Here stands the Church of the Holy Comforter in Los Angeles County. It rises 223 feet above sea level. Imagine the voices joined in prayer within these walls. They rise like incense to the heavens.
Church of the Holy Comforter began with fifteen faithful people. They gathered in Montevallo. It was October 11 1983. They sought a church that held traditional beliefs. These beliefs were being discarded by the Protestant Episcopal Church.
These fifteen sought advice from Rev. Edward P. Whatley. He was rector of Trinity Chapel in Tuscaloosa. Trinity Chapel affiliated with the Diocese of Christ the King of the Anglican Church of North America. Before they left they signed a statement. It was an intention to create the Parish of the Holy Comforter. They wanted to affiliate with the diocese.
The statement declared their faith and hope. The Parish of the Holy Comforter would be a part of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. This is the mystical Body of Christ. They pledged themselves in confidence. When two or three gather in His Name they would have God’s love. They would also have the grace of Jesus Christ and the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
The first service occurred on a sunny Sunday. It was October 16 1983. The service was at Seabrier Farm. This was the home of James and Janet Seaman in Brierfield. Jesse Jackson, as lay reader, conducted the service. Sixteen people attended. For six Sundays services took place at Reuben Triplett’s home. It was on Spring Creek Road outside Montevallo. They turned the living room into a chapel. They used an improvised altar and placed chairs in rows. The household dog Baby sometimes participated.
Dr. Michael Ford lent a chord organ. This brought sacred music. Fr. Whatley celebrated the first Holy Eucharist on November 13. Shirley Jackson picked out hymn melodies with one hand. Members recall the singing was not very good. However it was a joyful noise made to the Lord.
In December the parish rented the vacant Wilton Methodist Church building. It was rented from the City of Wilton. The first service occurred there on December 11 1983. Twenty-two people attended. In January Rt. Rev. Robert Sherwood Morse visited. He was bishop of the Diocese of Christ the King. He came from Oakland and celebrated communion for 60 people. Later that month the vestry began negotiations. They wanted to purchase land at Ashville Circle and Highway 119 in Montevallo.
In March a sign marked the future site. It was for the Church of the Holy Comforter. The building fund grew slowly. In April 1987 Bishop Morse turned the first shovel of soil. He blessed the property.
Construction began that fall and continued into the new year. The parish and community gave generously. They completed the project. The first service was held April 26 1988 in the new church. In June Bishop Morse returned. He dedicated the building and blessed its contents.
Bishop Wiygul celebrated Holy Communion. This was in a special service marking the church’s 35th anniversary on October 14 2018.
Remember the Church of the Holy Comforter stands as a testament to faith. It is also a testament to community and perseverance.