Before you stands a place of faith but also a place touched by profound sorrow the Bell Gardens Lutheran Church. San Pedro y San Pablo Lutheran Church is its other name. This church at 6430 Colmar Ave in Bell Gardens seeks to serve God. It strives for justice and peace. It respects all faith traditions. It desires to be known by love.
But the story of Bell Gardens Lutheran Church isn’t just one of faith. It’s also a story marred by betrayal. From 1989 to 2007, Pastor Frank Brundige led the church. He also abused his power. He sexually molested children within these walls.
Eight young men filed civil lawsuits. These lawsuits detailed Brundige’s actions. The abuse occurred from 1990 until 2007. That was when he was arrested. He was later convicted of molesting children.
These lawsuits also revealed a disturbing cover-up. Church officials knew about Brundige’s abuse. Complaints and warnings were ignored. The lawsuits allege efforts to silence victims.
One lawsuit stated that in 1991 church officials were informed of Brundige’s abuse of a child. A church supervisor convened a meeting. They convinced the boy’s parents to accept Brundige’s apology. They were told to take no further action. In 1995, a board member witnessed Brundige fondling a child. No report was made. No investigation followed. No action was taken against the pastor.
In 2007, police investigated claims of abuse. Church officials visited the homes of abused boys. They asked them to recant their stories. This was to protect Brundige and the church.
Brundige gained the trust of boys. He walked the streets of Bell Gardens. He went to families’ homes. He looked for at-risk youth. He recruited them into the church.
Brundige conducted Friday night bible study classes. He held church-sponsored piano classes. He organized sleepovers, camping trips, and outings. The sleepovers were monthly. They were part of a program called “Lockdowns.” Parents were encouraged to let their children spend the night at the church. They would watch movies and receive religious education. Routinely, the only adult was Brundige.
Today, San Pedro y San Pablo Lutheran Church still stands. It offers services on Sundays at 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM. Cristo Rey Lutheran Church is another bilingual Lutheran parish in Bell Gardens. It offers spiritual services, including confirmation and blessing of the home.
The Bell Gardens Lutheran Church is affiliated with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. It strives to be a place of worship. It aims to be a place for the community. Yet, the echoes of the past linger. They serve as a stark reminder of the harm inflicted within its walls. The church must strive to earn back the trust of its community. It must also ensure such betrayals never happen again.