A Look at Christmasses Past

Over the years, our Christmas celebrations have grown and evolved— some things have stayed the same while others have changed. As we move towards a Christmas that will be like no other, we wanted to pause and look back at Christmasses past. We hope you enjoy this look at the past and find peace in knowing that even through change, some things remain steadfast and true— the love of God, the joy of Christmas, and the spirit of the Neighborhood Church. Hover over each photo to read a caption, or click to expand the image.

A special thank you to our historian, Fran Bock, who helps preserve the history of the Neighborhood Church and made these images from our Digital Archive available!

This photo, dated the week of December 4, 1950, was taken by Dennis Smith, the namesake of our School Building. It shows the inside of the auditorium at Malaga Cove School, where the Neighborhood Church met prior to purchasing the Haggarty estate.

Alongside the other sepia photo on this page, this photo was one of several taken by Dennis Smith and found in a storage box. The photo is dated December 4, 1950, just a few weeks after the Church purchased the Haggarty villa and grounds on November 16, 1950. Unbeknownst to Dennis Smith and the Church at the time, it would be almost two more years until the Church officially moved to its new home, celebrating the first Sunday Services at our current location on October 5, 1952.

This Order of Worship is from 1938, when the Church was meeting at the Malaga Cove School. The announcements section references a Christmas program that was offered in the auditorium— the early iterations of our now beloved Annual Christmas Pageant.

If you look closely, this view might almost look familiar to you. It’s the back of the Sanctuary! Before the Fellowship Hall was built, large events were hosted in the back of the Sanctuary. (1981)

(2009) The stained glass mural in the Narthex decorated for Christmas

(2009) The stained glass mural in the Narthex decorated for Christmas

Another view of the back of the Sanctuary. Our Fellowship Hall provided a much needed event space and allowed us to permanently expand the seating in the Sanctuary. (1981)

Anne Miller (center) stands in The Barn, part of the then garage, which is now the Fellowship Hall. Prior to the construction of the Fellowship Hall, the Choir met in The Barn and some indoor events were held there. Anne is holding a home-made candl…

Anne Miller (center) stands in The Barn, part of the then garage, which is now the Fellowship Hall. Prior to the construction of the Fellowship Hall, the Choir met in The Barn and some indoor events were held there. Anne is holding a home-made candle that she made during the Advent Wreath event, a tradition that continues to this day, even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic! Over 30 families received Advent Wreath supplies to make at home this past Sunday.

An Advent Christmas program from 1938— it invites families to attend the Family Christmas Service, one of our most treasured Christmas traditions.

An Advent Christmas program from 1938— it invites families to attend the Family Christmas Service, one of our most treasured Christmas traditions.