Wadsworth Chapel, Catholic Side, Veterans Administration Center, West Los Angeles, California
Efforts are underway to save and restore the historic Wadsworth Chapel on the Veterans Administration’s north campus in West LA.
The chapel, recognized for its late-Victorian style, was built in 1900 and has a significant history, serving as a spiritual and community center for Veterans. However, neglect and damage sustained during the 1971 Sylmar earthquake left the building in disrepair.
Decades later, a coalition of local faith leaders including Msgr. Lloyd Torgerson from St. Monica Church, is leading the initiative known as the Wadsworth Chapel Heritage Partners. This group brings together nonprofit organizations, The Veterans Collective and The 1887 Fund, to lease the property.
Funding for the restoration, amounting to approximately $28.5 million, has been provided through government grants and contributions from local foundations. The project is part of a larger campaign to restore key buildings on the West LA VA campus ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
The restoration plan will preserve the chapel’s original structure while converting the south side into an interfaith gathering space and dedicating the north side to the new Center of Moral Injury Recovery. This center will focus on providing holistic care for Veterans’ inner wounds suffered during their service.
The effort holds personal significance for many involved, including a St. Monica parishioner, Christine Barrie, whose family has a deep connection to the project’s history. Carolina Barrie’s mother was the grandniece of Arcadia Bandini de Baker, who, along with partner Senator John P. Jones, donated 825 acres of land in West LA in 1887 to establish the Pacific Branch of the National Home for Veterans, including the land for the historic VA cemetery, as part of President Abraham Lincoln’s westward expansion program.
The restored chapel is envisioned to serve as a beacon of hope for Veterans seeking spiritual nourishment and healing. The planned restoration is aligned with the evolving needs of today’s Armed Forces, catering to a diverse range of faith traditions. The Center for Moral Injury Recovery will address the challenges Veterans face, such as guilt, shame, and spiritual distress resulting from their experiences in the military.
The Wadsworth Chapel restoration project will not only revive a historic landmark but also provide a much-needed space for the military community and Veterans to find solace, healing, and a sense of community.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.