Front of The Fire Escape

Started approximately 1969 by Bruce Bakalian, founder of Icthus Associates, in an attempt to reach unchurched youth. The Fire Escape, Stanton CA was run by Bill Barry before and after Bruce Bakalian was killed in a car accident Sept 22, 1976. Bill is currently an Associate Pastor at CC Arroyo Grande O. (805) 481-2320 or (805) 489-6013. Bill also took over as the Director of the Ichthus corporation which is still in operation.

A small building next to a radiator shop was transformed into a gathering place. Together with a young man, Gary Jones, they set a format geared to the interest and needs of the youth in the area. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, coffee was brewed, cookies set out on the resined old cable spool tables and black lights turned on while house lights dimmed. Day glow gospel posters lined the walls. The volunteer staff would gather for prayer, and the doors would open to greet local high school kids, hitch hikers on their way to the beach, and passers by. Being a couple of miles south from Knott's Berry Farm, on the main drag toward Huntington Beach, it would attract a wide range of people.

In 1971, Phil Mahlow became the manager of the Fire Escape. He booked the Maranatha bands of Love Song, The Way, Children of the Day, Blessed Hope, etc. as well as Agape, Rebirth, New Wine and local musicians. No fees were charged, although a large coffee can on the counter was marked "Donations". At the end of the music and testimonies, he would present the Gospel and invite people to give their lives to Jesus. It was a fruitful time of harvest, and many responded.

The Fire Escape remained open until 1974, being one of the longer functioning Christian Coffee Houses. Icthus Associates also founded The Ark, another Christian Coffee House called The Rock in Bakersfield in 1973-74. It closed in 1980 and then burnt down shortly after closing.

I believe that our church documents are from this ministry. Handed down to us by Trish. I once thought that they were from the original Shekinah Fellowship. But I was wrong.