Haven’t you heard the story of a church that began in a tent? That is how Media City Church started. It is now a beacon of faith in Burbank. Media City Church began as the Burbank Foursquare Church. Its roots trace back to Aimee Semple McPherson’s Angelus Temple.
In 1924, McPherson’s evangelism led to 14000 conversions. Anna Britton, one of McPherson’s assistants, branched out. She established lighthouse churches across Los Angeles. These churches were in Santa Monica, Long Beach, Fullerton, Brea, and Burbank. The Burbank Lighthouse first met in a tent. It stood at Fifth and Cypress. This humble tent was the genesis of Media City Church.
Soon, Britton and her husband moved to Long Beach. A young couple stepped up. Dr. Earl and Edythe Dorrance took charge. They had been married for just two weeks. Their possessions included forty dollars, a Bible, and a trombone.
Within six months, they built the Burbank Foursquare Church. The address was 269 E. Providencia Ave. Anna Britton dedicated the church on January 18, 1927. Under the Dorrances’ leadership, the church thrived. Miracles and conversions were common. William and Mellie Nickerson were among the first converts. They later became pastors and prominent leaders in Foursquare.
Since its beginning, Media City Church has seen God’s presence. This presence is felt in worship services and prayer meetings. It is felt in Sunday School classrooms and outreach events. Creative performances and other activities also reflect this. Hundreds have found Christ here. Many have been filled with the Holy Spirit. Healings from terminal illnesses have also occurred.
The church has always reached out to the community. It shines the light of Christ. This happens through various means. Electrified evangelical messages draw people in. High-quality dramatic and musical performances inspire. Even simple greetings at the local coffee shop make a difference. Media City Church remains a lighthouse. It serves Burbank and the broader Los Angeles area.
Media City Church dedicates itself to discipleship. It empowers new generations of leaders. Earl Dorrance mentored William Nickerson. Many pastors serving today started at Burbank Foursquare Church.
Today, we celebrate 96 years of God’s faithfulness. The church remains willing to receive His call. It seeks to be a light to His people. Members give of themselves to build His church. They empower and disciple the next generation. Media City Church rejoices in Him. It continues to answer His call.
Today Media City Church services are held every Sunday morning at 10:00 AM. You can attend in person or online. Media City Kids provides a fun environment for children to learn about God. Media City Youth meets every Sunday night. It serves junior high and high school students. The church is located in the San Fernando Valley. It is accessible from downtown LA, Glendale, and Pasadena. Free on-site parking is available.
Media City Church continues its mission. It is a place to connect, worship, and receive a message. The church embraces its history and looks forward to the future.