Three blocks east of the Pacific Ocean at 1050 Thomas Ave in the 92109, St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church has been part of the Pacific Beach community since its first recorded baptism in May 1928. The congregation’s early members met in an elementary school, the Women’s Club House at Belmont Park, and in private homes before acquiring an 1890-era redwood church from Logan Heights, which was physically moved to Mission Beach in 1945 and then to its current Thomas Ave location in 1949. The sanctuary was designed by noted San Diego architect Lloyd Ruocco, and its multi-faceted stained glass windows were crafted by the Wippel Company in England. The church operates St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Preschool, a play-based early childhood program that has served Pacific Beach families since 1967. As a multicultural, LGBTQIA+ affirming parish, St. Andrew’s welcomes people of every background and hosts programs like Sacred Ground, a racial healing and reconciliation series rooted in the Episcopal tradition. The church sits directly across Thomas Ave from World Famous, a popular breakfast destination for parishioners after services. The surrounding neighborhood offers easy access to the boardwalk and dining along Garnet Ave, including Cafe Athena for Mediterranean cuisine. Sunday worship is held at 10:30 a.m., and sermons are available afterward on the church’s podcast, Sermons by the Sea.