our history

In 2024, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church celebrates 95 years of faith, community, and service in Laguna Beach. Our story, however, is intertwined with the rich history of the land and its people.

Before homesteaders arrived, the land on which Laguna Beach now stands was home to the Acjachemen and Tongva people, who lived in harmony with the coastal environment for thousands of years. Their deep spiritual connection to the land resonates through the beauty of this area to this day.

In the second half of the 18th century, Father Junipero Serra and his Franciscan companions introduced Christianity to California, marking a profound shift in the region. Following the discovery of gold in 1849 and the Timber Culture Act of 1871, which encouraged westward migration with 160-acre land claims, California’s population surged. The first homesteaders arrived in Laguna Beach around 1876, and by 1889, the town had its first two hotels. Artists soon followed, captivated by the natural beauty that remains one of Laguna Beach’s most distinctive qualities.

By 1922, the community had grown enough to support an Episcopal congregation. The first Episcopal service was held on September 1, 1923, in a local women’s club, marking the beginning of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Under the leadership of Percy Wise Clarkson, our first rector, land was purchased on a cattle trail overlooking the ocean and town. Ground was broken for the original church building in 1925, and in 1929, the church was officially named St. Mary’s.

St. Mary’s was admitted to the Union of the Convention of the Diocese of Los Angeles on January 28, 1931. Between 1939 and 1967, additional lots were acquired, expanding the property to its current size. In 1939, the Diocese recognized St. Mary’s as a self-supporting independent parish. Our Guild Hall, built that same year, can accommodate 200 people and continues to serve as a gathering space. The original St. Mary’s featured a tower with a cross illuminated by golden lights, a beloved landmark for sailors. However, the original church, with its 50-person capacity, was not stable in this earthquake-prone region. In 1957, the current church building was erected on the Park Avenue side of the property, seating 200. The original church and rectory were eventually demolished in the mid-1970s, but one of the arches remains as a gateway to our outdoor sanctuary.

In 1998, significant renovations were completed, including the addition of four classrooms beneath the Guild Hall and relocating the Children’s Chapel to the lower level of the church. A cottage on the property was also upgraded to serve as the Parish Office and Library. In 2002, repairs were made to address structural issues in the Sanctuary, and a Columbarium and Memorial Garden were added, creating a peaceful space for reflection.

Though structural repairs delayed planned improvements to the Guild Hall, enthusiasm remains high for future upgrades, including the installation of a wheelchair ramp to make the space ADA accessible.

Our commitment to serving the community is reflected in the many altruistic programs that have originated at St. Mary’s, 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 for pregnant women, the Caregiver’s Support Group, and Zero Trash Day, among others.

The Community Thanksgiving Service in Laguna Beach, which rotates among local parishes, was initiated by St. Mary’s. Over the past decade, we have introduced various contemplative services, including a Healing Service, Lectio Divina, Contemplative Prayer, and a candlelit Taizé service. We have also hosted retreats led by renowned spiritual leaders such as Cynthia Bourgeault, Joan Chittister, and Marcus Borg.

As we look ahead to our next chapter, we remain grateful for the rich history that has shaped us and the community that continues to support and nurture our mission of faith and service.