May 11, 2014

47-783 Monroe Street

Las Palmas Community Church
"A Nazarene Church of the Coachella Valley"
Indio, California

The Nazarene Church of the Coachella Valley "Started in a house in 1939 on Highway 99(now Highway 86) and Ave 61 in Thermal CA.  There were "Primarily two families (of the Millsap brothers and two teens).

"As the group grew, walls were knocked out (and the meeting area increased). At some pont the members felt they should find a place to move in Indio,  A place was found at Requa and Smur. (This church was dedicated in 1945.) This is where the Church remained until the present property was found and the Church was built." (REF)

1945 Church on Requa and Smur

Construction of church on Monroe, 1967

Las Palmas Community Church on Monroe Street was built in 1967.  Blond laminated beams were used in the vaulted ceiling of the sanctuary.  This was typical construction of the time and several other area churches were built with this same detail.  (See Blog Post for St. John's Lutheran Church,  5/4/14.)  Stone is another building material typical of the area, although the types of stone varies. (See Blog Post for Trinity Lutheran Church, 4/20/14.)

Corner Stone of church on Monroe, 1967

Front Entrance of Church on Monroe

The  double bank of  blond pews in the sanctuary match the blond laminated beams of the high ceiling.  A large cross dominates the chancel.

Sanctuary

Greeting the congregation on Sunday mornings is a cheery hand painted mural in  the narthex. 

Narthex Mural

"We are a Christ-centered church that is biblically based.  We purpose to Encourage and love people, Equip believers for ministry, Evangelize the lost, Exalt His name and Enable fellowship."   A Senior Pastor, Youth Pastor, and Children's Pastor lead programs  including: worship, Sunday School, prayer meetings, women's/men's/children's/youth groups. (Link)

Thank you: To Children's Pastor, Deanna Gibson for her help. Photos: Colored photos taken in February 2014 by SW.
Reference: Our History is His Story, 68th Anniversary Celebration, by Ruth 
                      Millsap, April 6, 2008.
Link: http://www.laspalmascommunitychurch.org/

*****

47-783 Monroe Street

Las Palmas Community Church
"A Nazarene Church of the Coachella Valley"
Indio, California

The Nazarene Church of the Coachella Valley "Started in a house in 1939 on Highway 99(now Highway 86) and Ave 61 in Thermal CA.  There were "Primarily two families (of the Millsap brothers and two teens).

"As the group grew, walls were knocked out (and the meeting area increased). At some pont the members felt they should find a place to move in Indio,  A place was found at Requa and Smur. (This church was dedicated in 1945.) This is where the Church remained until the present property was found and the Church was built." (REF)

1945 Church on Requa and Smur

Construction of church on Monroe, 1967

Las Palmas Community Church on Monroe Street was built in 1967.  Blond laminated beams were used in the vaulted ceiling of the sanctuary.  This was typical construction of the time and several other area churches were built with this same detail.  (See Blog Post for St. John's Lutheran Church,  5/4/14.)  Stone is another building material typical of the area, although the types of stone varies. (See Blog Post for Trinity Lutheran Church, 4/20/14.)

Corner Stone of church on Monroe, 1967

Front Entrance of Church on Monroe

The  double bank of  blond pews in the sanctuary match the blond laminated beams of the high ceiling.  A large cross dominates the chancel.

Sanctuary

Greeting the congregation on Sunday mornings is a cheery hand painted mural in  the narthex. 

Narthex Mural

"We are a Christ-centered church that is biblically based.  We purpose to Encourage and love people, Equip believers for ministry, Evangelize the lost, Exalt His name and Enable fellowship."   A Senior Pastor, Youth Pastor, and Children's Pastor lead programs  including: worship, Sunday School, prayer meetings, women's/men's/children's/youth groups. (Link)

Thank you: To Children's Pastor, Deanna Gibson for her help. Photos: Colored photos taken in February 2014 by SW.
Reference: Our History is His Story, 68th Anniversary Celebration, by Ruth 
                      Millsap, April 6, 2008.
Link: http://www.laspalmascommunitychurch.org/

*****

Prayer

God, be with the persecuted Christians through out the world. Amen

                                                                                                                               April 20, 2014

81-500 Miles Ave. at Clinton Ave.

Trinity Lutheran Church
Indio, California

"Trinity Lutheran Church in Indio had its beginnings in January 1940, when services were held in the Woman's Club of Coachella...(In 1949) the property at the corner of Park and Requa Street Indio was purchased, and a World War II Army Hospital and Barracks unit was moved to the new church site....the two units ... were converted into a sanctuary and parsonage.  Church Church was dedicated on October 19, 1948....

"Formal organization of the Church took place on May 12, 1949.... In July 1960 the original buildings were sold to the First Methodist Church, and the congregation purchased the property at  Miles and Clinton Streets, where the church is now located.

Construction of church on Miles and Clinton, 1949

"A parsonage, sanctuary, and education building were erected at a cost of $100,000.  Many hours of volunteer made this possible.  Our present church facility was dedicated on Sunday, October 8, 1961.

Sanctuary entrance

Window above Sanctuary entrance doors

"Trinity's sanctuary has several unique architectural elements which make it an Indio landmark.  The elegant arc of the soaring a-frame is detailed with stained glass panels and culminates with a cross at its pinnacle.  The one of a kind rock chinking was painstakingly cut by hand and individually placed. The diamond shaped windows had to be completely redone because the manufacturer made them all the same size-in reality the windows grow in size as they march toward to front of the chancel....

Sanctuary

"The use of natural stone, wood, sky blue beams and altar backdrop, as well as strategically placed windows contribute to the light, airy feeling of the interior. making it a house of light and life.

 "The original pews, still in use today were purchased by families or individual members.  the decorative wrought iron Trinity symbol which graces the altar and communion railings were crafted and donated by congregation member Clarence Moe. (As was the hammered bronze altar cross.)" (REF.)

                                       Trinity Lutheran Child Development Center

The Lutheran Child Development Center (a preschool/daycare center) adjacent to the church  was constructed by "the Laborers for Christ and Church member volunteers.  The 7,000 square foot building was completed in the fall of 1989." (REF.)

Photos: Taken in February 2014 by SW.

Reference: Trinity Lutheran Church, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, 50th 

                       Anniversary, 1949-1999.

Link: http://www.trinityindio.org/

*****

Prayer

God, be with the persecuted Christians through out the world. Amen