More Than a Building: The Roots of Community at St. Cross
In the heart of Hermosa Beach stands a church whose roots stretch deeper than its foundations and farther than its walls. St. Cross Episcopal Church is more than a place of worship — it is a living thread in the fabric of the South Bay community, embodying a mission rooted in connection, service, and love for over a century.
The story of St. Cross began in 1906, when a small but determined group of faithful gathered for Evening Prayer in what was then the new Hermosa Beach Post Office. From the very start, the church was a response to community need — a spiritual home for residents in a town still finding its shape. By 1909, the first church building was consecrated, and St. Cross began a legacy not only of faith but of fellowship and action.
That original structure, humble by today’s standards, stood proudly at the edge of what [RN1] would become a vibrant seaside town. Even then, parishioners understood that the church wasn’t the wooden walls or stained-glass windows — it was the people, the vision, and the commitment to loving service. In fact, St. Cross has grown up alongside Hermosa Beach, always adapting to the needs of the city and its people.
During World War II, parishioners purchased war bonds to fund a new building. In the decades that followed, the church expanded, renovated, and reimagined its physical space to accommodate a growing congregation and increasing outreach. A major renovation in 2008, funded by a successful capital campaign, transformed the sanctuary to reflect both the history and the spiritual symbolism of the church’s mission. A new reredos now bears the words, “By Thy Holy Cross Thou Hast Redeemed the World.”
The true legacy of St. Cross lives not in its architecture, but in its enduring spirit of community engagement. From beachside baptisms to social justice peace to community [RN2] advocacy efforts, St. Cross has consistently embodied a faith that steps outside the sanctuary and into the streets, parks, and schools of the South Bay.
Parishioners have supported efforts ranging from building homes in Belize to launching a local community garden, providing meals to neighbors in need, and hosting blood drives, wellness programs, and inclusive events like the Blessing of the Animals and same-sex weddings. Whether it’s children learning through hands-on Christian education programs throughout the year or with Vacation Bible School[RN3] , or seniors gathering in Parker Hall for lunch and fellowship, the heartbeat of St. Cross is always communal.
The church has been a trailblazer in creating inclusive and spiritually enriching experiences. In 2010, the Rev. Rachel A. Nyback became the first female rector of St. Cross, continuing a proud tradition of forward-thinking leadership that honors both tradition and progress. Under her guidance, the church strengthened its role as a “home” in the spiritual sense — a place where all are welcome to explore faith, find friendship, and serve others.
Throughout its history, St. Cross has been interwoven with the story of Hermosa Beach itself. From its early days as the city’s first church to being featured in local murals and history exhibits, the church has walked hand in hand with the people of this seaside town. Its doors remain open daily, not just for services, but for moments of prayer, quiet reflection, or simple curiosity from passersby.
As Hermosa Beach has changed, St. Cross has remained — rooted not in permanence, but in purpose. Its mission — “to celebrate, explore, and share God’s love through worship, study, and service” — continues to flourish not only within the sanctuary, but wherever there is need, hope, and community.
In a world that often feels fragmented, St. Cross reminds us that the most enduring structures are not built of brick and stone, but of compassion, resilience, and connection. More than a building, it is — and always has been — a way of being. A way of loving. A way of living. ■
This sponsored story was written by St. Cross Episcopal Church.
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