Did you know that Woodland Hills Community Church started not in a grand sanctuary but in an old army barracks? Picture this: June 14 1947. A repurposed barracks stood at the corner of Dumetz Road and Canoga Avenue. This humble building became the first home of Woodland Hills Community Church. It was a shared space. Boy Scouts and the Woodland Hills Chamber of Commerce also used the building.
Woodland Hills Community Church wasn’t just a church it was a community center. The Southern California Council of Protestant Churches helped get it started. Dr Nelson Drier spearheaded the effort. The church received funding to buy land and the old barracks. Rev Floyd Bailey became the first permanent pastor.
Tragedy struck in 1948. The barracks burned down. Undeterred the congregation immediately began planning a new building. They broke ground for Harter Hall on December 5 1948. A member Ralph Bowerman designed it. James Denham was the contractor. He would later build the current sanctuary as well. The church even had its own cooperative nursery school starting in 1949.
The new sanctuary was dedicated on October 19 1958. Fundraising efforts raised $71 000. Members donated their labor during construction. The church continued to grow and thrive. New classrooms were added in 1966. This building is known as the Doty Building. Rev Fred O Doty served as pastor during this period. His tenure saw a remarkable stream of renowned speakers visiting the church. Dr Martin Luther King Jr was among them. So were Andrew Young John Wooden and many others.
Woodland Hills Community Church has a rich history. It is not just bricks and mortar. It’s the story of a community’s dedication and faith. It is a testament to the enduring power of community spirit. It is a place of worship a community hub and a testament to perseverance. The church continues to serve its community today. It offers Sunday services programs and even a nursery school. It’s a living example of faith in action. Remember the old army barracks. Remember the dedication. Remember Woodland Hills Community Church.