Church congregants return to site of destroyed church for first time ahead of Easter

Community members in the Pacific Palisades area in Los Angeles County returned to the site of a 103-year-old church that burned down in January during the Southern California wildfires on Good Friday. The Community United Methodist Church’s building now lies in ruins, but Pastor John Shaver remains hopeful that it will be rebuilt and continue to serve as a beacon of hope in the community.

“As many share familiar ancient words worldwide, ‘Christ is Risen!,’ we know these words of hope are for the Pacific Palisades Community United Methodist church family, the people of Pacific Palisades, the Altadena community and all who need the strength to keep moving forward worldwide,” Shaver said. “This great gift of hope gives us the fortitude to rebuild, and, in the meantime, we will strive to be a faith community (even without walls) that is a center of hope and healing for our neighbors near and far.”

Despite the devastation, Shaver led a small group of community members in a cross walk through the neighborhood on Good Friday, stopping at nine locations to read Bible verses that represented different parts of Jesus Christ’s path. The church, which was built by the same people who founded Pacific Palisades over a century ago, has been a cornerstone of the community, hosting weddings, funerals, and various community events over the years.

Inspired by the Chautauqua social movement of the 1920s, the founders of the church started a “peace movement,” offering arts, music, and cultural programs to residents. Even after the fire, the congregation has continued to hold services at other locations, but returning to the site on Good Friday was a symbolic moment for the community.

The Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, which ravaged homes and businesses in the area, took a toll on the community, with many losing their homes, including Pastor Shaver. The cross walk served as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of coming together in times of need.

While the church may be gone, the community was able to salvage important parts of it, such as stone tiles and a metal cross that once stood atop its tower. Pastor Shaver hopes to incorporate these items into the new church when it is rebuilt.

For Thomas Knoll, a resident who attended the event despite not being religious, the cross walk felt like a “funeral for Pacific Palisades.” He, too, lost his home in the fires but remains optimistic about the community’s ability to rebuild and move forward.

“The whole story of crucifixion and resurrection is appropriate here,” Knoll said. “This town will be rebuilt, but it’s going to take a long time.”

As the community continues to heal and rebuild, the spirit of resilience and hope remains strong among its members. The church may be gone, but its legacy of faith and community will live on in the hearts of those who call Pacific Palisades home.