Don Howell resigned as Minister of Music in April, 1958, to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas. Joseph Abston was invited to visit the church on March 30 and was called to be Minister of Music as soon as his school was out. He was to serve full-time in the summer of 1958 and part-time when school began.
The Building Committee for the new auditorium was Clyde Finch, Chairman; Chester Harroun, Norman Dunton, Henry Giddens and Jim Jewell. Finance Committee was: Ross Dean, Chairman; Jerry Burgess, Roger Anderson, A.C. Pollock, Loyd Woodson and Lloyd Lowry. Two morning services were begun again in October, 1958. The choir had a Christmas party at the home of Miss Doris Uber and several new members were welcomed. A music committee was formed in March, 1959. The Building Committee recommended that the church build a new auditorium as sketched by the architect. In April 1959, there were three church choirs. The church voted to buy a Baldwin organ and the Annie Armstrong offering was the largest in the history of the church.
ANOTHER MISSION HELPED�.DEACONS ADDED TO OUR CHURCH
On July, 1959, the church�s eighth anniversary, the church voted that heating and air-conditioning be installed in the new chapel. They also voted to �extend an arm of the church� to West Anaheim-Cypress Area where Reverend Mack Wilder was leading a mission and had 55 in Sunday School.
Mr. D.D. Douglas was elected an honorary deacon in September, 1959. Deacons ordained by this church are: Robert Yount (April 19, 1953); W.M. Morrison, E.S. Nelson, O.K. Smith (November 27, 1955); Clyde Finch (Nov. 1956); Jim Sims, Everett Pendergraft (January 19, 1958); Charles Kelley, A.C. Pollock (December 28, 1958); Charles Hinckley, Don McCamey and David Maddox (December, 1960). The church licensed George Davey to preach in 1956. In November, 1959, $ 4,000 was offered for pews by a member of the church and gratefully accepted.
WESTERN AVENUE CHURCH FORMED
On February 7, 1960, the Loyalty Mission was organized into a church, known as the Western Avenue Baptist Church, with 70 members.
The church extended a call to Fream Minton of Berkeley, California, as part-time youth director on May 12, 1960. The deacons recommended and the church voted to allow Brother Collins to be away 4 weeks providing he get some one to take his place. Also, the church voted that money set aside for expenses to Southern Baptist Convention in Florida be changed to Baptist World Alliance, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with the remainder to be paid by individuals. Brother Collins and David Maddox were appointed messengers to the Baptist World Alliance.
FINANCIAL NEEDS SUPPORTED BY CONGREGATION IN SPECIAL OFFERING
At a special business meeting called at the close of the Sunday evening service, July 10, 1960, a memorable event took place. The church was having financial difficulties and a motion was made to postpone payment to the Cooperative Program and there was much discussion. Bob Estes suggested that the deacons pass the offering plate. The plate was passed and the offering was more than $1300.