Our Story
St. Columba’s began in 1951 when a small group of families in Camarillo longed for a place to raise their children in the Christian faith. With the support of neighboring Episcopal churches, worship began in borrowed spaces until land was donated for a permanent home. By 1953 the congregation was officially named St. Columba’s, honoring the Celtic missionary who brought the Gospel to Scotland.
From those early days of Sunday school and shared meals, St. Columba’s has grown into a thriving parish rooted in worship, service, and community life. Over the decades, our sanctuary and parish hall have welcomed generations of families, music, prayer, and celebrations of life’s milestones.
Today, nearly 75 years later, we continue to live out that same spirit of faith and fellowship, drawing on ancient traditions while seeking new ways to serve Camarillo and the wider world..
Our Faith & Tradition
As Episcopalians, we are part of the worldwide Anglican family of churches. Our life of faith is rooted in scripture, shaped by tradition, and guided by reason. We believe God meets us not only in the words of the Bible but also in the wisdom of the church and in the thoughtful engagement of our minds and hearts.
At the center of our common life are the sacraments of Word and Table. Each week we gather around the Scriptures and share in the Holy Eucharist, where Christ’s presence nourishes us and sends us into the world to live out his love.
We are a church that seeks to be inclusive and welcoming to all people, celebrating the diversity of God’s creation. Following Christ, we are called to work for justice and peace, to care for the poor and the vulnerable, and to honor the dignity of every human being.
Artwork by Daniel Mitsui www.danelmitui.com
Meet St. Columba
St. Columba was a 6th-century Irish monk who carried the Christian faith across the sea to Scotland. Shaped by the Celtic Christian tradition, Columba’s life was marked by a deep love of scripture, a rhythm of prayer, and reverence for the beauty of creation. On the island of Iona, he founded a monastery that became a beacon of faith, learning, and hospitality for centuries.
We take his name as a reminder of our own calling: to be rooted in Christ, to welcome the stranger, and to share the light of the Gospel with our neighbors. Like Columba, and in the spirit of the Celtic tradition, we seek to live with courage, generosity, and hope.