The History of Our Sanctuary
2nd Chance Ministries Church, located at 4482 Grove Avenue, is housed in one of Riverside's historic buildings . If the walls could talk they would weave a tale of the Eastside's diversity, its faith communities, and its role in World War II.
The story of the sanctuary begins with Rev. David P. McAstocker, or Father Dave as he was known. Father Dave, a Jesuit priest, had a long ministry of over 50 years and founded African-American parishes in both San Diego and Riverside. He served in several parishes including St. Thomas Catholic Church in Arlington but had a strong desire to assist Bishop Charles F. Buddy in establishing a firm foundation for the new Diocese of San Diego which covered San Diego, Imperial, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Bishop Buddy requested that Father Dave found parishes for African-Americans so after establishing the Christ the King parish in San Diego, he set his sights on Riverside. World War II had brought many African-American service men and women to March Air Force Base and Camp Haan making Riverside's Eastside an ideal location for a parish.
The parish was opened in 1944 but due to World War II restrictions on construction, building a church had to be postponed until late 1946. The structure was dedicated in the fall of 1947 as Saint Ignatius Church for Negroes. Actually the parish was never exclusively African-American as the church was located in a Hispanic neighborhood, however, most Hispanic Catholics worshiped at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine. The Shrine assisted St. Ignatius with services and supported the church financially. Unfortunately Father Dave's health declined and after he left the parish, succeeding priests were not successful in growing the congregation. With the phase out of Camp Haan after the war, the number of African-American families declined. Another departure of African-Americans occurred with the phaseout of bombers and tankers from nearby March Air Force Base in 1963. St. Ignatius became a mission chapel of the Shrine and the church hall was later used for church social outreach programs.
The property was sold in 1972 to Pastor and Mrs. Clinton Conners. The property had fallen into disrepair and after a successful restoration project, opened its doors as Resurrected Temple, Church of God in Christ. The Conners served the Lord at this location until Superintendent Conner's passing in 2011. In October of 2011, the building became home to Second Chance Ministries Church under the pastorate of Rev. Derrick Anderson.
The story of the sanctuary begins with Rev. David P. McAstocker, or Father Dave as he was known. Father Dave, a Jesuit priest, had a long ministry of over 50 years and founded African-American parishes in both San Diego and Riverside. He served in several parishes including St. Thomas Catholic Church in Arlington but had a strong desire to assist Bishop Charles F. Buddy in establishing a firm foundation for the new Diocese of San Diego which covered San Diego, Imperial, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Bishop Buddy requested that Father Dave found parishes for African-Americans so after establishing the Christ the King parish in San Diego, he set his sights on Riverside. World War II had brought many African-American service men and women to March Air Force Base and Camp Haan making Riverside's Eastside an ideal location for a parish.
The parish was opened in 1944 but due to World War II restrictions on construction, building a church had to be postponed until late 1946. The structure was dedicated in the fall of 1947 as Saint Ignatius Church for Negroes. Actually the parish was never exclusively African-American as the church was located in a Hispanic neighborhood, however, most Hispanic Catholics worshiped at Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine. The Shrine assisted St. Ignatius with services and supported the church financially. Unfortunately Father Dave's health declined and after he left the parish, succeeding priests were not successful in growing the congregation. With the phase out of Camp Haan after the war, the number of African-American families declined. Another departure of African-Americans occurred with the phaseout of bombers and tankers from nearby March Air Force Base in 1963. St. Ignatius became a mission chapel of the Shrine and the church hall was later used for church social outreach programs.
The property was sold in 1972 to Pastor and Mrs. Clinton Conners. The property had fallen into disrepair and after a successful restoration project, opened its doors as Resurrected Temple, Church of God in Christ. The Conners served the Lord at this location until Superintendent Conner's passing in 2011. In October of 2011, the building became home to Second Chance Ministries Church under the pastorate of Rev. Derrick Anderson.
Our Request
We also invite anyone that has a connection to the building to share their story with us so that we may include it on our website! Email your story to Pastor Anderson at danderson825@live.com.