Oldest Churches in the San Fernando Valley

The oldest church in the San Fernando Valley is the Mission San Fernando Rey de España in Mission Hills, established in 1797.  The only structure remaining  is the Convento Building,  built between 1808 and 1822.

One of the oldest churches in the San Fernando Valley is St. Elisabeth of Hungary in Van Nuys. Obviously the San Fernando Mission is the oldest church but the history of St. Elisabeth's is detailed on their website as: "The Parish of St. Elisabeth, Van Nuys, often spoken as the "Mother Church" of the San Fernando Valley was, actually, until the end of Word l War I, a mission of Holy Trinity. The First Church was built in 1919 now serves as the classrooms for our Elementary School. On 1949 the new church was constructed and in 1950 was dedicated by Archbishop James McIntyre"

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Canoga Park was established in 1921; similarly, Saint Charles Borromeo, in North Hollywood, was founded in 1920.

The Burbank Foursquare Church was dedicated in 1927 and has been renamed "Media Center" Church.  

 Chatsworth Community Church was established in 1903, on Topanga Canyon, but as the road was expanded it necessitated the structure being moved through the financial generosity of Roy Rogers. The congregation eventually merged with other churches BUT since 1981 the building is currently leased by St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church.

First Baptist Church of Reseda (now Bridge Bible Fellowship) was established in 1942 whereas, Mount Zion Baptist Church of Burbank was established in 1940.  Actually, quite a number of Churches still with active congregations had their beginnings in the 1940's, as the San Fernando Valley began to grow new residents brought their faith to the growing community.

Many people do not realize there was a Quaker Church in the San Fernando Valley. The Woodlake Avenue Friends Church in Canoga Park, now West Hills, had an active congregation up until the late 1970's. The church property, across from Frances Lederer's historic 1934 home, is now the site of a medical building.

The First Baptist Church of Van Nuys was established in 1911 but by 1989 the congregation had split with some joining/establishing Rocky Peak in Chatsworth and others joining Hillcrest Christian which eventually became Shepherd Church in Porter Ranch. 

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