Putting faith and/or politics aside, residents of Culver City and neighboring churches sat together in a darkened room as a projector displayed the events in Washington D.C. above a crowd that applauded and stood together during this historic event.

"I’d put this (presidential inauguration) up there with the moon landing for real history events in my life," said event organizer Theresa Basile, who was visibly excited as she hurried around the venue making sure guests were taken care of. Basile, a member of MoveOn.org, helped organize the event and advertise through the website.  

Sharing the same sentiment and excitement, the racially mixed crowd watched as the first African-American president was sworn into office. Cheers erupted and party horns blared as the crowd watched the broadcast live, clapping when Obama first appeared onscreen.

Not everyone in Washington received applause, however: hisses and boos were heard when former President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney were introduced.

"Cheney’s out!" one attendee yelled as Sen. Joseph Biden was sworn in as vice president. Although the event was non-partisan by description, this crowd showed its political leanings with applause then riveting silence, as Obama became president of the United States. Speeches by various speakers were punctuated with bursts of clapping from the group gathered at this church.

"To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West – know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy," said Obama, as viewers in Culver City watched and cheered.

Heads nodded in agreement as Obama continued his inaugural address, showing that this crowd was eager to hear more of what their new president had to say. The six tables in the hall were packed with attendees, with more lining the walls on chairs hastily brought out to accommodate the growing crowd.

While most taking part in the event were excited about the change in government, others were wary of giving President Obama undeserved praise.

"To be frank, I don’t know (what Obama’s inauguration signifies) yet," said Vietnam veteran Donald V. Moore. "Knowing what I know about people, politics, greed and motivating factors, I only have (Obama’s) words to go on at this point. It’s day one; I’ll be keeping a close eye."

Moore, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, acknowledged the historical significance of Obama’s election in his own life.

"I’ve had glimpses (of previous presidential inaugurations). They really meant absolutely nothing to me personally, as a black African American," said Moore. "All of the (racial) barriers haven’t been broken (with this presidency), but the minds and pocketbooks of the rich are opening to all people of color."

"I hope. I believe," said Moore, pausing. "But I’m not sure yet."

The lights turning on in the darkened hall, the crowd moved from their seats to flock towards the modest buffet laid out during the speeches. Parishioners of the church hugged each other as strangers introduced themselves and became new friends, united in this event. Others took photos to commemorate the day, posing with loved ones or Obama memorabilia.

"It’s nice to see everyone come together," said Aleks Gonzalez, an attendee who carried her own camera to document the event. "That’s what this president is encouraging. I thought it would be fun (to watch this with a group."

The crowd was a mix of the elderly and the young, with two children playing happily together in the room. Red and white leis were distributed at the start of the program, with several attendees festively wearing the decorative necklaces. A few wore paper hats adorned with the American flag, proudly displaying their patriotism. This crowd was jovial and celebratory; a cake on one table read, "Congratulations, Mr. President!" in bold, red frosting.

Judith Martin-Straw, a writer with the Culver City News, was there to cover the event and shared her enthusiasm for the new administration.

"It’s the new era – it’s not just the Democrats taking over the presidency," said Martin-Straw. "It’s about changing how we work with the government."

With plastic champagne glasses held high in the air, those who remained after the speeches toasted the new president with sparkling cider, 2,600 miles away from Washington D.C. This small group, tucked away in a church in Culver City, was not able to be there in person, but was there in spirit.