With a soaring roofline and floor-to-ceiling windows, the new sanctuary for the Tierrasanta church is designed to inspire worshippers with its openness to sunlight and nature. Indoors, a live tree flourishes next to the baptismal font.

“These features constantly remind us of Jesus, the light of the world and the water of life,” said Gary McCary, pastor of the 500-member church.

On April 22, Southeastern California Conference leaders and community friends joined the congregation to celebrate the completion of the new sanctuary that seats 600. Two neighboring ministers—Father Charles Fuld of the Roman Catholic Parish and Rev. Ken Licht, of the Lutheran church—congratulated the congregation on their expanded facility. The $4.3 million addition also houses a community services center, classrooms and a Pathfinder room.

Situated on a bluff overlooking the city, the church is not far from the extensive lands once occupied by the San Diego Mission established in 1769. The present name of the area, “Tierrasanta,” reflects this historic connection, meaning “holy ground.”

The congregation’s roots also link it with two of the earliest Adventist churches in the area. The G Street church originated with nine charter members after evangelistic meetings were held in 1887 by William Healey of New Hampshire. At the time, the only other Adventists living in the area were the Judson family in the San Pasqual Valley. The G Street church became the Broadway church in 1935.

The University Heights church originated with 18 charter members after meetings led by A. G. Christiansen and Ernest Bond. It was established in 1912 on the corner of Polk and Illinois streets and became the North Park church in 1935. In 1984, the Broadway and North Park congregations merged as the San Diego Central church.

In 1990, the San Diego Central Adventist Church purchased land located between the Ascension Roman Catholic Parish and the Tierrasanta Lutheran Church. The congregation constructed an education building and a fellowship hall where worship services were held for 14 years. When the Lakeside Adventist Church closed and was sold in 1998, about 25 members united with Tierrasanta. More than $300,000 of Lakeside ’s proceeds helped jump-start the fundraising for the current sanctuary.