. Sister Florence Crawford was sent to Oakland to take charge of the meetings during Reverend Manley's absence. He returned to Oakland without receiving the baptism, but shortly thereafter he did receive it while Sister Crawford was in Oakland.

By 1907 Reverend Florence Crawford had moved to Portland, Oregon, and through God's inspiration, was in the process of setting up her headquarters there. Meanwhile, the Oakland group (under the leadership of Reverend Barth at that time) moved to Harrison Street between 9th and 10th Streets, and renamed their church the Apostolic Faith Rescue Mission.

In 1914, the Apostolic Faith Church was moved to Fourth and Howard Streets in San Francisco. For several decades the church remained in that district, though it moved from one rented building to another. The last rented building to serve as the church sanctuary was at 749 Market Street. This was an upstairs location, but it was by far the best location of any of the places that had been used up to that time. Market Street was a busy thoroughfare for pedestrians, streetcars, and automobiles. The building was larger and more commodious for the different activities of the church: services, prayer, music, Sunday school, etc. Many people climbed the stairs to enjoy the meetings and many names were added to the Book of Life during those years. However, the Market Street building was sold in 1946 and another move had to be made.

This time the church congregation decided to buy a building and remodel it to serve as a church. A suitable structure at 1227 Sutter Street, between Polk and Van Ness Avenue, was chosen. After extensive refurbishing, it became a beautiful sanctuary, with room for the other needs of the church. A dedication service was held on May 19, 1946. When the church moved to this district, it seemed an ideal location with many owners of homes, apartments, and businesses close by. Transportation was no problem as the building was conveniently located near several bus and streetcar lines. The attendance to the meetings was good with visitors coming for nearly every service. This pattern continued for many years.

In the last decade or two, a different element seemed to manifest itself. The population became more transient and not so reliable. It was not safe for ladies to be on the streets alone, especially after dark. Parking became a real problem with drivers traveling for blocks before finding space, then having to walk back to the church. The church building needed upgrading because of new earthquake codes, so extensive remodeling faced the congregation. With these problems apparent, it was decided that perhaps the right solution would be to find property and build a new church.

A search for a site proved profitable, for the church was fortunate to locate six and a half acres of land in the Richmond area. A parsonage was built first, then the church building was started in April of 1996. Construction was done mainly by members of the local congregation and volunteers from sister churches. The entire project was completed on March 12, 1997 for less than half of the cost of estimates by city planners. Dedication of the new structure was held on Sunday, March 23, 1997.

The unusually large amount of property at the current church site provided an outreach opportunity distinct to the Richmond location. For the past four years, in lieu of a Christmas cantata or Children's program, the congregation has held an event called “Heavenly Lights.” The entire church complex (church, garages, parsonage, etc.) is lit up with thousands of Christmas lights during the entire Christmas season. For four or five evenings just prior to Christmas, there is an approximately three-hour rotating program featuring live nativity (with live animals), a singing Christmas tree comprised of the Young Peoples' and Sunday School Choruses, the Richmond Brass, the “Redeemed” vocal ensemble, and the Richmond Hand Bell Choir. Christmas crafts for the children each night, family photos with Biblical nativity background, refreshments, and a special PowerPoint presentation in the Sanctuary are also features of the event. One evening of the event has even included camel rides some years.

Using as many willing people in the church as possible to staff the different parts of the event makes it more than just entertainment, but a real ministry of the entire congregation to the community. In past years, there have been upwards of 1500 to 2500 people in attendance at the event. This is a marvelous turnout considering that the church congregation numbers around one hundred! The church is set on a hill and, no doubt, the “Heavenly Lights” shining down over the city serve as a compelling advertisement to the festivities.

The Bay Area church, like many Apostolic Faith Churches, has had a rich tradition of music not only during the Christmas season, but also in services throughout the year. The Hand Bell Choir, mentioned earlier, plays regularly and presented an Easter program (in addition to their part in the “Heavenly Lights” event) last year. The fifteen-member group hopes to perform at the Portland camp meeting in the next few years. The orchestra, which includes the members of the Richmond Brass, consists of: two trumpets, two trombones, a saxophone, five flutes, two clarinets, three violins, a cello, and three basses in addition to piano, organ, keyboard, acoustic guitar, and occasionally percussion.

The Lord is doing great things for the Richmond congregation. Let us pray for them as they continue to brighten the corner where they are. Be sure to stop by if you are in the area. They, like all of our Apostolic Faith Churches, love visitors!

Information about the schedule of services for the church in Richmond is available here.