A Brief History of Knox

Knox Presbyterian Church was first organized back in 1888, and had its original home on the corner of Colorado and Los Robles. In 1924, the downtown location was sold in favor of a new French-Gothic building out in the “Country” at 219 South Lake Avenue. Pasadena and Knox prospered over the years to follow. Then in 1959, encroaching office developments persuaded the congregation to move to the current site, 225 South Hill Avenue, where it has been since 1962.

The sanctuary boasts a 24 rank organ with 1476 pipes rebuilt by a Knox member, a Steinway & Sons grand piano, and a multifaceted sound system to support the house band and ensembles that lead us in worship. There are beautiful images of the last supper and of bible scenes hand carved in wood relief by a Knox member on our communion table and main sanctuary doors. Also on the Knox Campus is the historic Northside House, which has provided a warm and intimate setting for a variety of meetings and special events.

In 2003, this historic but numerically declining church was blessed with an influx of families with young children, bringing new leadership, vision, and broad age diversity to this church community. The growth continued in the years to follow, leading to the vibrant multi-generational congregation Knox is today.

• Read a brief history of Knox Presbyterian Church (PDF)