Saint Albans Liberal Catholic Church

Hidden within the vibrant tapestry of Los Angeles is the Saint Albans Liberal Catholic Church. Its story isn’t one of grand beginnings, but of resilience and rebirth. Saint Albans started its journey in 1917 as the Church of Saint Alban and the Angels, a pioneering parish of the Liberal Catholic Church on the West Coast. Bishop James I. Wedgwood ordained Charles Hampton as the first Rector right here in Los Angeles. The initial congregation thrived, quickly exceeding 200 members. However, their early home within the Krotona Temple of the Theosophical Society was short-lived. Discomfort over the perceived close ties between the LCC and the Theosophical Society led to their eviction in 1919. Saint Albans persevered. The resilient congregation secured a new location on Argyle Avenue and laid the cornerstone for the St. Alban’s Pro-Cathedral in 1921. This Pro-Cathedral was not just a place of worship. It was the first building globally built specifically for the Liberal Catholic Church. The consecration service in 1922 drew a crowd of over 400 people, a testament to Saint Albans growing presence. The Pro-Cathedral even served as the setting for the first bishop consecration on American soil. Charles Hampton, Saint Albans’ first Rector, achieved this distinction in 1931. Unfortunately, conflict within the LCC in the mid-1940s led to the loss of the Argyle Avenue property. The story of Saint Albans doesn’t end there. A dedicated group, led by Fathers John Roine and Arnold Richardson, refused to let the flame of their faith die out. They revived Saint Albans in 1947, initially holding services in private homes. By 1951, they had officially regained parish status. This new chapter in Saint Albans’ life was marked by resourcefulness. They even held services in the historic Hollywood Hotel Chapel between 1953 and 1956. This was the same chapel that had once hosted Rudolph Valentino’s wedding. Saint Albans continued its journey, securing a rental space on Melrose Avenue in 1957. Later, they found a home at the Besant Lodge of the Theosophical Society from 2003-2015. Though its doors temporarily closed in 2017, the spirit of Saint Albans and its commitment to inclusive, liberal Catholicism lives on. Its legacy in Los Angeles remains a testament to the enduring power of faith, community, and resilience.