HISTORY

The first service of Prince of Peace, led by the Rev. David M. Paisley, was held at Shadow Ranch Park on June 18, 1959. This date marked five years of discussion, petitions, and financial planning to make Prince of Peace officially a diocesan mission under Bishop Bloy. Throughout 1959, Prince of Peace met in various buildings, including the Topanga Dance Studio, the Pacific Boys' Lodge, and Serrania School. In August 1960, five acres of land at 5700 Rudnick Avenue were purchased by the Diocese.

On June 23, 1963, ground-breaking ceremonies for the parish hall/sanctuary were held and construction begun. The first services were held in May 1964. The following year construction of the Sunday School, which had been held at the Collins Street School, began. In September of 1966, classrooms were dedicated.

Throughout 1967, church grounds were landscaped, a large cross was installed, and an organ was built by the men of the church. In November of 1972, Fr. Paisley left Prince of Peace to become rector at Saint George's in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Gethin B. Hughes was named Vicar in February, 1973. That fall, the Rev. Jess E. Taylor was named fourth Vicar.

Under Fr. Taylor, Prince of Peace continued to grow and was granted parish status at the 83rd Convention of the Diocese of Los Angeles in May, 1978. During this period the new Rodgers organ was purchased. A new parish hall was completed in 1982. The kitchen was added to the upper hall in 1985 and now serves as the distribution center for the West Valley Food Pantry.

In November 1987, Fr. Taylor suffered a tragic fall and was hospitalized for several months. Unable to return to his full time duties as rector, he resigned in May of 1988. The Rev. Andrew Keady, who had been assisting since 1986, became our Priest in charge. The Rev. Katherine H. Clark was named assistant in February of 1988 and served in that capacity until August of 1996. She was ordained to the priesthood at Prince of Peace by Bishop Garver on May 14, 1989.

In 1988 Prince of Peace completed extensive remodeling of the sanctuary and created a chapel for midweek services. The Rev. Rand L. Reasoner was named second rector of Prince of Peace in April of 1989.

Under the spiritual leadership of Fr. Rand, and with the love and dedication of hundreds of faithful parishioners, ministries have been supported, expanded, and developed in worship, outreach, education, evangelism, stewardship, and pastoral care. During the past few years we have been blessed to hire a full time Youth Pastor and a full time Children and Families Minister to grow ministries to these groups and the community at large. We have purchased, expanded, and installed a Pipe Organ for the enhancement of worship. We are recognized throughout our region as a place that educates both adults and children musically particularly with our bell choirs. We have begun a drama ministry that incorporates Christian themes during Sunday Worship and beyond. We have become a diocesan leader in evangelism through the Alpha Course. We have developed St. Stephen pastoral care ministry to support our neighbors in need. We have initiated a health ministry designed to help us integrate spirituality and wellness. 

In recognition of past service on All Saints Sunday 1998 we named our administration building after our founding Vicar The Reverend David Paisley. We are currently in the process of developing a long-range facilities master plan to help us move boldly and purposefully into the 21st Century. We continue to build on the foundation built by our forefathers and mothers of hospitality and love. We will continue to seek the will of God for the days to come. We truly are The Church in The Valley.