Now, as a narrative of the life and often turbulent times of the First Christian Church of North Hollywood, they are presented again in chronological order. In writing them, I have often been reminded of the lines from a stately old Thanksgiving hymn: 

In retrospect, whatever the crisis, we have been blessed with dedicated leadership, both from our ministers and from members of the congregation, and always with a warmth of friendship and concern for one another that has sustained us through good times and bad. And in a half century that has known wars and depression, triumphs in space and failures on earth, our church has remained a haven where faith, hope, love and the other simple but eternal values prevail. 

For a brief time after the Southern Pacific Railroad had laid its first tracks across the San Fernando Valley, the area was called Toluca. But by the time the old stage coach road winding through Cahuenga Pass had been graded and oiled to accommodate those new-fangled contraptions called automobiles, it had once again taken the name of one of its original Yankee owners, Isaac Lankershim.

The town of Lankershim was located on the easternmost portion of what had once been the vast, treeless grazing lands of Mission San Fernando.  But because it was blessed with rich, loamy soil that would retain scarce moisture, its promoters found it would support the cultivation of fruit orchards.  Accordingly, the settlement soon became known as "Lankershim – Home of the Peach" – a community of small groves and chicken farms, with numerous roadside stands and a small business section of brick and frame buildings only a real estate promoter would describe as bustling.

Not even a momentous event like the opening of the Owens River Aqueduct in 1913 could rouse the little town from its lethargy. To get a share of the precious Owens River water, other valley communities – Marian (now Reseda), Owensmouth (Canoga Park), Zelzah (Northridge), Pacoima and Van Nuys had become a part of the City of Los Angeles, but for another decade Lankershim elected to remain independent.  But finally, in 1923, even sleepy Lankershim found it necessary to become part of the growing giant, and, with annexation an accomplished fact, there was a new stirring of community activity.  For one group of Lankershim residents that stirring took the form of a desire to build a church.  For some time they had been meeting for Bible study in Duncan Hall above a store on Magnolia just east of Lankershim.  One of their members, Mr. A. K. Finley traveled from neighboring Burbank to attend the meetings volunteered to make a door-to-door survey of the east valley to determine if enough support could be enlisted to justify organizing a Disciples of Christ Church. 

As reported in Dorothy Hall's 40th Anniversary History, Mr. Finley's efforts led to erection of a large tent at the corner of Lankershim and Magnolia, where in the Spring of 1924, guest preachers from Los Angeles and Hollywood conducted a series of evangelistic meetings.  In July of that year these meeting, in turn, led to the drawing up of a charter for a permanent church.

Because the name North Hollywood would not be adapted by the community until 1927, it was designated the First Christian Church of Lankershim, (a name we still officially retain) and the Reverend S. A. Roberts of Hollywood became its first minister.  When the tent campaign had ended, services were resumed in Duncan Hall, but as the congregation increased, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Loucks donated a site for a church building and adjacent parsonage on Hartsook Avenue.

There, in November, 1924, ground was broken, and with material apparently donated by the minister, and labor lovingly supplied by members of the congregation, the new building gradually took shape.  In January of 1925 it was ready for occupancy, and for the first tim the infant church held services in its own building.  But there were to be many hard times ahead.

Rich in spirit and enthusiasm, but downright poor in dollars, the young organization had to struggle for its existence.  Records show that during 1926, receipts totaled only $1,799.48, and the minister served without compensation.  Nevertheless, through those early years, and the even more difficult period of the Great Depression which followed, the church managed to play an important role in the lives of its members.  The young people's group, then called Christian Endeavor, was one of the largest in the valley, and the Sunday School served more than 100 youngsters and adults.  A busy Ladies Aid provided much of the support for the church -- largely by opening its Tuesday luncheons to local businessman who could enjoy a generous home cooked meal for $.25.

In 1936, the retirement of the minister led to another period of crisis.  Reverend Roberts remained active as a member of the church, and with his wife continued to occupy the parsonage, but a new minister had to be found to take over the pulpit.  After hearing several candidates, the congregation selected Mr. Amos Roadhouse, who proved to be a very powerful speaker, but somewhat independent in nature.  After Mr. Roadhouse had served only two years, the congregation arrived one Sunday morning to discover that he had resigned without notice, and the search for a new minister was on.

It culminated in July of 1939 with a call to the Reverend Kenneth Helm, who set about to rebuild the membership which had lagged seriously during those uncertain years.  By the end of Mr. Helm's first year, active membership would climb again to 215.  A Hammond Organ, still being used in our present chapel - was purchased on time and Mrs. Gloria Gooch, remembered so fondly by so many, joined the church staff as organist.  Thereafter, the Tuesday luncheons served by the Ladies Aid were accompanied by an organ concert.

