In 1919 there were no churches in Berkley. This was a deplorable condition for the families settled in Berkley, especially those with children, as the nearest Sunday School was in Royal Oak, much too far for the smaller children to travel, with transportation conditions what they were.  In 1920, missionary workers in Detroit were contacted in the endeavor to find a pastor willing to come to Berkley to preach.

Rev. Orrin Van Loon Sr. agreed that someone should answer the Berkley's plea for spiritual guidance.  At that time, he was associated with the Baptist church of Detroit; he also was owner and manager of two furniture stores in the city. This he sacrificed, moving his wife and three children into a small home on Catalpa drive.
Sunday school classes were started in the small schoolhouse located at Catalpa drive and Berkley Road.

About 30 people attended the first few classes; they went every Sunday taking someone else with them.  The adults, however, were anxious to hold regular church services and when it was learned that the school board was planning to sell the small schoolhouse and build a larger school to accommodate the fast-growing community, in 1922 they decided to buy the "Tar Paper School".  In the meantime, a piece of property was purchased on Wiltshire, between Wakefield Road and Kipling.

Using children's wagons, baby buggies and cars, the church was relocated to the present location.  The first meeting was held in the 'new' church September 10, 1922.
The old schoolhouse was remodeled and named the Berkley Community Church, so called because it was for the entire community.  Since that time Berkley Community Church has remained a non-denominational church.  It soon became common knowledge that when you entered the church you would be greeted with a hand of welcome. The custom has been carried out through the years.