Saving Our Sanctuary: Old Town Community Church

Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. My name is Irene Achacoso, the wife of Pastor Alex Achacoso of Old Town Community Church, formerly known as the Old San Diego Community Church—an Evangelical Protestant Church founded in 1941 by local philanthropist George Marston. He recognized the need for a Protestant church in Old Town San Diego that could minister to people in need.

Sunday services were initially held at the Old San Diego Chamber of Commerce Building until August 1942 when a church site, the Casa de Machado on San Diego Avenue, was selected and purchased by George Marston. The old house was transformed into a beautiful and spiritually uplifting chapel through the woodworking ministry of Hans Christian Andersen. The Welcoming Christ and the Altar's Madonna were created through the skillful work of Mrs. Rose Hanks.

In 1969, the Old Town area was converted into a State Park, and the congregation acquired a parcel of land at 2444 Congress Street for the new and current home of the church. This location captures the historic environment and romantic history of Old Town, San Diego.

Regrettably, we are now facing a devastating situation. Following a call from Rev. Kris Begstrom, the Acting Conference Minister of the Southern California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ, notifying Old Town Community Church that the SCNCUCC Board has decided to sell the property gifted by the Old San Diego Community Church with the hope that the church would continue. Old Town Community Church received an official notice on August 16, 2023, to vacate the property no later than October 15, 2023, unless the church decides to purchase the property for $2.5 million dollars and close escrow by October 15, 2023.

We are reaching out to you today with a blend of great sadness and hope. The cherished place that has nurtured our spirits and shown kindness to all is facing an uncertain future. We are requesting your help during this crucial juncture, as we feel a strong connection to the past and a sense of urgency for the present.

For years, Old San Diego Community Church, now known as Old Town Community Church, has been central to our faith. This church represents more than just a building—it's a place where compassion freely flows. Through our actions, we have demonstrated kindness by aiding others within our local community. The church stands as a symbol of compassion, love, and generosity, where individuals unite to contribute their time, talents, and resources to assist those in need. This spirit of giving serves as inspiration for others.

The legacy of this church extends beyond its physical structure. From organizing food drives to reaching out to our community, we've made a tangible impact through compassionate actions. Our compassion has reached shelters, soup kitchens, and disaster-stricken regions worldwide. Small acts of kindness have yielded significant change, underscoring the strength of our love for God and humanity. The thought of losing this sanctuary of compassion deeply affects us. Once again, this church is where we belong and grow together.

We are in desperate need of funds to sustain our work within the community, keeping the church operational and providing a place of worship for those in need. We deeply treasure the significance of your support, and your kindness would mean a lot to us. We sincerely thank you for your consideration, and may you be blessed by God. If you have the means, we welcome any contribution you can provide. You can donate through Venmo or by sending a check to Venmo: @Irene-Achacoso or make checks payable to:

Old Town Community Church

2444 Congress St.

San Diego, CA 92110

Kind Regards,

Irene Achacoso