our history

In 2024, we are celebrating 95 years.

Father Junipero Serra and his Franciscan companions brought Christianity to California in the second half of the 18th Century. The population of the territory increased tremendously after the discovery of gold in 1849 and the Timber Culture Act of 1871 which encouraged migration West with 160-acre land claims.

The first homesteaders in Laguna Beach came around 1876. By 1889 there were 2 hotels in town. The artists were soon to follow, attracted by the special beauty of the area. Laguna Beach continues to be an artistic focal point of Orange County. By 1922, there were enough people to start an Episcopal Church. Percy Wise Clarkson, our first rector, bought land on a cattle trail on a hill overlooking the ocean and small town.

Ground was broken for the original church building in 1925. The church was officially named St. Mary’s in 1929. St. Mary’s was admitted to the Union of the Convention of the Diocese of Los Angeles on January 28, 1931. From 1939 through 1967 additional lots were added to the property until it reached its current size. In 1939 the Diocese recognized St. Mary’s as a self-supporting independent parish.

Our Guild Hall, which was built that same year, can seat 200. The main floor has a kitchen and two rest rooms. The lower Guild Hall is not in use today. The original St. Mary’s had a cross with gold lights high in its tower which shown out to sea. It was beloved by local sailors. But the capacity of the church was only 50 people and the construction was not stable in this earthquake prone area. In 1957, our current church was erected on the Park Avenue side of the property with seating for 200. In the mid-70s the original church and rectory had to be demolished, due to the instability of the building structure. One of the arches remains and serves as the entry to our outdoor sanctuary.

In 1998, major renovations were undertaken. Four classrooms were added beneath the Guild Hall and the Children’s chapel was moved to the lower level of the church. A cottage on the property was completely upgraded to function as the Parish Office and Library.

In 2002, it was discovered that the Sanctuary had some serious structural problems. These have all been repaired. While the major building project was going on, the lovely Columbarium and Memorial Garden were added. Beginning about 18 years ago, a great deal of research was done concerning updating and improving our Guild Hall. Having to spend so much to repair the structural issues in the Sanctuary meant that Guild Hall improvements would have to wait. There is still enthusiasm for it, along with specific plans which include adding a wheel chair ramp to make the Guild Hall ADA accessible.

In 2015, our front garden was beautifully rebuilt with drought resistant landscape. A longtime member of St. Mary’s recently said that most of the altruistic programs in Laguna Beach started at St. Mary’s. There have certainly been many agencies and programs that were initiated here including The Friendship Shelter for the Homeless, The Community Clinic, the Resource Center, The Episcopal Church Alliance, Sally’s Fund for the Elderly, ACTION - AIDS Care Teams in Our Neighborhoods, La Playa teaching English as a Second language, IRIS House serving pregnant women, Caregiver’s Support Group, and Zero Trash Day among many others.

The Community Thanksgiving Service in town was started by St. Mary’s and rotates from parish to parish throughout the community. During the last ten years, a number of contemplative services have been introduced: a Healing Service, a Lectio Davina and Contemplative prayer service and a beautiful candlelit Taize service. We have held retreats at St. Mary’s that were led by renowned thinkers Cynthia Bourgeault, Joan Chittister, and Marcus Borg.