Detail from Holy Nativity Icon
by local Westchester artist
Steve O'Loughlin
Read about Holy Nativity Church in a recent article published in
Christian Century magazine.
Entry Points |
ABOUT OUR CHURCH
Holy Nativity is one of the longest-serving and most energetic Christian
churches on the Westside of Los Angeles.
HISTORY:
Situated in Westchester near the Los Angeles International Airport, between the
major thoroughfares of Lincoln and Sepulveda boulevards, the parish is an island
of peace amid the bustle of the city.
In a working-class neighborhood, aircraft workers during World War II were
searching for faith during a difficult time for the nation, which led them to
establish a mission congregation in 1942. Read the story of
"The Church that Margaret Brown
Built" for a glimpse of the founding of the parish.
Over the years, the church grew right along as the Kentwood neighborhood
transformed itself into an affluent, safe, and tranquil place. Today Holy
Nativity attracts worshippers of all races and backgrounds.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:
The church has become the center of many community activities. There’s always
something happening, whether it is church activities or hosting other community
groups.
Among those who call Holy Nativity their home are Alcoholics and Overeaters
Anonymous, outreach programs for the Los Angeles city schools, an independent
South Asia Pentecostal church, the Welsh choir, several Girl Scout troops, and
Weight Watchers.
ABOUT OUR RECTOR
The Reverend Peter H. Rood is a vibrant and energetic leader, who inspires
parishioners to live a life of integrity and purpose.
Reared in Southern California, he is a graduate of Pacific Oaks College in
Pasadena. After working in the business world, he felt called to Christ and
attended the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas.
He was ordained in 1994. After serving on the staff of the Diocese of Los
Angeles as chaplain to The Right Reverend Frederick Borsch, he was called to
Holy Nativity in 2002.
He remains guided by social activism and the importance of reaching out to other
religions. He serves on the Bishop’s Commission on Interreligious and Ecumenical
Concerns and is a participant in the Episcopal Hindu Dialogue Group.
Through his teachings, generosity, and warmth and his commitment to the faith,
he has brought Holy Nativity into a forceful position in the community.
His hobbies include gardening, cooking, reading, yoga, and running. He and his
wife, Marti, have two sons and a daughter. |
