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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

This neoclassical‑style church, built among the farmland of early Simi Valley, quickly became a focal point of community life in the emerging small town. Many prominent pioneer families are connected to its history. Constructed in 1924 by highly respected architect Arthur G. Lindley—who designed approximately 50 churches between 1912 and 1929—the building originally served a Methodist congregation. The building quickly became a vital hub for worship, community meetings, and local events. For more than four decades, it hosted church services, Scout meetings, Sunday school, and even Mother’s Day performances by the Simi Elementary School girls’ glee club (Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, n.d.).

The Methodist congregation relocated in 1966, and the building subsequently housed several organizations, including a mortuary from 1968 into the early 1980s, followed by a Jewish synagogue. By the late 1980s, the structure sat vacant until the City of Simi Valley purchased it for $820,000 in 1991 (Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, n.d.).

Current Use

After a thoughtful renovation, the City of Simi Valley converted the historic church into the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center in 1995. Opening night featured a sold-out gala starring Rita Moreno (Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, n.d.).

Since then, the center has presented or produced more than 7,000 events, including musicals, concerts, dance recitals, talent shows, plays, and film screenings (Newman, 2022). Simi Valley’s vision for this beautiful historic building has allowed new generations to appreciate both its past and its continued role in the community.

Additional Reading

References

Newman, E. (2022, May 1). Simi’s true community center. Beyond the Acorn. https://www.beyondtheacorn.net/articles/simis-true-community-center/

Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. (n.d). The History of the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. https://www.svcac.org/history

Date Designated: July 1981

Location: 3050 Los Angeles Avenue, 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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