February 12, 1970
In February 1970, Elder Dell Rose, a respected Apostolic evangelist in high demand across the United States, responded to a heartfelt request from local families to begin an Apostolic church in Lompoc. With clear spiritual direction, Reverend Dell Rose canceled his scheduled Midwest revivals and chose instead to plant roots in this growing Central Coast community. He began holding church services in a family home on Third Avenue in Lompoc, California. These small gatherings marked the humble beginning of what would become the First Apostolic Church of Lompoc.
For the next five years, the congregation met in several locations throughout the city. The church continued to grow as more families joined and the vision expanded. In time, the members secured a permanent home when they purchased the Lerned Ranch. The property included over four acres at the corner of North Avenue and North “O” Street. This purchase required great faith and commitment. Ten dependable and dedicated men from the congregation signed the mortgage to help fund both the land and the building materials.
The local church family took an active role in construction. Many members were young tradesmen. They worked as electricians, painters, plumbers, and carpenters. Together, they used their skills to build the sanctuary. When they lacked resources, they found creative solutions. They bartered services and materials to complete the work. In one notable example, Pastor Rose traded his new pickup truck and camper to secure the construction of the sanctuary’s block walls.
Each evening, after finishing their regular jobs, members returned to the worksite. They labored side by side for hours. Their shared vision and sacrifice brought the project to life. In 1975, their efforts were rewarded when the sanctuary was completed. The new church building stood as a symbol of unity, faith, and determination.
In 1988, the congregation completed the school annex.
This addition honored the memory of Ruth Sickler, a cherished member of the church.
The annex strengthened the church’s commitment to education and community development.
Pastor Rose’s life story reflects resilience and service. He was the twelfth child of Angeline and Dillard Rose, an Oklahoma ranching couple. During the Oklahoma Dust Bowl, his family moved to California when he was just three years old. As a young man, he served in the United States Navy in the Korean Conflict.
Before entering full-time ministry, Pastor Rose shared his musical talents as an accomplished singer. In the mid-1950s, he performed throughout the Bakersfield area. After his conversion, he dedicated his musical gifts to gospel ministry. He recorded and distributed gospel music across the country, sharing messages of faith through song.
Pastor Dell Rose and his wife Dorothy stood together in both life and ministry. Through faith, sacrifice, and service, they helped establish a lasting place of worship and community in Lompoc.
Click here to see an overview of the the local First Apostolic Church history
Bishop Dell Rose passed away gently on Monday morning, April 26, 2021
Elder William Riley
After 55 years as a faithful member of First Apostolic Church and nearly six years of dedicated service as Pastor, Elder James Ball made the heartfelt decision to retire from his pastoral role at First Apostolic Church of Lompoc. His years of leadership were marked by commitment, compassion, and a deep love for the church family and community.
On December 21, 2025, Elder William Riley stepped into the role of interim pastor, continuing the church’s mission and providing steady spiritual guidance during this season of transition.
If God brings you to it, He’ll bring you through it.
Elder James Ball
On May 18, 2020, Elder Dell Rose, transitioned into the role of Bishop after 50 years of faithful leadership. At that time, he prayerfully asked and anointed Elder James Ball to serve as Pastor. Elder Ball had been a committed and faithful member of the church since December 1971, making him prepared to continue the ministry and leadership of the congregation.
