Gazing up at this unassuming building, could you ever guess the echoes of a global movement resonate within? This, my friends, is the Hawthorne Foursquare Church. A small part of something much larger. It’s a testament to a woman’s vision, a vision that took root right here in Los Angeles and spread across the world. The Hawthorne Foursquare Church, located at 4503 W. Broadway, holds Sunday services at 10 a.m., inviting everyone to join their community. They also offer a Wednesday night Bible study on Zoom. This accessibility, this welcoming spirit, is woven into the fabric of the Foursquare movement.
The story of the Hawthorne Foursquare Church is intertwined with the extraordinary Aimee Semple McPherson. In 1923, this dynamic evangelist opened Angelus Temple in Los Angeles and laid the foundation for the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. Her “Foursquare Gospel” emphasized Jesus as Savior, Healer, Baptizer with the Holy Spirit, and the Soon-Coming King. These four pillars became the cornerstone of a burgeoning global movement. McPherson was a true innovator, embracing the power of media to spread her message across the United States and beyond. Her services were known for miraculous healings, for which she gave all credit to God. During the Great Depression, her social ministry at Angelus Temple fed over 1.5 million people.
From these grand beginnings, the Foursquare Church expanded rapidly. The first branch sprung up in Long Beach, California, in 1923. Soon, more churches followed in Pasadena, Santa Monica, and Santa Ana. The movement quickly spread across the United States, eventually reaching almost every state. The Foursquare Church’s global mission began in the 1920s, with missionaries sent to the Philippines. Today, the church continues its international outreach. It maintains a strong presence in the Philippines and supports missionaries around the world. The Hawthorne Foursquare Church is one small piece of this vast and vibrant global network. It represents the continuing legacy of Aimee Semple McPherson, her vision of a four-squared gospel, and her commitment to spreading that message to all corners of the world.
As you stand before the Hawthorne Foursquare Church, consider the incredible journey of this faith. From its humble beginnings to its international reach, the Foursquare Church has touched millions of lives. And right here, in Hawthorne, that spirit of faith, healing, and community continues to thrive.