Our story starts way back in 1943 with a group of Christians in the Harbor City area. We were originally known as The Normont Baptist Church. The members of the church met in a building near the Normont Terrace Government Housing Project, a low-income community established during the Great Depression. Keep in mind that World War II and the Great Depression were coming to the end. With the outbreak of defense related manufacturing in Southern California, there was a huge influx of unemployed workers from around the country. The members of the church were primarily defense workers, military families, and veterans.

The Normont Baptist Church experienced great growth in their early years and quickly outgrew their original church building. After some prayer and debate they decided to build a new church. With some searching, they found a piece of vacant on the corner of Western and 253rd that would fit the needs of their growing congregation. The church bought the land where our current school (and church) sits and they broke ground on November of 1950. Dr. Mayberry spoke on Acts 9:31 during the groundbreaking ceremony.

Acts 9:31

³¹Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.

The new church building was soon completed.

In January, 1951 members of The Normont Baptist Church voted to adopt the name Western Avenue Baptist Church. The Lord blessed the church and over the next few years and the church community continued to grow. As with most growth the needs of the congregation changed over time. One important issued emerged- the need for quality Christian education.

In 1955 they built the Western Avenue Baptist Elementary School. According to the historical documents, the school opened in September 1955, with a staff of 2 and an enrollment of 40 students.

We believe that children are a valuable and duty demanding possession given to us by God. We must develop the whole and complete person- body, mind, and spirit. In order that this be done it is essential that the Bible be used. Since that is impossible to do in the present public school framework, the Christian School began.

We believe each child is a unique individual and should have every opportunity to develop his own potentialities as God leads.

The Pines Christian School is continuing the ministry started by Western Avenue Baptist Church and Schools over fifty years ago. Over the past 50 years many things have changed but our founding principles have remained the same.