This is probably the oldest photo we have. Trustees of “California Missionary Baptist Church” purchased two lots on Perry Road at Fry Street (October 11, 1940) “for the express purpose of organizing a new Baptist Church and Sunday School in Bell Gardens. March 1, 1941 work began on the building. March 9, 1941 a service was held on the floor of the building, 75 friends being present, including five pastors from neighboring Baptist churches. Total cost of the property and building (August 1941): $5327.26.” Who are the people? Unfortunately, we don’t really know which ones are represented in the photo. These are the names of the trustees in 1941. W.B. Eberhart (President), J. Robert Benson (Vice President), Victor S. Kirk (Secretary), E.W. Battelle (Treasurer), A.C. Wall, Charles E. Williams, Ray Dawkins, Ben W. Hull, Clyde Templeman, O.B. Cheevers, H.O. Wright.

Our own Barbershop Quartet at a Valentine dinner in the late 1960s or early 1970s. Back, L-R: Ralph Abee, John Ozmon, Bill Coffman. In front: Clarke Watt.

The photo is from the 1940s. The boys have received a trophy (looks like basketball). Here are the additional names I was given. Back row (L-R): Bro. Byrd, J.B. Gibson, Ora “Frenchy” French, James Jepsen, Ray Holeman. Front row (L-R): Floyd Eaves, J.W. “Dub” Moore, Bill Holeman. Thanks again to Esther (Byrd) West who sent the digital copy and to Shirley Fryer for the other names and Joyce Holeman’s corrections!

One Sunday morning the Junior Department Sunday School stood still long enough to take this photograph. Who do you recognize?