Deep within Van Nuys stands a testament to faith and community a place where stories intertwine and legacies are forged. This is the story of the First Presbyterian Church of Van Nuys.
The First Presbyterian Church of Van Nuys has stood at 14701 Friar Street since 1912. It replaced an earlier country church. The current red-brick church was erected in 1950. It could seat up to 300 people. The church impressively survived the 1994 earthquake.
In 1997, the church faced a significant transition. The English-speaking congregation had dwindled. The Presbytery of San Fernando made a difficult decision. It voted to dissolve the 85-year-old congregation. The church would give way to a growing Latino ministry.
Some members felt the decision was premature. But dwindling numbers made it hard to continue. The church had 725 members 33 years prior. It was down to 75 members. Only a fraction attended services.
The Rev Robert Fernandez led the Presbytery during this transition. He wanted to celebrate the church’s history. He aimed to start fresh with a core of Hispanic people.
The Rev Nelson Grande led the Spanish-language service. About 50 or 60 people attended weekly. They held Sunday school at First Presbyterian. Grande developed Bible studies and family counseling. He also started classes for high school equivalency exams.
Such transitions are common but often late. The church should plan for demographic changes. The Rev Jesse Miranda noted this issue. Churches are often the last to adapt.
United Methodist churches also faced similar issues. They needed guidance to minister effectively. Sometimes the best option is rebirth.
No immediate decision was made about the Van Nuys church buildings. Leases with three schools were honored. A new Latino congregation might meet at Trinity Presbyterian. It was in a more prominent location.
Though saddened by the closure Fernandez recognized the necessity. Sometimes hard decisions yield the best results.
Past pastors included the Revs Tom Nalbach and James K Morse. Darrel Meyers was the present pastor.
The First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood has a rich history. It was formed in 1903 when Hollywood was small. The Rev Dr Henry Newell and his wife Lizzie started it. They had 25 charter members.
The church purchased its site in 1908. They built the Presbyterian Storm Cellar. In 1909, the first sanctuary was built.
The Rev Dr Stuart MacLennan became pastor in 1921. He started a radio ministry. He built the present sanctuary. The cornerstone was laid in 1923. It held 1600 people.
Henrietta Mears became Director of Christian Education in 1928. She established a legacy of ministry. Her vision led to Forest Home camp. She founded Gospel Light Press.
In 1941, the Rev Dr Louis Evans Sr became pastor. Membership grew from 1400 to 8900. Dr Charles and Mrs Lucy Hirt founded the Cathedral Choir.
The Rev Dr Richard Halverson helped develop World Vision. He became Chaplain to the US Senate. The church sent collegians to minister in Europe.
The Rev Dr Raymond Lindquist became pastor in 1953. The Rev Dr Don Williams started The Salt Company. It was a coffee house for young people.
The Rev Dr Lloyd John Ogilvie became Senior Pastor in 1972. He began Let God Love You. The Munger Center for Counseling opened. Actors Co-op theater ministries started. The Lord’s Lighthouse offered services to those in need. Dr Ogilvie became Chaplain to the US Senate in 1995.
In 2010, Rev Dan Baumgartner became Senior Pastor. The church became multi-generational. It thrived in an urban context.
The First Presbyterian Church of Van Nuys faced challenges. But it embraced change. It adapted to serve its evolving community. It continues to be a beacon of hope.