Emmanuel Baptist Church in Fresno saw a need to reach the people in West Fresno with the gospel of Christ. So following God’s command they decided to sponsor a two week Bible School in the home of Wilma Joseph. The Bible School was held between August 1 and September 1, 1961.
November 1, 1961 a mission was started in the Joseph’s home. In attendance were 7 members and 12 visitors. The Home Mission board sent Ray Douglas to serve as supply pastor. This was the start of the Cornelia Avenue Southern Baptist Church.
George Watanabe was called as pastor, January 1962. Brother Watanabe was a seminary student at Golden Gate Seminary. He commuted from the seminary each week to serve as pastor.
In 1962, the mission purchased a 21/2 acre site at the corner of Clinton and Cornelia Avenue for $5600 and paid with building fund pledges.
In 1964 the ground was broken for the first of 3 units for the church. The first would be an auditorium which now functions as the fellowship hall. The auditorium was built in 1964 and the educational building was built in 1966. The church broke ground on the existing Worship multipurpose building on April 13, 1997.
In 1999 the church was able to obtain the adjoining property for an additional 2 1/2 acres with a 3 bedroom 2 bath home which currently serves as the church office.