Our Story
The Lakeshore Bible Church has a long and rich history with the city of Tempe. In 1892, the Christian A. Saylor family came west from Kansas and with them they brought their faith. After arriving in the Territory of Arizona, they joined the C.A. Corbell family, Joe Miller family, and others, to create a place where those who had similar beliefs could meet. John Foore led the early “meetings” in the old Jordan school house which was located at Baseline and Dobson Roads.
Led by the efforts of Victor and Anna Corbell, Ray and Ione Saylor, and others, a church located at the corner of University Dr. and Myrtle Ave. in downtown Tempe was built and ready for worship in 1938. The congregation was then known as the “Church of God of the Abrahamic Faith.” Constructing a church during this time was challenging given that the country was nearing the end of the Great Depression.
As the church grew, it became clear that more space was needed. The building at Myrtle Ave. was sold to the Salvation Army and in 1973 construction began on a new church building located at Guadalupe Rd. and Lakeshore Dr. The “Lakeshore Bible Church of God” opened its doors at this new site in May 1975, with the official dedication held in November 1975. Its long history is a testament to the church's enduring presence in the Tempe landscape.
At the heart of the Lakeshore Bible Church sanctuary is a beautiful stained glass window inscribed with the words, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). The window, along with its matching side panels, was installed in 1975. The glass art was designed by Ken Toney, a well-known local artist and owner of Glassart Studio in Scottsdale, AZ from 1973 to 1976. Together, the stained glass pieces fill the sanctuary with vibrant and colorful light, creating a warm and welcoming space for worship.
Find a place where you belong at Lakeshore Bible Church. Lakeshore is a long-standing community that has found hope in the coming Kingdom of God and His Son, Jesus Christ.