James and Melissa Shanahan attend Sunday services at the temporary home of Malibu Presbyterian Church. A brush fire destroyed the church’s buildings in 2007. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)
The Rev. Greg Hughes carries the charred spire that used to top the church’s steeple. When the new sanctuary is built, the spire will be displayed inside. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)
“If you find yourself in an ash heap, don’t let that define you,” Hughes tells his congregation. “We’re moving on, we’re getting up.” In the foreground are offering plates that were salvaged from the church. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)
Hunter Sky Isbell, 7, of Calabasas participates in breaking ground for Malibu Presbyterian Church’s new sanctuary building. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)
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Lori Keeffe and her son Dylan, 7, grab a shovel during the groundbreaking. Construction of the $10-million building is expected to take about a year. (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)
In 2007, a week after the fire that destroyed the church, Becky Langley, Ken Ogawa and Julie Foat pray in the ashes. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
Four years ago, Malibu Presbyterian Church was engulfed in flames. “The devil winds brought the fire that burned down our church,” Hughes said on the day of the groundbreaking. “But that’s not the end of our story.” (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
