ABOUT US
OUR STORY
Mt. Olive Lutheran Church is a welcoming Christian community that shares God’s love through worship, education, arts, and service.
Join us locally and globally.
Join us locally and globally.
Mt. Olive Lutheran Church began with a small group meeting in a storefront and quickly grew into a vibrant congregation rooted at 14th and Ocean Park. Over the years, we’ve expanded our ministries, built a sanctuary, opened a preschool, and created lasting community programs. Through it all, Mt. Olive has welcomed people from all walks of life, staying true to our calling to be a church for the whole community.
TIMELINE
Serving the diverse community of Santa Monica, California since 1942
June 1942
Mt. Olive Lutheran Church was founded by Pastor A.O. Aasen, with fifty-seven members holding services in a rented storefront on 16th Street in Santa Monica, California.
1947
Within five years of its founding, Mt. Olive purchased the storefront where its members congregated, as well as two lots of land on the corner of Fourteenth Street and Ocean Park Blvd.
1950
Mt. Olive built & dedicated a new church at what is now the site of the Parish Hall. Pastors A.B. Swan and Cameron Hoff helped spread Christ’s word, contributing to the church's growth.
Sept 1954
The growing membership led to the addition of a second service.
1958
Membership reached 1,214 baptized, with a Sunday School of 408 students. Around this time, the church purchased adjacent land for a new sanctuary.
1962
Ground-breaking ceremonies for the new sanctuary took place. A time capsule was placed inside the brick wall to be opened decades later.
1973
Mt. Olive Lutheran Preschool opened with a class of twenty-two students. Over the years, it expanded to include eight classrooms, a playground, and three times as many students.
2003
Jazz Vespers concert series begins offering monthly concerts featuring world-class jazz musicians. Jazz Vespers is a contemporary worship service that combines the traditional evening prayer service, known as Vespers, with jazz music.
2005
The church held its first German Christmas Eve service, now its most-attended annual service.
2007
Mt. Olive installs their first female Pastor, Rev. Stephanie P. Jaeger.
2015
Mt. Olive proudly becomes a 'Reconciling In Christ' partner. This program is a public way for faith communities to see, name, celebrate, and advocate for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions in the Lutheran church.
2016
The ‘Students 4 Students’ homeless shelter, also known as Bruin Shelter, officially opened its doors here at Mt. Olive. It provided temporary housing and resources for homeless college students from UCLA and Santa Monica College.
2019
Mt Olive became the nonprofit fiscal sponsor for the Westside Coalition for Housing, Hunger and Health, offering support, an office and meeting space for coalition activities.
2020
Our Little Pantry program begins with a partnership the Westside Food Bank. A small free pantry was erected on the corner of the church property open to anyone. It is stocked daily by congregants of Mt. Olive with food donated by neighbors or supplied by the Westside Food Bank.
Mt. Olive’s story is one of faith, growth, and connection. Over the years, we’ve become a lasting presence in Santa Monica, shaped by worship, service, and a deep commitment to our community. We’re proud of where we’ve been, and even more hopeful about where we’re going. No matter who you are or where you come from, you are welcome here.
