the story of the dome

For generations, the iconic mosaic dome of The Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship has crowned our bell tower—standing as a beacon of hope and a visible reminder that the church is present, open, and available to all in our community. Installed during the original construction of the church, the dome became part of the neighborhood’s visual and spiritual landscape. During the pandemic, however, concerned calls began coming in as members and neighbors noticed the dome leaning—a moment Pastor McKnight lightheartedly dubbed “The Leaning Tower of Christian Fellowship,” all the while realizing the situation called for urgent care.

 

Recognizing what was at stake, Pastor McKnight entrusted Clif Johnson with the critical task of safely removing the dome and leading efforts to fund its restoration. A tremendous asset to the church, Bro. Johnson drew on his deep experience in finance and business—along with his extensive Los Angeles community connections—to make the vision possible. Working alongside his daughter, Stephene Johnson, the team secured several hundred thousand dollars to move the project forward. In 2023, the three-ton dome was carefully removed and placed in the church parking lot to await refurbishment. Now, nearly three years later, the work is complete and the dome is ready to return to its rightful place atop the bell tower. We give heartfelt thanks to Pastor McKnight, Bro. Clif Johnson, Sis. Stephene Johnson, and every donor and volunteer who helped make this restoration a reality. Watch this space for updates on the upcoming livestream event as the dome is lifted home once again.