Founded in 1874 the First Baptist Church of Los Angeles has a rich history. Initially meeting on North Spring Street the congregation moved to Sixth and Fort Streets by 1884. Isaac Newton Van Nuys and James Boon Lankershim funded its first building. This building served until 1898.
A second structure was built in 1897 at 727 South Flower Street. Dwight L Moody attended its dedication. Billy Sunday preached there in 1913. This wasn’t the current church building though.
The current magnificent Spanish Gothic style church was designed by Allison & Allison. It opened in 1927. It’s modeled after the Ducal Palace in Mantua Italy. This architectural gem is designated Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument 237.
A pivotal moment occurred in 1905. Rev Joseph Smale sparked the Pentecostal revival in Los Angeles. He’d met Evan Roberts during a trip to Wales. Frank Bartleman also attended this influential church. The First Baptist Church of Los Angeles played a vital role in shaping religious life in the city. Its history is woven into the fabric of Los Angeles. The legacy of this impressive structure continues to this day.