The Command Chaplain and Religious Services staff provide and facilitate religious ministries, pastoral care, education and ceremonial support to China Lake personnel and their families regardless of denomination. Currently, the Paradise Community Center serves the worship and religious education needs of Christian (Protestant and Catholic), Jewish and Muslim congregations.
Location and Hours
The Religious Education Building and Chapel Offices are located on the corner of Blandy Ave. and Richmond Rd. open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office is closed on flex Fridays.
History
The All-Faith Chapel was recognized as the “Mother Church” of the Indian Wells Valley. It was established at what was then the Naval Ordnance Test Station in 1944, long before the building of churches in Ridgecrest and vicinity. The original chapel served Roman Catholic, Jewish and a variety of Protestant denominations. In July 2019 the All-Faith Chapel suffered irreparable damage caused by two earthquakes, one a 6.4 magnitude and the second a 7.1 magnitude.
Future
Construction began on the NEW Multi-Purpose Religious Facility in 2021 and is expected to reach completion in the Fall of 2022.