Did you know that this very spot the Community United Methodist Church of Pacific Palisades was once a tent camp? Imagine Methodists worshipping under canvas in Temescal Canyon. This wasn’t just any church. The Community United Methodist Church wasn’t just built it helped build Pacific Palisades itself.
It all started in 1922. Methodist missionaries saw potential in the bluffs north of Santa Monica. They envisioned a Southern California camp meeting inspired by the Chautauqua movement. This wasn’t just about sermons. It was about lectures performances and religious services in a scenic setting. The dream was ambitious a world’s greatest Christian resort and assembly center. The Pacific Palisades Association was formed. 1100 acres were purchased. Streets were even named after Methodist Bishops and Missionaries. Think Albright Bashford Carey and many more.
Construction on the first Community Methodist Church building began in 1929. The groundbreaking was August 18. The original sanctuary cost just $35000. By 1930 it was dedicated. But the church continued to grow. In 1952 a new sanctuary hall was added. The original building became a fellowship hall and Sunday school. The church expanded significantly in the late 1960s. They even supported the creation of another church in Redondo Beach. By 1967 the congregation boasted 700 members.
Interestingly the Community United Methodist Church wasn’t just a place of worship. It’s been a filming location for TV shows like Jane the Virgin and New Girl. It’s a versatile space that has adapted and evolved. Sadly the church suffered heavy damage during the Palisades Fire in January 2025. This landmark building was heavily damaged but the spirit of the community remains strong.
The church’s location on Via de la Paz reflects its commitment to peace. This wasn’t just a place of worship. It was the foundation of a community built on faith hope and the pursuit of peace. The Community United Methodist Church of Pacific Palisades stands as a testament to the enduring power of community and faith a church that literally built a town.