In 1943 wartime gripped the nation. Westchester Lutheran Church was not yet a reality. South of Manchester and east of Sepulveda Boulevard acres of bean fields stretched as far as the eye could see. A new housing tract Marlow Burns-Westchester was emerging. North of Manchester a few homes dotted Westport. No schools existed. No churches either.
This was the scene before the birth of Westchester Lutheran Church. The faith of a few Christians however would change this barren landscape. The Malm family opened their home and garage. Worship services began. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in downtown Los Angeles lent its pastor KG Egertson and Sunday school teachers. Saturdays were filled with instruction.
Westchester Lutheran Church became a tangible dream. On January 23 1944 twelve members formed the congregation. Incorporation followed swiftly. By March 21 1944 the church was officially recognized. The purchase of four and a half acres on Sepulveda Boulevard was a significant step. Some questioned the location. It felt too remote.
On March 11 1945 the “Little Chapel on the Hill” opened its doors. One hundred fifty people attended that first service. The offering totaled $152. A dedication service followed on April 22 1945. Dr HL Foss and Dr Phillip Dybvig were the guest speakers. By 1947 the chapel had become too small. John Fleming designed a new church. A loan from the Home Mission Board funded construction. Dedication services for this new building took place on October 19 1947.
Pastor Egertson left for Portland Oregon in 1948. Pastor Stanley R Olson arrived in 1949. Plans for schoolrooms and a Christian Day School materialized. The school opened in September 1950 with Miss Laura Kruse as teacher and ten students. The following year enrollment soared to forty students. Two teachers were required.
Further expansion was needed. Fundraising efforts in 1953 ensured construction of additional educational units. The school remains a vital part of the church’s mission. In 2008 under Pastor Masted’s guidance new classrooms and an office replaced older structures. These improvements continue to serve the students and administrative staff. Westchester Lutheran Church stands as a testament to faith perseverance and community. It has flourished since its humble beginnings in 1943. The church continues to serve as a beacon of hope in the community it serves.