From the parking lot side, pass the Burbank Family Tiara,

                                                          then before entering the building -- look up...

Behind, within or right next to Lincoln Park is the Buena Vista Branch Library at 300 N. Buena Vista St. This lovely portrayal of a child with an uplifted book is found at the main entrance.  The sculpture is entitled "Read, Reach and Realize." 

The artist of the piece is Wayne Healy, who is a painter, sculptor, muralist, retired aerospace engineer, and founder of East Los Streetscapers.

The artwork is such a simple and beautiful piece and lends itself to many interpretations. The way the bronze is fashioned appears to me as a folded paper cut out. The book seems to be a gift or offering. Composed with colorful glass it seems a gift of enlightenment. The scalloped edges of the bronze where it covers the contrasting concrete intensifies the uplifting quality while simultaneously grounding it. There is a circular sense of giving and receiving in this artwork.

The first thing that attracted me to Magnolia Park United Methodist Church was its mission style architecture. 

This charming character continues in the Sanctuary with beamed ceilings and arched openings.  

The most sacred items to me are the beautiful stained glass windows.  I love to see Jesus welcome me* with open arms. I find the image quite comforting and a focus for worship. 

The stained glass windows were installed when the church was built in 1929.  In the late seventies it was determined that age and the elements were taking their toll on the windows, so an opaque white covering was installed on the outside to help preserve them. Unfortunately that means they are not visible from the outside. Fortunately the light still comes through and they are quite beautiful from the inside. Upon close examination one can see that many of the small details are painted onto the glass.

Magnolia Park United Methodist Church, which is now known as the Lighthouse at Magnolia Park, is located on the corner of Magnolia Blvd. and Catalina St. at 2828 W. Magnolia Blvd in Burbank with services every Sunday at 10am.  

*Jesus welcomes all who need him with love and compassion!