First Antioch Baptist Church

On a sunny Los Angeles afternoon in 1874, a small group of believers gathered to pray. This humble beginning marked the birth of the First Baptist Church of Los Angeles. The First Baptist Church of Los Angeles wasn’t always at its current grand location. The congregation initially met on North Spring Street. By 1884, they moved into their first dedicated building at the corner of Sixth and Fort Streets. This early structure was made possible thanks to the generosity of Isaac Newton Van Nuys and James Boon Lankershim. Their contributions laid the foundation for the church’s future growth. The congregation thrived, outgrowing their first home. In 1897, a second building was erected on South Flower Street. This new church welcomed notable figures like Dwight L. Moody, who attended the dedication, and the famous evangelist Billy Sunday, who preached there in 1913. The First Baptist Church continued its journey, eventually settling into its current magnificent home in 1927. Designed by Allison & Allison, the church showcases a stunning Spanish Gothic architectural style. It’s said to be modeled after the Ducal Palace in Mantua, Italy. The First Baptist Church of Los Angeles stands not only as an architectural marvel but also as a historical landmark. Designated as Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument 237 in 1981, the church’s walls echo with the whispers of history. The First Baptist Church played a pivotal role in the Pentecostal revival in Los Angeles in 1905. Rev. Joseph Smale ignited the revival after a meeting with Evan Roberts in Wales. Notable figures like Frank Bartleman also graced the church with their presence. The First Baptist Church of Los Angeles has woven itself into the fabric of the city’s spiritual and cultural landscape. It continues to serve as a beacon of faith and community.