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Former Simi Valley Community Methodist Church building with four columns, arched blue door, red steps, stained glass windows, and a large tree on the left.
Former Simi Valley Community Methodist Church, 1978.

Ventura County Landmark No. 67: Former Simi Valley Community Methodist Church (aka Cultural Arts Center)

Historical Background

The building was the focus of community activity of this emerging small town, with almost all the pioneer family names tied into its history. It was built in the 1920s and its architecture was copied from the First Baptist Church in Whittier, California. The neoclassical-style church was designed by prominent architect Arthur G. Lindley, who designed approximately 50 churches between 1912 and 1929. Built to serve a Methodist congregation, it was subsequently a mortuary from 1968 to the early 1980s, then a Jewish synagogue until it was sold to a private party in 1986. In 1993, it was bought by the City of Simi Valley which converted it into a civic cultural arts center.

Current Use

The center has presented or produced well over 7,000 events in its 27 years, including musicals, concerts, dance recitals, talent shows, plays, and film screenings (Newman, 2022).

Additional Reading

References

Newman, Erin (May 1, 2022). “Simi’s True Community Center.” Beyond the Acorn. https://www.beyondtheacorn.net/articles/simis-true-community-center/.

Date Designated: June 1981

Location: Strathearn Historical Park, 137 Strathearn Place, Simi Valley

Photos:

Black-and-white historical photograph of a classical-style landmark building with columns, triangular pediments, and landscaped grounds. Undated, credited to Simi Valley Historical Society & Museum.
Historical photo of landmark building, undated. Credit: Simi Valley Historical Society & Museum.
Temple Ner Tamid synagogue building, circa 1985, features classical columns, a red staircase, and a sign reading "TEMPLE NER TAMID SIMI VALLEY JEWISH CONGREGATION" with a Star of David emblem.
Building during its use as a Jewish synagogue, circa 1985.

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