The Chancel Cross from the Palisades Presbyterian Church was found in the rubble.
Many community members have asked about the Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church, which was destroyed in the Palisades Fire. The church was affectionally referred to as Pali Pres, by its members and those in the community.
For 75 years, the church sat on hill, above the town and canyon at its location at Sunset and El Medio. The Unfinished Cross window in the sanctuary was distinctive to those traveling on Sunset. It is a key symbol of the church and stands for the belief that the work of learning faith and sharing God’s Word is never done.
Janes Hall, the site of many community meetings, had some of the most spectacular – and meditative – views in the town.
The origins of the church are found with Rev. Dr. Benjamin Franklin Janés, a U.S. Marine Corps Chaplain, who brought his family to Pacific Palisades after his service in World War II. He served as the pastor for the first 10 years of the church, which initially held its services on the Presbyterian Conference grounds on Haverford Street.
Under Janes guidance, in 1955 ground was broken for a chapel. As the congregation grew, a new sanctuary, chapel, offices, Janes Hall and youth complex were constructed under the leadership of Rev. Dr. John Todd and dedicated in May 1999.
All of the buildings were destroyed in the January 2025 Fire. Pali Pres’ senior pastor, Rev. Matt Hardin and associate pastor, Rev. Dr. Grace Park, made immediate arrangements for the congregation to worship at Westwood Presbyterian, then at Culver City Presbyterian finally settling in for Sunday afternoon services at Brentwood Presbyterian at Bundy and San Vicente.
While many in the congregation lost their homes or were displaced for months, their devotion to Pali Pres and the Palisades provides the impetus for an intention to rebuild.
With the experienced guidance of several local developers, the architectural firm that designed the destroyed sanctuary over 26 years ago and visionary consultants, plans are underway for Pali Pres to return home.
In the meantime, Brentwood Presbyterian is graciously hosting the Pali Pres congregation each Sunday along with its youth and children’s programs. The chancel cross, found buried in the rubble, reminds congregants each Sunday that Pali Pres is alive, well and will, once again, be a blessing to the community. click here.