celebrating our 75 years
Shadow Hills Presbyterian Church Founded February 16, 1949
It all began in November, 1949. Several families in Shadow Hills, CA discussed the lack of an area church school in their growing community. They decided to approach the already established Presbytery of Los Angels to allow them to recognize a new worshiping community. By November of that year, the Reverend Moffat Dennis was called as the organizing pastor.
For the first few months, worship and classes were held in available barns, on patios and in vacant houses. Many of the churches in this Presbytery can tell a similar story of the challenges and celebrations while establishing their presence in their communities.
Once a pastor was called to the church, worship services were held even before choosing the land and building of their Sanctuary. Fellowship Hall and the Fireside Room quickly followed after being held in various members' homes until the buildings were dedicated.
Shadow Hills Presbyterian Church was officially incorporated on February 26, 1950 and 25 children were baptized on Palm Sunday six weeks later.
Spring of 1950 also saw the purchase of the land at the corner of Sunland and Johanna Blvds. The arrival of the Rose Chapel from Burbank Presbyterian Church took place soon after that. Reverend John Stewart accepted the call as Pastor followed by the formation of a Women's Association and the installation of the first choir.
Next came a church-sponsored Nursery School Program in the fall of 1952 under the direction of Gladys Chambers. The development and popularity of the Nursery school programs became the backbone of the church's growth.
In the Spring of 1952, it also brought the arriver of Pastor Wesley Baker, and the dedication of the kitchen.
By January of 1954, the congregation had become self-supporting. The church continued to thrive and provide strong Christian leadership the the growing community.
By the beginning of the 60's and into the 70's Shadow Hills emerged as the beacon of the community, including Christian leadership, adult education, church school expansion and mission projects focusing on the community needs and expectations.
A highly successful fund-raising campaign in 1986 provided funds to renovate portions of the church and by Advent, 1987, the projects were dedicated and held in the highly anticipated "new" Sanctuary.
Our church is nestled at the mouth of La Tuna Canyon, north of Los Angeles. September 3, 2017, saw Shadow Hills Presbyterian church facing the largest brushfire in Los Angeles history developing at the top of their canyon.
The word went out to various Emergency Responders' agencies that the church was available to any emergency personnel who needed a base. Church members volunteered to help at the church, if needed. Flames could be seen at the top of the canyon and ash covered the entire church property. Although 5,000+ acres were burned, a disaster was eventually diverted.
During the following years, from 1950 to the present time, the church has served their community with faith, friendship, mission projects, daycare facilities, financial stability, community service and opportunities to spread the Word of all who seek it. Just another example of a community church helping out the surrounding community.