Pasadena Church Rebuilds After Devastating Wildfire

Pasadena Mennonite Church community comes together to recover and support one another after Eaton Canyon fire destroys homes and church property.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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In October 2025, a devastating wildfire swept through the Altadena area near Pasadena, California, destroying over 9,000 structures including the homes of three Pasadena Mennonite Church families. The church building itself was also damaged, forcing the congregation to temporarily meet at a neighboring Episcopal church. In the aftermath, the Pasadena Mennonite community rallied to support those affected, tracking down displaced members, collecting donations, and providing emotional and spiritual care. One year later, the church is working with Mennonite Disaster Service on a long-term rebuilding project for the church and surrounding community.

Why it matters

The Eaton Canyon fire highlighted the growing threat of wildfires in California and the importance of disaster preparedness and community resilience. For Pasadena Mennonite Church, the disaster tested their faith and their commitment to supporting one another, while also presenting an opportunity to deepen ties with the broader Pasadena community through relief and rebuilding efforts.

The details

The Eaton Canyon fire broke out in January 2025, forcing the evacuation of the Pasadena Mennonite Church building and destroying the homes of three church families. In the aftermath, the congregation rallied to support those affected, tracking down displaced members, collecting donations, and providing emotional and spiritual care. The church building itself suffered damage, including a blown-out window, and had to undergo extensive cleaning to remove toxic ash and smoke before it could reopen six weeks later. Mennonite Disaster Service provided financial assistance and is now working with the church on a long-term rebuilding project, including plans to house volunteers on-site.

  • The Eaton Canyon fire broke out in January 2025.
  • The Pasadena Mennonite Church building suffered damage and had to undergo cleaning before reopening six weeks later.
  • The church held a service of remembrance and lament on the one-year anniversary of the fire on January 11, 2026.

The players

Pasadena Mennonite Church

A Mennonite congregation in Pasadena, California that shared its building with two other congregations and a nursery school. The church was impacted by the Eaton Canyon fire, with several member families losing their homes.

Rob Muthiah

A member of Pasadena Mennonite Church whose home was destroyed in the Eaton Canyon fire.

Lisa Muthiah

Rob Muthiah's wife, who is a teacher at a school that was also impacted by the Eaton Canyon fire.

Katerina Gea

The pastor of Pasadena Mennonite Church who helped lead the congregation's response and recovery efforts following the Eaton Canyon fire.

Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS)

An organization that provided financial assistance to Pasadena Mennonite Church and is now working with the congregation on a long-term rebuilding project.

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What they’re saying

“The church community has been really amazing. It was incredible, because I had one extra shirt, and that was about it. We joked a bit about that, because he has better taste in clothing, so I got an upgrade in my wardrobe. It was such an act of care.”

— Rob Muthiah (Anabaptist World)

“It was really important for us to meet that first Sunday — and, lo and behold, representatives from Mennonite Disaster Service showed up at that service.”

— Dave Lehman, Church Moderator (Anabaptist World)

What’s next

Mennonite Disaster Service is awaiting approval from the City of Pasadena to establish a long-term project site at the Pasadena Mennonite Church building, which would include housing volunteers and upgrading the church kitchen. If approved, reconstruction work could begin as soon as June 2026.

The takeaway

The Pasadena Mennonite Church community demonstrated remarkable resilience and compassion in the face of a devastating natural disaster, coming together to support one another and the broader Altadena community. Their experience highlights the importance of disaster preparedness and the power of faith-based communities to aid in recovery and rebuilding efforts.