Costa Mesa church lights 92-year-old bell tower for the holidays

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The 92-year-old bell tower at First United Methodist Church in Costa Mesa glows with Christmas lights Sunday night as part of the church’s second annual Shine Bright festivities. (Spencer Grant)

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Alexandra Tipton, 13 months, with her father, Brian, takes interest in a Christmas tree during Sunday night’s Shine Bright event by First United Methodist Church of Costa Mesa. (Spencer Grant)

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Singer Katie Hedd entertains the crowd with Christmas carols at Sunday night’s Shine Bright event by First United Methodist Church of Costa Mesa. (Spencer Grant)

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Stella and Siera Bendanne and their mother, Kristen, visit the Wonderland Bakery table and Santa-hat-wearing Izzie Smith at First United Methodist Church’s Shine Bright event Sunday night in Costa Mesa. (Spencer Grant)

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Visitors listen to Christmas carols during a viewing party Sunday night for First United Methodist Church’s holiday lighting of its historical bell tower. (Spencer Grant)

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Rachel McLain is outfitted for Christmas at the art project table during Sunday night’s Shine Bright event by First United Methodist Church of Costa Mesa. (Spencer Grant)

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The 92-year-old bell tower at First United Methodist Church in Costa Mesa is lighted for the holidays Sunday night. It will be lighted every night through the end of the year. (Spencer Grant)

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Lauren Bergmann and Kyle Landig craft Christmas ornaments for their young audience at the art project table during Sunday night’s Shine Bright festivities in Costa Mesa. (Spencer Grant)

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Santa Claus poses with Angelina and Erik Barreto and their 5-year-old twin daughters, Arlette and Lindsay. (Spencer Grant)

By Daily Pilot staff

Dec. 2, 2019 12:28 PM PT

First United Methodist Church of Costa Mesa kicked off its winter holiday festivities Sunday night with the second annual lighting of its historical bell tower.

A free family-friendly viewing party called Shine Bright took place on the rooftop of Triangle Square on Harbor Boulevard, overlooking the bell tower at First United Methodist at 420 W. 19th St.

“Not only can you see the lights of Costa Mesa, but it’s a perfect viewing location of the bell tower as we light it up for the holiday season,” said Sarah Heath, the church’s lead pastor.

The church bell tower will be lighted every night through the end of the year, according to church representative David Trotter. The Spanish Colonial Revival-style church was built in 1927.

Sunday’s festivities included hot apple cider and cocoa, cookie decorating, Christmas carols, a holiday art project and photos with Santa Claus.

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Costa Mesa church lights 92-year-old bell tower for the holidays

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