The Lost Churches of California
Think of What Has Been Lost and Then Hope For What Might Come Next
Up in Flames
California’s wildfires have ravaged the LA area, leaving a trail of destruction that seems almost too vast to comprehend. While the fires take homes, land, and lives, they also claim something profoundly irreplaceable—places of worship.
Churches that once stood as pillars of hope and refuge have been consumed by the flames, leaving behind charred ruins, broken hearts, and congregations unable to gather. What comes next?
When I consider the devastation and toll of this fire, it is hard not to see it as symbolic of so many other things. The flames and destructive power of fire have swept through institution after institution that I remember as strong and enduring.
This is not about nostalgia for an America that once was, nor about a longing for a “greatness” rooted in a culture of the past. This is not a MAGA moment.
Rather, it feels to me like grief for those who have lost so much, as I have written elsewhere. The ashes are real.
Yet, within the ashes lies the opportunity to rise.
These churches were once the product of devoted leaders, faithful families, generous donors, and dedicated clergy. They proclaimed the Gospel, upheld sacred traditions, and stood as strongholds in their communities, holding marriages and families together.
As a church planter in 1985, I know what it takes to gather a group, form a culture, cast a vision, raise needed funds, and build a living congregation. And I hold out hope that these churches can succeed in rebuilding.
But I am done mourning the past influence of these churches and so many others in our modern secular culture. That is yesterday.
Instead, I hope that the Lord will raise up new leaders, families, donors, and clergy to rebuild churches that are vibrant, steadfast, and faithful once again.
Just as we honor the names of great people and places from the past, I feel it is important to acknowledge the churches that have been brought low—reduced to ashes. In naming them, I hold hope that they will one day rise again, restored and renewed by the hand of God.
Below is a list of churches and synagogues I have compiled from various sources, all of which have been reduced to ashes.
The Lost Churches of California
St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Altadena
Altadena Community Church in Altadena
Altadena United Methodist Church in Altadena
Community United Methodist Church in Pacific Palisades
Pasadena Jewish Temple in Pasadena
Pacific Crossroads Church in Santa Monica
Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Pacific Palisades
Kinneloa Church of Christ in Pasadena
Altadena Baptist Church in Altadena
St. Matthew’s Episcopal School in Pacific Palisades
Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School in Altadena
Lifeline Fellowship in Altadena
Altadena Church of the Nazarene in Altadena
Pasadena Church of Christ
Fountain of Life Church in Altadena
Mater Dolorosa Hermitage in Sierra Madre
St. Mark's Episcopal School in Altadena
Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church in Pacific Palisades
Jewish Chabad Center in Palisades Village
St. Elizabeth Catholic School in Altadena
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church twin rectories in Pacific Palisades Theosophical Society Library in Altadena
Altadena Baptist Church in Altadena
Scripps Home Gloria Cottage at the MonteCedro
Episcopal Retirement Community in Altadena
If I have overlook any church or synagogue, please let me know
The Rev. David Roseberry, an ordained Anglican priest with over 40 years of pastoral experience, offers leadership services to pastors, churches, and Christian writers. He is an accomplished author whose books are available on Amazon. Rev. Roseberry is the Executive Director of LeaderWorks, where his work and resources can be found.
Seeing that list was powerful. A time for some prayers of lament. With, yes, hopeful prayers for the future too.
Thank you for bringing a focus on the churches of California.