UPDATE: The congregation of the Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church gathered on the evening of January 6, 2026, to mark the one-year anniversary of the devastating fire that destroyed their church. In a poignant service at Brentwood Presbyterian Church, Pastor Rev. Matthew Hardin expressed mixed emotions of grief and hope, stating, “I hate those memories. I really do. I hate them.”
This bittersweet gathering highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by the displaced congregation. Rev. Hardin recounted the harrowing moments as he rushed to evacuate children from the preschool, running to Marquez Elementary School to retrieve his own kids amid chaotic traffic. His memories of watching his church burn on the news lingered heavily, a stark reminder of the past year filled with loss, insurance battles, and efforts to keep the community connected.
“It’s OK to feel both at the same time,” Hardin reassured the congregation. “It’s OK to not know what t-shirt to put on each day.” Many attendees wore shirts emblazoned with “Palisades Strong,” while Hardin humorously suggested a shirt that reads “Palisades Exhausted” might better reflect their collective experience.
Associate Pastor Rev. Grace Park addressed the congregation’s hopes for rebuilding, noting that plans for a new church at 15821 Sunset Blvd. are still in the works, with numerous logistical considerations ahead. “We have the spirit to rebuild, but as everyone knows there’s a lot to consider,” she said.
Despite the emotional turmoil, Park emphasized the overwhelming global support received throughout the year. “It’s been a very difficult and challenging year… but also a year of hope,” she added. “We are reminded that a church is not just a building; it is a group of people that come together with faith and hope.”
During the service, elder Cynthia Block, who has been part of the church for 23 years, highlighted the strong familial bonds developed within the congregation. “We want to get that back,” Block expressed, underscoring the importance of community in their healing process.
Congregant Sharon Browning shared her emotional connection to the church family, acknowledging the pain felt by many who have been displaced. “If you’re a person of faith and you choose to have faith, then you care not only about yourself but also about everybody else that’s a part of your family,” she said. The challenge of maintaining connections with those who have left the area has been difficult, yet the warmth of the Brentwood community has been a silver lining.
As the congregation reflects on the past year, they remain steadfast in their commitment to rebuild and support one another. The emotional weight of this anniversary serves as a reminder of their resilience and the power of community in the face of adversity.
This event marks an important chapter in the journey of the Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church, as they navigate the path towards recovery and renewal. With ongoing discussions about rebuilding, the community continues to find strength in unity, ready to face the future together.
