October 27, 2023 It was a festive occasion in October as church members of Topanga Christian Fellowship celebrated the first project of a Beautification campaign to restore and repair the 80+-year-old church with a whute-as-snow fresh coat of paint. There was something close to the heart of Patricia Moore, CEO & Worship Leader of the Topanga Christian Fellowship Church (TCF). COVID almost shut it down as it did everything else, including maintenance. Once the pandemic receded and the congregation started to return to Sunday services, it was time to address issues of maintenance and repairs. “About six months ago we started a Beautification campaign to show our little country church some love and support,� said Moore. “Members of this gracious congregation gave generously to gather the funds necessary for our first project, namely to put a fresh coat of paint on the exterior of the building. I’m fairly certain it hasn’t been painted since the 1940s when the church first opened. It’s been a heart-warming project, encouraging and inspiring for us all.� In 2004, the church earned the status of a California Point of Historical Interest, ensuring protections against demolition or unacceptable changes to the original architecture. A fresh coat of paint was sorely needed and was enthusiastically welcomed by the congregation. The church is open every Sunday at 10 a.m. for Bible Study with Michelle Klein, followed by the Worship Service and message by her husband Pastor John Klein at 11 a.m. It also serves as a meeting place for groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), rehearsal space for the Topanga Symphony and Ukelele practice, and is available for weddings, memorials and other events. One of its most popular events is the church’s annual Blessing of the Animals, which was discontinued due to COVID but hopes are for it to return in the near future. This is an ongoing project. The next is to repair the cement slab at the entrance of the church, which continues to build funds for this and future projects and happily accepts donations. Members of the public who wish to give to the Beautification Campaign for this 80+-year-old Topanga landmark may do so at: topangachristianfellowship.org and select “Give.� The church is located at 269 Old Topanga Canyon Road, Topanga, CA 90290.