UPDATE: The congregation of the Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church gathered on the evening of January 6, 2026, for a poignant service marking the one-year anniversary of the devastating fire that destroyed their church. In a heartfelt address, Rev. Matthew Hardin expressed his struggle with painful memories, saying, “I hate those memories… I was really not looking forward to this anniversary.”
The service, held at Brentwood Presbyterian Church, their temporary home since spring, highlighted a mix of grief and resilience. As the community reflected on the fire that uprooted their lives, Hardin shared harrowing details of that fateful day, recalling rushing to evacuate his children from Marquez Elementary School while smoke billowed from the hills.
About a year ago, the fire ripped through the Pacific Palisades, leaving the church in ruins and scattering its congregation. Hardin revealed the emotional toll of the aftermath, including struggles with insurance and maintaining connections with displaced members. He remarked, “It’s OK to feel both at the same time,” as he encouraged the congregation to embrace their complex emotions.
Rev. Grace Park addressed the future of their community, stating the intention to rebuild the church at 15821 Sunset Blvd. “We have the spirit to rebuild… but there’s a lot to consider,” she noted, acknowledging the logistical challenges ahead.
In an emotional moment, Cynthia Block, a church elder for 23 years, emphasized the importance of community ties, stating, “We want to get that back.” Congregant Sharon Browning expressed the shared pain of losing the church, saying, “It has been a challenge for us.” She highlighted the difficulty of keeping in touch with displaced members, yet celebrated the warm welcome from Brentwood.
Despite the trials, Park conveyed a message of hope, stating, “It’s been a year of hope… reminding ourselves that a church is not just a building, it is a group of people that come together with faith and hope.”
As the congregation moves forward, the bond forged through adversity continues to unite them. The emotional service served as both a remembrance of the loss and a reaffirmation of their commitment to rebuild their community.
As the Palisades Presbyterian Church family navigates this challenging chapter, the resilience and strength they exhibit shine brightly against the backdrop of their shared grief. The community remains hopeful for the future, ready to embrace the journey ahead.
