Honoring Our Legacy
Our Story
Generations of faith and service in Carson.
Early 1950s · 1953
Beginning in Carson
Judson’s story began in the early 1950s, when a small group of believers gathered in Carson homes to worship Jesus Christ. Minister D. S. Bennett, serving through the American Baptist Los Angeles City Mission Society, helped guide the congregation as it moved into Towne Avenue Elementary School. On June 26, 1953, Judson Baptist Church was officially incorporated, taking its name from missionary Adoniram Judson. A church building followed at 18101 South Avalon Boulevard.
Generations of Leadership
A Growing Church Family
Dr. Paul Garrison and his wife, Jeannine, became Judson’s first pastoral family. In 1970, Dr. James Luther Ford Jr. and his wife, Christine, began a lasting season of leadership and growth. In 1983, the congregation relocated to its current home at Grace and 223rd Street. Its ministry expanded through a Christian Day School and partnerships with Hispanic and Filipino congregations.
The Baylor Years
A Lasting Ministry of Service
Following Dr. Ford’s passing in 1996 and two years of prayer, Judson welcomed Dr. Johnny Verne Baylor and his wife, Dr. Sarai Baylor. For more than 20 years, their leadership helped strengthen ministries for children and youth, music and dance, and outreach to people who were deaf or hard of hearing, incarcerated, or facing hunger. Dr. Baylor’s ministry connected Judson with people throughout the city and beyond.
2020
Moving Forward in Faith
Dr. Baylor passed away on Resurrection Sunday in 2020. Through grief and the challenges of the pandemic, Judson continued to worship, care for one another, and move forward in faith.
2026
A New Chapter Together
A new chapter began in April 2026, when Pastor Trevon Evans and his wife, April, came to Judson with a congregation that joined our church family. Elected pastor in August, Pastor Evans is helping lead a season of renewed ministry, healing, and unity.
From its beginnings in living rooms to its home in Carson today, Judson’s story reflects generations of faith, service, and community. We honor those who helped build this church and look ahead with hope to what God will do next.