THE HOUSE THAT FAITH BUILT LITTLE WHITE CHAPEL GOING STRONG, 60 YEARS LATER.

Byline: Holly Andres Staff Writer

BURBANK - There's more to Burbank's landmark house of worship, the Little White Chapel Christian Church, than meets the eyes of a film location scout or a bride-to-be. Besides the appealing uniqueness of the quaint building, it has an unusual beginning and was built without a congregation to count down the days to completion.

``In 1939, it was the dream of our Disciples of Christ organization to build little white churches all over the United States,'' said the Rev. Ron Degges, pastor of the nearly 60-year-old church. ``The philosophy was really, `If you build it, they will come.' I believe that 27 were actually erected, all looking similar to ours, which was the first one to be built. I guess you could say this one was the inspiration for the rest.''

Even though the congregation no longer uses the ``little chapel'' for its Sunday worship service, its members are still inspired by the faith convictions of the first Christian movement to develop on U.S. soil, Degges said.

``Our denomination has two basic principles. One is the idea of unity. The founders, in the early 19th century, believed that there was too much division that separates churches. We espouse unity between churches. The other principle is that we have weekly communion. We have a desire for our members to know without a doubt that they're in communion with God. We believe that no one is barred from communion,'' said Degges, who has been with the church since 1996.

Children's spiritual needs are recognized, not ignored, during Sunday worship. Every week, children from preschool to sixth grade are asked to come up and sit down with Degges as he asks them their opinion on the week's message.

``Unlike the sentiment that says children are our future, I like to say that children are our present. The kids are just wonderful. I sometimes think that the adults learn more at the kids' question part,'' Degges said.

Betty Sakata, a member with her husband, Frank, since 1979, laughed when she recalled what some children have said during the ``time for young disciples,'' as the children's participation segment is called.

``Pastor Ron might ask, `Have you ever done something wrong?' or, `Have you ever told a lie?' and then relate the question to his sermon. You'd be surprised what they say. Funny things come out. It's a nice, fun time for the congregation. Kids relate well to Pastor Ron. I think he thinks about the children quite a bit,'' said Sakata, a Sun Valley resident.

Sakata also has high praise for the members of her church. She said she has had visitors to the church tell her they feel ``so at home and welcome'' after a service. She's also proud of the caring and concern they show one another when life's crises occur.

Another member who can personally vouch for that statement is Johnny Turner, who recently surprised his wife and the rest of the congregation when he decided to join the church.

``It's like a total breath of fresh air going to this church. The services are loose. There's no pressure. Pastor Ron is a very warm and upbeat person. I like his sense of humor. That has made going to church fun. When was the last time you had a laugh in church?'' said Turner, who is a police officer with the San Bernardino Police Department.

Turner, who grew up in another faith tradition, said he and his wife discovered the Little White Chapel when they decided that their young son needed spiritual guidance. Even though his wife and son began to attend, it took Turner a little longer to become a member.

``I had some major surgeries recently. I lost my mom last year. Pastor Ron and everyone at the church were wonderful to me and my family. I realized I had gotten away from going to church for various reasons. But I felt that this was the right format of a church for me to join. I also realized that I needed a good community source of strength. After the service I feel uplifted and motivated. I think my family has a good day after going to church on Sunday here,'' said Turner, who lives in Burbank.

Degges said he hopes his congregation feels as if the church is a ``home away from home.'' He also believes in reaching out to the real needs of those who don't attend services regularly.

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``It's like a total breath of fresh air going to this church. The services are loose. There's no pressure. Pastor Ron is a very warm and upbeat person. I like his sense of humor. That has made going to church fun. When was the last time you had a laugh in church?"

- JOHNNY TURNER

with the Rev. Ron Degges, standing, and Betty Sakata at the Little White Chapel Christian Church in Burbank