A group of people who regularly drove to Los Angeles to hear Dr. Holmes lecture decided to form their own study group led by a Practitioner and teacher of Science of Mind. When a resident of Lancaster completed her ministerial training at the Institute of Religious Science, on June 10th, 1957, fifty-three people stepped forth to form a church. On September 29, 1957 Dr. Ernest Holmes presented the Charter and the church was named the "Church of Religious Science of Lancaster."

Sunday services and Junior Church meetings were held in various places, among them: a house on Lancaster Boulevard, a dance studio, a private preschool, the Antelope Valley Theater and Murphy's Mortuary.

Finally, the Board and congregation decided to build their own church. In 1963, two and one half acres were bought at 10th Street West and Avenue L-8, the present location. A master plan of the church complex, to be built over a number of years, was drawn up consisting of a sanctuary, to be enlarged when it became necessary and a Junior Church at the rear and west of the Sanctuary. On September 15, 1963, the groundbreaking Ceremony for the original Sanctuary was held. The minister and most of the congregation were the work crew. Two and a half years later, on May 22, 1966, the Sanctuary was dedicated. It was about this time the name was changed to the "Antelope Valley Church of Religious Science." In July 1967, the master plan was used again when the Junior Church was built.

Memorial Garden was planted and enclosed by the back wall in the fall of 1975. A gazebo was added in 1976.

A Mortgage Burning Ceremony was held on December 12, 1976. It was decided to enlarge the sanctuary the following year. On September 18, 1983, a groundbreaking Ceremony was held for the new addition. On Sunday, April 8, 1984, just seven months later, the lovely new sanctuary was dedicated with a beautiful ceremony.

Dr. Lex James served as minister for 14 years and was replaced by Dr. Richard & Rev. Marilyn Leo in 1989.

In 1996, a Peace Pole was erected and dedicated in the front of the Church.

In May, 1997, Dr. Don Welsh became our Senior Minister and continues to serve today. As we move forward, with the leadership of both Dr. Don and our Board of Trustees, we truly are an ever expanding spiritual community of Love and Light that participates at high levels in community and social events, classes, workshops and Sunday services.

Board of Trustees

Deborah McGill, President

Arlene Collins, Vice President/Membership

Kathy Darnell, Secretary

Jake Vaage, Treasurer

"Russ" R.W. Russell, Facilities Maintenance

Larry Bly, Facilities Improvements

Dr. Don Welsh, Minister