South Avenue Baptist Church, Pasadena, was organized in 1954.  Pasadena's population at that time was 22,438.  The church began in 1953 as a mission, sponsored by First Baptist Church, Pasadena.  The Deepwater community was a small area then with few streets and only one school, populated mostly by young families whose principal breadwinners worked in the petrochemical industry.

There have been many changes in our community.  Pasadena now has a population of almost 150,000 people, and our church has a resident membership of over 500 with a total membership of over 1,400.  Our members come from all parts of Pasadena and Deer Park, and our mission is still to meet the needs of our community.  We call ourselves "A burning lighthouse for a coming Savior."  South Avenue has an especially loving spirit, and we warmly welcome everybody.