Lake Avenue Church, Pasadena

Lake Avenue Congregational Church, located on North Lake Avenue in Pasadena, stands as a prominent member of the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference. Founded in 1896, the church has deep historical roots within the Pasadena community. Notably, its first minister was Allen Hastings, and one of its earliest and most prominent members was William Waterhouse, the mayor of Pasadena, who generously donated property for the church's initial construction.

The church complex today features several buildings, including the Worship Center and Family Life buildings completed in 1989, and the original sanctuary, now known as the Chapel, which hosts a Sunday service for the Spanish-speaking community. A significant historical figure associated with the church is Charles E. Fuller, who joined in 1933 and used the church's facilities to host the initial classes of what would become a major religious institution.

Designed by Barasch Architects & Associates and completed in 1988, this modern church features a fan-shaped structure with gray concrete curves and a stained glass-topped entryway accessed by a grand stairway. A white cross atop four slender pillars symbolizes a community beacon. The interior combines a performance stage and concert hall with traditional religious elements, creating a theatrical yet reverent atmosphere, and houses a 7,000-pipe organ, highlighting its dedication to music and acoustics.

With a seating capacity of over 4,300, Lake Avenue Congregational Church is one of the largest worship spaces in Southern California, offering a Sunday experience reminiscent of a Broadway theater.