Huntington Beach Accepts ‘Peace Pole’ From Church

The Huntington Beach City Council has accepted a “peace pole” from a local church, despite concerns that the 7-foot monument would violate the separation of church and state.

The pole, offered by the Church of Religious Science, will be placed in front of City Hall. The council, which voted 6 to 1 Monday night to accept the gift, rejected a proposal to place the six-sided pole in front of the library.

“I think it’s more fitting at City Hall,” said Councilwoman Pam Julien Houchen. “We have a war memorial also on City Hall property, so it makes more sense to have the peace pole nearby. We also wanted more people to see it. It is a work of art.”

Since the poles were introduced in 1975 by the World Peace Prayer Society in New York, more than 200,000 have been erected in 180 countries, according to the organization.

Fifty of the monuments have been installed in Orange County, typically at churches, synagogues, schools and private residences. The proposal to place one at the library, however, stirred a debate about the appropriateness of placing a church-purchased monument on city property. The library’s advisory board rejected the plan.

Councilwoman Debbie Cook, who cast the dissenting vote, said she wanted more people involved in the process.

City Atty. Jennifer McGrath advised the council against approving a plaque that stated the pole was a gift from the church.

The Rev. Peggy Price said she is pleased the council accepted the pole.

“I knew no matter where it ended up, it would look great,” said Price, a retired minister of the church. “City Hall is a perfect spot. Now when people walk into the police station or into a council meeting, they can think of peace.”