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Community Comes Together on Good Friday to Honor Lost Church

Members of the Pacific Palisades community in Los Angeles County gathered on Good Friday to reflect at the site of the historic Community United Methodist Church, which tragically burned down in January amid the Southern California wildfires.

Despite the church now being reduced to rubble and ash, Pastor John Shaver expressed a commitment to maintaining a “community without walls” until the church can be rebuilt. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Shaver emphasized the enduring hope the church symbolizes: “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,” he remarked. “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.”

Shaver, who had only been leading the church for six months at the time of the fire, was joined by a small group of community members for a solemn cross walk through their neighborhood. This gathering marked the first time many of them had returned to the site since the devastating event.

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During the symbolic cross walk, Pastor Shaver carried a cross as they paused at nine locations that represented significant moments in Jesus Christ’s path. Each stop included readings from the Bible, reinforcing a message of resilience and hope.

“On this Easter Sunday, even though we know there are still significant challenges to come, we give thanks for the hope God gives us through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” Shaver stated. He reiterated the aims of the Community United Methodist Church: “We want to share God’s love and hope through our words and service to everyone. We hope that by being the hands and feet of Christ, we can build bridges of unity with others throughout the amazing city of Los Angeles.”

The church, established over a century ago by the early founders of Pacific Palisades, has long served as a venue for weddings, funerals, community events, and various gatherings, playing a vital role in nurturing the community spirit.

After being inspired by the Chautauqua social movement of the 1920s, the church was built to foster a “peace movement,” offering cultural and artistic programs to enrich the lives of local residents, as Shaver explained to The Associated Press.

In the aftermath of the fire, the congregation has temporarily continued its worship services at other locations. However, the return to the church site on Good Friday marked a poignant moment for all, especially for Shaver, who suffered the loss of his home to the flames.

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As the community processed their grief, Shaver honored the memory of congregant Annette Rossilli, an 85-year-old victim of the fires, during the cross walk, pausing before the site where his home once stood.

Reflecting on the situation, he noted, “It’s also a reminder how much of what we have, we take for granted.” While the church was lost, community members managed to salvage meaningful items, including stone tiles and crosses that they hope to integrate into the new building once it is constructed.

In an emotional gesture, Thomas Knoll, a Pacific Palisades resident who does not attend the church but joined the walk, described the event as akin to a funeral for the community. He voiced the sentiment shared by many who lost their homes: “The whole story of crucifixion and resurrection is appropriate here. This town will be rebuilt, but it’s going to take a long time.”

The tragic backdrop of devastation juxtaposed against the community’s resolve to come together showcases the resilient spirit of Pacific Palisades as they look toward the future.

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