Fifteen pioneers of the La Canada valley, meeting in the home of Jacob and Ammoretta Lanterman, signed the formal covenant to charter the La Canada Congregational Church. The year was 1897. These families had been meeting regularly for informal worship in that home over a number of years. The time had come for the growing community to have its first church.

The original sanctuary was a one-story frame building which was located on the present church site. The lot was a gift from the Lanterman family. $1200 in cash and labor was donated by citizens of the community. Nearly 200 persons attended the formal dedication on April 19, 1898.

For many years the church provided the focal point for nearly all social, charitable, cultural and community services in the valley. The first Boy Scout Troop of the area was organized here and continues to enjoy church sponsorship to this day. Eventually the need for newer and larger facilities became apparent.

The present sanctuary building was dedicated on December 14, 1924. The beautiful stained glass window, from which the church derives its name, was installed the following year. Congressman John Stephen McGroarty, Poet Laureate of California, immortalized it in a poem, and in 1954 the congregation adopted its present name.

In recognition of its significant contributions to the life and history of its larger community, in 1969 Church of the Lighted Window was proclaimed an historic landmark of the State of California. Subsequent expansions to its campus and ministry continue to honor the challenge of that hallmark.

We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit, God of our Savior Jesus Christ and our God, and to your deeds we testify:

You call the worlds into being, create persons in your own image, and set before each one the ways of life and death.

You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.

You judge people and nations by your righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.

In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior, you have come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to yourself

You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the Church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues and races.

You call us into your Church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be your servants in the service of other, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ's baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory.

You promise to all who trust your forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, your presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in your realm which has no end.

Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you.

Amen.