Lila returned to Los Angeles in the mid sixties and experienced many difficulties.
While not homeless, she barely survived and was still drinking and doing drugs. In 1967 she woke up one morning and heard all the church bells in the city and felt a calling. Lila embraced the Word of God and gave up her destructive habits. She found work and began a successful journey to regain her health and sanity.
By the early 70’s Lila had become an ordained Minister and soon established her own spiritualist church in Hollywood. It was named S.M.I.L.E. which stood for Spiritualist Missions Inc. Laymens Evangelism. The center was located on Melrose Avenue two blocks from the Paramount Studios. There was a thrift shop on site which would help to fund the sanctuary.
Lila would perform marriages, hold services, offer shelter and counseling to ex-cons and was very active in helping drug addicts rehabilitate themselves.
Reverend Leeds would also appear at Spiritual Crusade meetings in the Los Angeles area. She would give her testimony of redemption and sing gospel songs. The various congregations always welcomed her appearances.
Lila felt a real sense of purpose and was the happiest she had been since her days as a starlet.
