UPDATE: The Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church gathered for a poignant service on January 6, 2026, marking one year since a devastating fire destroyed their beloved church. In a heartfelt assembly at Brentwood Presbyterian Church, displaced congregants confronted their grief while holding onto hope for the future.
Pastor Rev. Matthew Hardin expressed the emotional weight of the anniversary, stating, “I hate those memories. I really do. I hate them.” He shared his harrowing experience from the day of the fire, recalling the frantic evacuation of the preschool and his race against time to reach his children amidst traffic chaos near Marquez Elementary School.
The fires left an indelible mark on the community, and Hardin reflected on the painful journey since, including insurance struggles and maintaining congregation ties as many families relocated. While many now proudly wear “Palisades Strong” t-shirts, Hardin humorously suggested he might prefer one that reads “Palisades Exhausted.”
“It’s OK to feel both at the same time,” he reassured attendees. “It’s OK to not know what t-shirt to put on each day.” His words resonated deeply, emphasizing the complexity of coping with such loss.
Associate Pastor Rev. Grace Park discussed plans for rebuilding on the original church site at 15821 Sunset Blvd, acknowledging the challenges ahead, including costs and logistics. “We have the spirit to rebuild,” she affirmed, recognizing the outpouring of support received from around the world. “It’s been a very difficult and challenging year… but also a year of hope.”
The church’s elder, Cynthia Block, highlighted the strong familial bonds within the congregation, stating, “That was always one of the hallmarks of the Pali Pres family… we want to get that back.” Fellow parishioner Sharon Browning echoed these sentiments, sharing her emotional struggle as they faced the reality of members drifting away.
“It has been a challenge for us,” Browning said, reflecting on the pain of separation within the faith community. “We are trying to keep in touch… but we are blessed that Brentwood has welcomed us as warmly as they have.”
As the congregation lit candles and shared prayers, the strong sense of community was palpable, embodying resilience in the face of adversity. The evening served as a reminder that while the physical church may be gone, the spirit of the congregation remains unbroken.
Moving forward, the Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church aims to rebuild both its structure and its community ties, focusing on healing and hope as they navigate the path ahead.
As they commemorate this significant anniversary, the church stands as a symbol of strength and unity, inviting all to join in their journey of recovery and renewal.
