OUR FAITH
In the love of truth and the Spirit of Jesus, we unite for the worship and service of God.
Through the teachings of the United Church of Christ, we trust in God, seek to follow the path and teachings of Jesus, and are dedicated to serving others in need. We value fellowship, caring relationships, compassion towards others, independent thinking, and respect for diversity. We endeavor to be a safe and nurturing Christian community where all are welcome and encouraged to grow spiritually.
OUR HISTORY
The Haggarty Estate, 1929
Courtesy Palos Verdes Library District, Local History Center
Malaga Cove and the Haggarty Residence, 1929
Courtesy Palos Verdes Library District, Local History Center
The Haggarty Estate
Originally built as a Mediterranean-style mansion in 1927-1928, J.J. Haggarty’s estate was designed by Italian architect Armand Monaco and landscaped by the renowned Olmsted Brothers. Dubbed “The Merchant Prince’s Showplace,” the 15,000-square-foot home featured ceiling murals, carved balustrades, and wrought iron gates—many still visible today. The estate boasted ocean views, a waterfall, grotto, swimming pool, and a private pier, remnants of which can be seen during low tide.
Financial struggles during the Great Depression led to its sale to London Exploration Company in the 1930s. Later, Midwest financier Henry Wheeler used it as a private art museum. After Wheeler’s passing, the property remained vacant until 1951, when The Neighborhood Church purchased it for $60,000.
Today, the church maintains much of the original charm, including intricate ceiling murals, lush olive trees, and a scenic seaside walkway with panoramic views from the Hollywood sign to Malibu.
Sunday School students and teachers outside of the Malaga Cove School, 1936
Courtesy Neighborhood Church Historical Archives
The congregation gathers for the first baptism in the Neighborhood Church's new home, October 1952
Courtesy Neighborhood Church Historical Archives
The Founding of The Neighborhood Church
While J.J. Haggarty was building his estate, families on the Palos Verdes Peninsula were searching for a church community. In 1926, the Palos Verdes Woman’s Club launched a community Sunday School in the home of Florence and George Gibbs. The first Easter Sunrise Service followed in 1927, held on the scenic hills of Palos Verdes.
By 1937, the growing congregation found a temporary home at Malaga Cove School, hosting Sunday School and worship services with guest ministers. In 1939, the gathering became officially known as “The Neighborhood Church in Palos Verdes Estates.”
As membership grew to 150+ by 1946, the church, led by Rev. Richard Dawson, sought a permanent home. With donations ranging from $25 to $16,000, the congregation purchased the Haggarty estate on Paseo del Mar.
Since affiliating with the United Church of Christ in 1961, The Neighborhood Church has continued its tradition of creative Christian ministry. While our physical space has evolved—from homes to a school to a historic estate—our mission remains unchanged. We still offer Sunday School, childcare, and Bible study, and, most importantly, we welcome everyone as we live out our covenant:
“In the love of truth and the Spirit of Jesus, we unite for the worship and service of God.”