The City of Pasadena was a mere nine years old when a small band of women led by Haidee Bryan, formed the Lake Avenue Union Sunday School. The date was October 27, 1895. Meetings were held in a car barn at Lake Avenue and Orange Grove.

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A photo of Haidee Bryan
from 1917
, the teenage founder of Lake Avenue Church.
William Waterhouse, the mayor of Pasadena, was one of the earliest members and, with several others, wanted to add a church. He personally donated property at the corner of Lake and Maple. On November 25, 1896, the charter members of Lake Avenue Church held their first worship service.