Picture this. You stand before Lyngate Neighborhood Church CMA. Its history is woven into the very fabric of Lynwood California. Lyngate Neighborhood Church CMA is a Christian and Missionary Alliance church. It’s one of many churches in Lynwood. But this church has a special story.
The church’s location is 4654 Abbott Road. It stands as a testament to faith and perseverance. The building itself wasn’t always a church. It wasn’t even always a building that people lived in.
Imagine a time long before Lyngate Neighborhood Church CMA existed. There were only plans for a luxurious mansion. The original builder John Joseph Haggarty planned this incredible structure. He envisioned a Florentine mansion with a 6-car garage. Two waterfalls and a pool would complete this impressive estate. It was intended as a lavish residence. But the Great Depression intervened.
Haggarty’s financial woes forced the sale of this palatial home. It sat empty for years. Homeless people and animals made this mansion their temporary home. The once grand residence fell into disrepair. This would eventually become a church though.
In the mid-1930s a group of Palos Verdes neighbors began meeting for services. They called themselves the Neighborhood Church. They used a school auditorium. But rising school enrollment threatened their space. They began searching for a permanent home.
They unexpectedly found it in the abandoned Haggarty mansion. Despite its condition they bought it. A huge renovation effort was needed. The women of the church held a rummage sale. They raised funds and removed debris from the mansion.
Ralph Jester a renowned set designer played a significant role. He along with others helped transform the mansion into a suitable church. The city initially refused a permit. However through a local publicity campaign the church secured a permit.
On October 5 1952 the first services were held. This once lavish mansion now served a different purpose. It was a beacon of hope and community. The church continued to grow and expand. New buildings were added over the years. Lyngate Neighborhood Church CMA stands as a symbol of community and resilience. It’s a testament to the enduring power of faith.