First Brethren Church

Around 1887 a family moved from Tropico to East Los Angeles. Their home became a gathering place for Brethren. Elders P S Myers and his wife took the lead. They developed what became the First Church of the Brethren Los Angeles. Others joined including the Emmert family the Carpenters the Millers the Buckwalters and the Lehmers. This congregation had a unique start. It grew out of the Tropico Church. The Tropico membership declined. Then the First Church of the Brethren Los Angeles was organized. Seven years later Tropico was revived with a new ministerial team. Tropico was never officially disbanded. It was absorbed by the growing Los Angeles church. Many councils and love feasts were held in the Tropico Church. Gradually councils were held in a hall on Downey Avenue. Tropico became quiet for a while. In 1893 Ida Lehmer sought support to build a church in Los Angeles. This was a time of transition. The Brethren Church in California was also getting organized. From November 21 to 28 1898 a large Bible school was held at 234 South Hancock Street Los Angeles. Elder Andrew Hutchinson preached. E A Miller and M M Eshelman taught. Eshelman’s outlines show early systematic Bible study among the Brethren in Southern California. On March 18 1899 S W Funk was authorized to work in the second degree of the ministry. In September Charles Brubaker was chosen for the ministry. He later became a missionary to India. C W Guthrie became a deacon. In 1900 meetings were held on South Spring Street then on Downey Avenue. The church built at 234 South Hancock Street. Peter S Myers was instrumental in this. The Sunday School and mission work thrived. George Miller led the Sunday School. Members grew through conversion and letters. S G Lehmer became an elder in 1900. In 1901 the Sisters Aid Society formed. The church took over the Egan church members in San Diego. J W Cline became pastor. He revitalized some inactive forces. The church received support from the District Mission Board. P S Myers and J W Cline were at the Annual Meeting. The church secured a lot in Pasadena. A Sunday School and evangelistic work was at Lacy Street. This did not last. The District Mission Board helped. In 1902 magnetic healing was popular. Many were affected. The church faced challenges but the ordinances remained strong. Differences regarding simplicity of dress arose. A committee from the Annual Meeting of 1910 investigated. They sought unity and forgiveness. They emphasized charity and enduring love. The church started a Bible School at Santa Fe Mission. It opened a mission at Boyle Heights. Members taught at various locations. By 1916 the First Church of the Brethren Los Angeles had 122 members. The contributions for church purposes were $1236 27. The church held 372 services. The Sunday Schools were doing very well. The First Church of the Brethren Los Angeles spread the Gospel. The Channing Street Mission opened in 1897. It started in a small building. Ella Buckwalter led the mission. The mission helped needy families. A tent was used then a new building. C W Guthrie helped. S W Funk was superintendent. George H Bashor and his wife took over. The mission moved after manufacturing interests encroached. The work moved to Santa Fe Street. The Boyle Heights Mission began as a Sunday School outreach. Hiram Smith and John H Getz helped. A church was built. The Santa Fe Mission had a union service. M M Eshelman held meetings there. A church was built. It grew under George H Bashor and J Z Gilbert. The Pasadena congregation began in 1905. It was organized and given authority to serve separately. W E Trostle was the first elder. The congregation built a neat church edifice. A Sisters Aid Society formed. The Pomona Church organized in 1907. S E Yundt was the presiding elder. A Sunday School started. The Long Beach Church began in 1907. W E Trostle was elected elder. B F Masterson was pastor. A church building was dedicated. The church experienced growth and prosperity. The Inglewood Church was organized in 1896. W J Thomas led. A church building was built. The church assisted the District Mission Board. The Redondo Beach church was dedicated. A Japanese convert was admitted. The First Church of the Brethren Los Angeles is a testament to the faith and perseverance of its members. It continues to impact the community.