The Pacific Palisades Ward meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has reopened in the wake of the devastating wildfires that ripped through the Southern California city in January 2025.
While the houses, trees, and shrubs surrounding the building burned, the meetinghouse itself remained intact but suffered significant damage from smoke and ash. Following a complete interior renovation, the building was rededicated on Sunday, April 12th. Ward, stake, community, and media representatives were in attendance.
“Returning to the chapel after a year of service is a joyous milestone that fills us with renewed hope for the future,” said Los Angeles California Stake President Brian C. Ames.
Although the building has reopened, President Ames said many of the congregation who lost their homes in the fire remain evacuated.
“While we are excited, we are deeply aware of the collective grief left for those who are still navigating the difficult path of rebuilding their lives,” Ames said in a ChurchofJesusChrist.org news release.
And he told CBS Los Angeles, “I’m happy to be back after just one year, when so many people are still rebuilding their homes and lives. And I hope this is another step in rebuilding the community here in the Palisades.”
Casey Mammen, wife of Pacific Palisades Bishop Taylor G. Mammen, said the sense of loss was overwhelming after the wildfires. Many members of the ward do not yet have a home, but the rededicated chapel provides a gathering place to continue the rebuilding process.
“There is now hope that we can work together in the same place and regain some of the lives that were lost as we continue to recover as a community.”
After the fire, ward members told Church News that they can heal if they can come together. And Bishop Mamen saw how they served each other.
“The ministering that people have done for each other has been incredible,” he said at the time.
The Palisades and Eaton fires occurred in early January 2025, and at one point nearly 200,000 people were under evacuation orders. The fire destroyed entire neighborhoods in the Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Pasadena and parts of Malibu.
The two wards most affected were the Pacific Palisades and Pasadena wards of the Los Angeles California Stake and the Pasadena California Stake.
The late President Jeffrey R. Holland visited Southern California in February 2025 to comfort Latter-day Saints.
President Holland offered his blessing to hundreds of people and, as if placing his hand directly on each person’s head, said: “I bless you all for all the right wishes of your heart.”
