Who We Are
About Us
Campbell Seventh Day Adventist Church is a vibrant and close-knit religious community located in the heart of Campbell, California. With a rich history dating back over a century, the church has become a spiritual haven for its members and a beacon of hope for the wider community. The church prides itself on its adherence to the teachings of the Seventh Day Adventist faith, which places a strong emphasis on holistic health, the observance of the Sabbath, and the imminent return of Jesus Christ.
One of the defining features of our church is its commitment to promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The church hosts regular health seminars, cooking classes, and exercise programs, encouraging its members to adopt a lifestyle that aligns with the Adventist health message. The congregation also operates a vegetarian food pantry, providing nutritious meals to those in need and raising awareness about the benefits of plant-based diets. This holistic approach to health and wellness sets the church apart and fosters a sense of unity and community among its members.
The observance of the Sabbath is of utmost importance at Campbell Seventh Day Adventist Church. Every week, the congregation gathers for a worship service on Saturday, the biblical day of rest. The church’s sanctuary is filled with hymns, prayers, and sermons that delve into the teachings of the Bible and provide spiritual nourishment. In addition to the worship service, the church organizes various Sabbath School classes and small group meetings, allowing members to engage in Bible study, prayer, and fellowship. This emphasis on Sabbath observance creates a space where individuals can find solace, deepen their faith, and strengthen their relationship with God and one another.
We are dedicated to spreading the message of hope and salvation found in the imminent return of Jesus Christ. The church’s vibrant evangelistic efforts include hosting community outreach events, conducting Bible prophecy seminars, and supporting mission projects around the world. These endeavors aim to share the Adventist beliefs and values, offering individuals an opportunity to explore their faith, find answers to life’s questions, and experience a transformational encounter with Jesus Christ. The church’s passionate commitment to sharing the good news of salvation underscores its mission to make a positive impact in the lives of people both within and beyond the Campbell community.
Diversity
The Campbell Seventh-day Adventist Church stands as a testament to the beauty of diversity within its congregation. This close-knit community thrives on inclusivity and welcomes individuals from various backgrounds, fostering a rich blend of cultures that enhances the collective worship experience. Notably, the church boasts a remarkable representation from the Russian, Ukrainian, Samoan, and Hispanic communities among others. This cultural mosaic within the church brings a unique vibrancy to its gatherings. Members from these diverse backgrounds contribute their distinct traditions, languages, and perspectives, creating a melting pot of experiences that enriches the spiritual journey for everyone involved. The church’s commitment to unity amidst diversity is evident in the harmonious coexistence of these different cultural groups, highlighting the strength that emerges when people from varied backgrounds come together in the spirit of faith and community.
Faith and Belief
The faith of Campbell Seventh Day Adventist Church is firmly rooted in the principles and beliefs of the Seventh Day Adventist denomination. At its core is a belief in the divine inspiration and authority of the Bible, considering it the ultimate guide for faith and practice. The church places a strong emphasis on the imminent return of Jesus Christ, viewing it as a pivotal event in human history. This belief shapes their worldview and influences their daily lives, inspiring a sense of urgency in sharing the gospel and living according to biblical teachings. The church upholds the importance of Sabbath observance, keeping the seventh day of the week as a time for worship, rest, and fellowship. Additionally, the Adventist faith emphasizes a holistic approach to health, promoting vegetarianism, exercise, and a balanced lifestyle. Overall, the faith of Campbell Seventh Day Adventist Church is marked by a deep commitment to biblical truth, personal spiritual growth, and a mission to make a positive impact in the world.
Our Core Values
The core values of Campbell Seventh Day Adventist Church are rooted in its deep commitment to biblical principles and the teachings of the Seventh Day Adventist faith. Central to its values is a focus on spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of personal relationship with God and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. The church values the observance of the Sabbath, recognizing it as a sacred day of rest and worship. Additionally, the promotion of holistic health and well-being is highly regarded, encouraging members to adopt a balanced lifestyle that honors their physical, mental, and spiritual health. Finally, the church is driven by a mission to share the message of salvation and hope, actively engaging in evangelistic efforts and supporting mission projects both locally and globally.
God's Servants
2023 - Current
2022 - 2023
2014 - 2021
2012 - 2014
2012 - 2014
Church History
The church was officially organized on December 24, 1932, with 28 charter members, including Bert, Edith and Laura Gerans and Ora Gipe (her husband, Harry, became a member in 1950). The evangelistic company remained in the area for several months, holding cooking and health classes as well as conducting a school for the children. When the company left in 1934, the church depended heavily on lay leadership for a number of years. Rudy Schaeffer was local elder from 1934 to 1936, C.C. Curry from 1936 to 1940, and Ralph Anderson from 1940 to 1948.
July 17, 1948-Church on Rincon & Fourth Street, Campbell was Dedicated
Between 1934 and 1941, two series of evangelistic meetings were held in the area under the direction of Elder Walter Rich and Elder Clarence Smith. During these years the congregation met in the Library in downtown Campbell, which was beautifully decorated and warmed by a cheery fire in the large rock fireplace. In 1941, a building fund was started to buy property on which to build a church. A year later, members of the Campbell church located a school property for sale on the corner of Fourth and Rincon streets, but passed it by because the buildings were not suited to their needs. Then, in the winter of 1943, they looked again at the school property since the school district had removed the buildings at their own expense and were selling just the land. And so, the land was purchased in March 1944. The forms for the foundation of the church were laid in February 1946, and the building was completed October 1, 1947, at a cost of $20,000. The first services were held on October 22, 1947. On July 17, 1948, the sanctuary was dedicated debt-free to the finishing of the work of the Seventh-day Adventist church in the Campbell area of God’s great vineyard. Elder R. C. Baker, president of Central California Conference officiated at the ceremony; Elder Caesar Bufano was the pastor at the time. In December 1949, the church had 89 members. Ten years later, the congregation had grown to 184 members.
Church membership grew steadily through the years so that eventually a larger church was necessary. A two-and-one-half acre plot became available next to the church school in 1970. It was purchased for the sum of $70,500 and plans for a new church gradually began to take shape.
1964 – Part of our members left to charter/start the San Jose Cambrian Park Church.
The first phase of the present structure, which included the Youth Chapel and Sabbath School rooms, was started in March 1972, when Elder Eugene Sample was the pastor, and by October, the congregation moved in.
Campbell Avenue – Met in Youth Chapel during building of the present church (1st phase)
The second phase began some five years later, in April 1977, with most of the work done by our own church members. The work was nearly complete when consecration weekend was observed on June 2-4, 1978. In 1982, the debt was retired, making possible the dedication celebration on June 18-19, 1982. Elder Lee Tripp was the pastor at the time, from 1973-1982. Pastors who have served since include: Clark McCall, Harvey Retzer, Vernon Furgason, Eric Scott, Tom Dodge, Virgil Bello and Gary Jensen.