Ready to explore a church with Hollywood connections? Hollywood United Methodist Church stands as a testament to faith. It is also a notable landmark. Its story began in 1909. A small group from a Los Angeles Methodist congregation sought to create a new church. They started by renting a space. This space was above the Owl Drugstore on Prospect Street.
In 1910 Prospect Street was renamed Hollywood Boulevard. The original building still exists today. Find it on the southeast corner of Wilcox and Hollywood Boulevard.
The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Hollywood emerged in 1911. It stood at the northeast corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Ivar. Designed by H. W. Wood it embraced the Mission Revival style. The build cost was $35000. Its limited seating of 800 led to its demolition in the early 1920s. The Guaranty Building replaced it in 1923.
The congregation acquired land at Franklin and Highland Avenues. In the early 1920s construction began. The Recreational Hall and Gymnasium were the first structures. Then came the Education and Administrative wing. Construction of the iconic gothic sanctuary started in 1927. Thomas P. Barber designed it. The $800000 structure opened on March 16 1930. It was dedicated later that year.
In 1981 the building was declared Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #248.
In 1993 the church displayed a large red ribbon. It was on its bell tower in honor of World AIDS Day. More permanent ribbons replaced these in 1996. They were repainted in 2004. Since then the church has championed gay rights. It has attracted a large LGBT congregation.
Thomas P. Barber designed the church building. He based it on the English Gothic style of Westminster Hall in London. The structure features steel-framed concrete. This makes it earthquake resistant. Italian engineer Francesco Sabato Ceraldi contributed to its realization. The church exemplifies American Gothic architecture. Its sanctuary roof features an open hammer beam construction.
Its location has made it a popular filming site. The “Enchantment Under the Sea” dance from Back to the Future was filmed here. The talent show scene in That Thing You Do! also. Interior scenes for Sister Act used the hallways classrooms and offices. The film crew repainted the interior to appear older. The War of the Worlds Anger Management and Big Momma’s House also filmed scenes here.
The Oaks School rents space from the church. Founded in 1985 it is non-religious. It is not formally affiliated with the church. However the school and church often collaborate.
Hollywood United Methodist Church stands as a symbol of hope. It is an architectural gem. It is a welcoming place for all.