As the First Christian Church reached its 15th anniversary, it had already played a significant role in the spiritual growth of the community of North Hollywood, which, with the rest of the valley was about to experience an unprecedented boom.  From Bible Class in Duncan Hall, the little church had come a long way, and had weathered many storms.  And though time would reveal that other storms loomed ahead, the tradition of faith in the face of obstacles and the spirit of friendly warmth and family concern that we enjoy today had been firmly established.  And as we continue our celebration of our Church's golden anniversary, we know that all those early pioneers stand beside us as we declare ourselves to be "50 Years Young," and look forward to new opportunities for service to Christ and to our fellowmen.

1940-44

During those deceptively quiet days of Autumn, 1939, they had called it a "phoney" war.  Allied troops watched from the security of the "impregnable" Maginot Line, comforted by the assurances that not even Hitler would be mad enough to attempt a frontal attack on the mighty French army.

But in May of 1940, the phoney war proved all too real.  The quiet was shattered by the sickening screech of Blitzkrieg.  Nazi paratroopers dropped behind the vaunted Maginot fortifications and easily reduced them from the rear.  Simultaneously, armored Panzer units, supported by swarms of aircraft, poured across the frontier, and what military experts had termed "the world's greatest army" was soon in full retreat.

Throughout those bleak May days, each evening brought the sober voice of Edward R. Murrow with more bad news from London.  Each morning was greeted with black headlines recording more Nazi successes and Allied humiliation.  The German war machine seemed unstoppable, and it was not until both British and French forces were pinned against the English channel that the first glimmer of hope emerged through the gloom.  The miraculous rescue of British Expeditionary forces from the beaches of Dunkirk came as a spirited promise of British will to resist no matter what the odds.

At home, preparations for defense and production for war became primary concerns that would only be redoubled by Pearl Harbor.  The upheaval of war and its tragic consequences would dominate the entire 1940-1944 period.  Yet, through the fear, uncertainty and heartache that touched every life, there was a sense of a return to fundamental values.  Principles worth fighting for overseas, surely seemed worth preserving here at home.  Among them were deep seated religious convictions which sought outlet in renewed church affiliation and activity.

For a small congregation on Hartsook Avenue in North Hollywood, the 1940-1944 period would be a time of crisis and of rapid change to meet rapidly changing conditions.  Under the leadership of Reverend Kenneth Helm, membership in the First Christian Church showed some growth but ailing finances remained a perpetual problem.  On one occasion, to meet a payment due on the Hammond organ, the aging church sanctuary had been cleared out so a fund raising carnival could be staged.  Then termites were discovered, and the spring rains of 1941 revealed major roof leaks.  Another emergency fund drive was undertaken for repairs.  But when the Nazarene Church offered to purchase the property, the congregation voted to accept and to seek a site for a new church building.

It was not to be as simple as it seemed.  Title to the Hartsook property was still vested in its first minister, Reverend S. A. Roberts, who had personally advanced money for its construction.  When only $3,000 had been paid on the sale, Mr. Roberts died.  It then developed that his will gave the property to the congregation occupying it.  The property, therefore, went to the Nazarenes, and First Christian found itself homeless and with little money.

In faith and determination, however, it was richer than ever, and through the efforts of Ken Helm and the generosity of future church members, a site was acquired on Moorpark near Bakman.  Wartime priorities were now in effect, but through diligent efforts materials were obtained, and largely with do-it-yourself labor, the beloved "Little White Chapel" became a reality.

It was dedicated on Palm Sunday, 1943, and its simple warmth and charm soon attracted many new members.  However, the strain involved in the building effort had taken its toll.  Reverend Helm, who had suffered a heart condition for many years, requested and was granted a year's leave of absence.

To fill his place, a call went to Reverend Merle E. Fish, Jr., then pastor of the South Pasadena Christian Church.  Merle accepted the post believing it to be permanent, which it proved to be when further deterioration of Reverend Helm's health forced him to resign.

Under the new minister's youthful and vigorous leadership, the persistent financial problems were tackled head on.  More responsible stewardship became a church goal, and, although individual members had, in the past, often made up a deficit in the minister's salary, this was never necessary after Merle assumed the pastorate.  With the assistance of the Boy Scouts, the minister still cut the church lawn, and volunteer couples cleaned the sanctuary in preparation for the worship service each week.  But by 1944 enough money could be spared to purchase the adjoining lot.  It was acquired for $260.00 at a tax sale, and an additional $1,200 purchased a surplus army barracks to be placed on its rear portion.  As a result, many Church School classes which had been meeting outdoors were moved inside for the first time, but the growth of all youth groups soon made teaching "al fresco" a necessity once more.

