UPDATE: The congregation of the Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church gathered last night, January 6, 2026, at Brentwood Presbyterian Church to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the devastating fire that destroyed their beloved church. In a poignant service filled with both grief and hope, Pastor Rev. Matthew Hardin expressed the emotional turmoil of recalling the tragic events.
“I hate those memories,” Hardin told the congregation, as he reflected on the day he witnessed the flames engulfing the church. The pastor recounted the frantic moments of evacuating preschool children and running a half-mile to Marquez Elementary School to get his own children amid chaotic traffic.
The service served as a reminder of the challenges faced by the community, grappling with loss and the complexities of rebuilding. “It’s OK to feel both at the same time,” Hardin reassured those gathered. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the emotional toll the fire has taken.
As the congregation wore shirts proclaiming “Palisades Strong,” Hardin joked about wanting one that reads “Palisades Exhausted,” encapsulating the duality of their experience over the past year.
Associate Pastor Rev. Grace Park shared plans to rebuild the church at its original site located at 15821 Sunset Blvd. “We have the spirit to rebuild,” she stated, though she acknowledged the many logistical challenges ahead, including funding and planning.
Despite the hardships, both pastors highlighted the outpouring of support from around the globe that has lifted their spirits. Park noted, “It’s been a very difficult and challenging year… but also a year of hope.”
Elder Cynthia Block expressed the deep-rooted connections within the congregation, emphasizing the strong familial bonds that have been a hallmark of the church community. “We want to get that back,” Block said, referring to the sense of togetherness that has been strained over the past year.
Parishioner Sharon Browning became emotional as she shared the weight of the congregation’s loss, stating, “It has been a challenge for us.” She voiced concern about keeping in touch with displaced members but expressed gratitude for the warm welcome they have received from Brentwood Presbyterian Church.
As the congregation continues to navigate this emotional landscape, the community remains steadfast in their resolve to rebuild not just a church, but a family. “A church is not just a building,” Park reminded everyone, “it is a group of people that come together with faith and hope.”
This anniversary serves as a significant moment for the Pacific Palisades community, marking not only the pain of loss but also the resilience and hope for the future. As they move forward, the congregation’s commitment to one another remains strong, reminding all that the spirit of their community will endure.
Stay tuned for updates as the rebuilding process unfolds and the community continues to honor the legacy of the Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church.
