about fccnh
A Historical church
100 years and counting
Celebrate with us!
First Christian Church of North Hollywood
1924-2024
What an extraordinary century First Christian Church of North Hollywood has enjoyed! Join us as we delve into the remarkable milestones our congregation has reached over the last 100 years. The visionary leadership and steadfast dedication of our community have been deeply inspiring, creating a legacy of service, fellowship, outreach, and youth engagement. Through a century of loving God and neighbor, we’ve built a church home that endures and uplifts—at home and abroad. In honor of our centennial, enjoy a curated collection of digital and photographic memories, including a full year of historical notes from late September 2023 to October 2024, below.
May you, too, be inspired to do greater things with FCCNH.
view the collection
We relocate to Moorpark Street, focusing on building a robust Sunday School program.
1934-1943:
The startup church, “First Christian Church of Lankershim,” moves from a tent at Lankershim and Magnolia Boulevards to a building on Hartsook.
1924-1933:
The church appears on Great Churches of the Golden West, builds the Youth Hut, hosts German and Hungarian refugees & exchange students, establishes a ministerial education fund with Chapman College, and expands the campus!
1954-1963:
With the installation of new chimes, we become "The Church of the Chimes," move to Colfax and Moorpark, and open a nursery school in 1950.
1944-1953:
FCCNH celebrates full racial integration within its congregation, establishes the C. P. Von Herzen Memorial Library, hosts the Bon Ngu refugee family, and installs the Heritage Memorial Window in the newly redecorated chapel. The original New York cast of Godspell performs from December 1981 to March 1982, and the annual Christmas Tree Lot begins in 1982.
1974-1983:
FCCNH focuses on Sunday School classes in the newly-built new Educational Annex. In March 1969, a young Rev. Robert M. Bock becomes senior pastor. A 20-rank Schanze organ is installed in 1972.
1964-1973:
The Northridge Earthquake causes extensive damage, and the DOC’s Week of Compassion staff arrives the next day to help. The congregation moves to the social hall until "Re-Entry Sunday," when they return to the sanctuary with a new 70-rank Rodgers organ. Wheels for Humanity begins in 1996.
1994-2003:
On May 25, 1986, many congregants join Hands Across America on Ventura Boulevard to raise funds to fight hunger in Africa. The sanctuary’s grand piano is dedicated on May 31, 1987, and filming for TV and movies continues extensively.
1984-1993:
Hosted XPLOR teams, established online services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and transitioned from 52 years of dedicated leadership after Rev. Dr. Robert M. Bock's passing.
2014-2022:
FCCNH hosts a Spanish-speaking service and begins offering weddings for same-sex couples in its iconic Southern Colonial Sanctuary.
2004-2013:
Robert M. Bock
in memorium
Under his guidance, significant outreach initiatives took root. In 1981, the Advent Theatre debuted with a six-month production of Godspell, featuring the original Broadway cast. The establishment of the Christmas Tree Lot in 1982 has since contributed over half a million dollars to church and non-profit organizations aiding children and youth.
In 1984, the Interfaith Food Pantry was launched by five congregations, transcending religious boundaries to address hunger. Today, thirteen congregations collaborate to provide meals for hundreds of vulnerable individuals weekly. Operation Santa Claus, initiated in 1985, furthered support by fulfilling Christmas wishes for pantry clients.
One of the latest endeavors, the Park Ministry, emerged in the early 2000s. Every second Sunday, volunteers prepare and distribute homemade meals, clothing, and essentials to the homeless in North Hollywood Park.
Bob's dedication to outreach remained a driving force, positioning FCCNH as a leader in community service. His profound concern for children and youth led to a prioritization of education infused with spiritual guidance. His vision extended to nurturing an appreciation for arts and culture, evident in the establishment of seven summer day camps brimming with creative endeavors.
A fourth-generation member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Bob actively served on various boards and committees within the denomination, including the Christian Church Foundation and the National City Christian Church.
The memory of Pastor Bob is cherished by the congregation of First Christian Church of North Hollywood. We express deep gratitude for his unwavering commitment to us, the community, the Disciples of Christ, and the magnificent world God has bestowed upon us.
May you, too, be inspired to do greater things with FCCNH.
On March 1, 1969, Reverend Robert M. Bock commenced his tenure as Senior Pastor at First Christian Church of North Hollywood. Over 52 remarkable years, his ministry touched innumerable lives until his passing on Good Friday, April 2, 2021.
During “Pastor Bob’s” leadership, First Christian Church of North Hollywood thrived. Bob's encouragement of innovative ideas and empowerment of his congregation's aspirations were pivotal to the church's vibrant growth.
