Beneath the Westwood sky, a beacon of faith and intellect rises. This is Saint Albans Episcopal Church. It stands as a testament to community and spiritual exploration. Saint Albans Episcopal Church has a rich history. It began as a mission of the Los Angeles Diocese. Its location near UCLA has been a focus since its inception.
The year was 1931 when the first service was held. Reverend John A. Bryant officiated on Christmas Eve. The church was named after Saint Alban. He was the first Christian martyr in England. The church also honored Joseph Horsfall Johnson. He was the first Episcopal Bishop of Los Angeles. Bishop Johnson cared deeply about education and students.
Percy Parke Lewis designed the Saint Albans Episcopal Church building in 1930-1931. The church was elevated to parish status in 1941. This meant it was self-sustaining. It could form a vestry and call a rector.
Over the years, Saint Albans Episcopal Church has been a place of important events. Actor Paul Le Mat and producer Suzanne de Passe married here. Memorial services for Edward W. Carter and director Howard Hawks were held here as well.
Saint Alban’s story is one of growth and adaptation. In the 1950s, a second story was added. This accommodated the growing Sunday School. The church thrived under the leadership of Reverend R. Parker Jones. The Sunday School grew to 700 children.
Saint Alban’s welcomed the Stephen S. Wise congregation in the 1960s. They held their Friday night services here. The two congregations formed a warm relationship. They even worked together to rehabilitate hotels for low-income housing.
Music has always been an integral part of Saint Albans Episcopal Church. Dr. James H. Vail became the organist and choirmaster in 1969. His leadership has inspired the choir for many years. They perform at the 10:00 a.m. service every Sunday. They also present concerts throughout the year.
Saint Alban’s has continued its outreach to the community. They sponsored Vietnamese families. They provided lunches to the homeless. They made arrangements with UCLA for parking.
Reverend Susan Webster Klein became the fourth rector in 2004. Saint Alban’s remains a vital part of Westwood. It welcomes people of all backgrounds. Its commitment to social justice and diversity shines brightly. Saint Albans Episcopal Church continues to welcome all who seek spiritual growth. It is a place where faith meets action. It is a place where everyone is welcome.
Today, Saint Albans Episcopal Church stands as a symbol of faith and community. It is a place where tradition and progress meet. It is a place where all are welcome to explore their spiritual path. The church’s legacy of service and inclusivity continues to inspire. Saint Alban’s is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to the power of faith in action.