As time passed, every facet of Church life, spiritual, educational and social pulsed with renewed life.  An adult social organization called "The Wranglers" was organized to meet at members' homes, and a six week School of World Friendship looked forward hopefully to the war's end.

From a near desperate situation, a few short years had seen a transition to an era of stability, vigor and great promise.  It had been accomplished by prayer, faith, love, dedication and hard work.  It had also been accomplished by a growing concern for the welfare of others.  By 1944, for each ten dollars spent for our own immediate church needs, another was being sent to meet the needs of others outside our church family.  As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, who can say that bread cast upon the waters has not been returned to us many fold.

1945-49

The most important event of the time could be reported in a single word - PEACE.  VE (Victory in Europe) Day on May 8, 1945, was followed by VJ (Victory over Japan) Day on September 2.  The agony of World War II was over, and, in the words of the popular song, the lights could "go on all over the world."  Radio and movie newsreels carried accounts of wild celebrations at Times Square in New York, and Union Square in San Francisco, and prayers of gratitude went up from millions of hearts.  Ahead was a time of reunion, of readjustment, of putting down new roots, and returning to the real business of living.

For the First Christian Church of North Hollywood, it would be a time of vitality and growth.  During that same September, to add to the joy of VJ Day, the mortgage on the Little White Church could be burned with appropriate ceremonies.  The beloved little chapel was all ours at last, and we promptly began filling it to overflowing .  On Palm Sunday, 1945, duplicate services had been necessary for the first time, beginning a custom that has continued ever since.  Even at that, chairs in the aisles at both services soon became the rule.

Meanwhile, the Church School had literally overflowed the surplus army barracks building that served as an all-purpose hall, and classes were held in little clusters on the outdoor basketball court.  The need for expansion of the Church School facilities was all too apparent, so a lot adjoining the Sanctuary at Bakman and Moorpark was purchased, and an architect retained to make recommendations for its use.  In the interim, a building of 800 square feet was constructed with do-it-yourself labor and partially donated materials.  Total cost = $1200.

The annual budget which had reached $15,000 in 1945 was hiked to $20,000 in 1946.  The late Joe Fish, brother of our young pastor, Merle Fish, was added to the staff as youth minister, and all young people's activities burgeoned.  Still another lot across Bakman Avenue was purchased with the thought that a complete Church School facility would be erected there.  But by 1948, growth in every phase of Church activity was so rapid, that a search for a wholly new building site seemed imperative.  The choice soon narrowed to property at Moorpark and Colfax.  A trade was effected for the four existing lots, and plans for a spacious new church structure presented to the Congregation.  They were not unanimously accepted.  The sheer audacity of the undertaking, combined with an affection for the Little White Chapel caused some members to greet the proposal with reluctance.

Nevertheless, after spirited debate, and considerable reliance on divine guidance, the ambitious plan was approved.  A building committee was activated to raise $100,000 to be supplemented by a loan of $65,000 from Board of Church Extension.  After an all-out campaign of pep rallies, community solicitation, and sacrificial giving, cash and pledges totaling $41,000 had been raised.  It was a phenomenal sum for such a small congregation to raise in such a short time, but it was far short of the necessary goal.  But the spirit was moving, and after more prayers -- interspersed with more lively debate -- the Lanphier Organization of Professional Fund Raisers was retained to conduct another campaign.

Every organization in the Church cooperated with an array of fund raising events.  Prominent personalities were invited to help, including many friends of future congregational president, Jimmie Fidler.  Radio MC Jay Stewart entertained with his "Surprise Package," offering such valuable prizes as a 24 "carat" necklace, consisting of 24 genuine carrots on a string.

Finally, enough money was on hand to justify the start of construction, and a gala ground breaking took place on April 24, 1949.  But since still more funds would be required to see the project through, additional "Buy a Brick," "Buy a Window" and "Buy a Seat" campaigns were conducted.  With still another loan from Board of Church Extension, the necessary total was finally eked out, and the dream moved toward reality.

While, in this brief report, money appears to be the central theme of the time, the fact is, all facets of Church life thrived.  It was a time of spiritual ferment, underlining the truth of the familiar words from the Sermon on the Mount, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."  In dedication to a goal we let our light show before men, and they saw our good works, and they came to join us in glorifying our Father in Heaven.

Congregational presidents of the period were:  C.A. "Chick" Meginniss (1954); C.C. "Sandy" Sansom (1946); C.P. Von Herzen (1947); Elmer Lee (1948); Tommy Tomlinson (1949)

1950-54

1955-59

1960-64

1965-69

1969-74