Did you know that Westmoreland Chapel played a significant role in a pivotal moment in religious history? It’s more than just a building. It is a place where different perspectives converged and a new chapter began.
Westmoreland Chapel is located at 1505 S. Westmoreland Ave in Los Angeles. It has connections to Honor Oak Christian Fellowship in London. T. Austin-Sparks ministered at Honor Oak. C.J.B Harrison was sent by Sparks to minister at Westmoreland Chapel.
Let’s step back in time to the late 1950s. The years 1958 and 1959 were particularly eventful for Westmoreland Chapel. In June 1958 Jim and Bette Reetzke started attending Westmoreland Chapel. In October 1958 Daniel and Anna Chang began meeting there too. Daniel Chang was Samuel Chang’s son. July 1959 saw Samuel and Lygia Chang move from Hong Kong to Los Angeles. They also began meeting at Westmoreland Chapel.
In 1958 Witness Lee visited Westmoreland Chapel. He left many members thinking about their faith. The pastor was Charles Harrison. The congregation was familiar with T. Austin-Sparks’ ministry. They knew about experiencing Christ. They also knew about Watchman Nee.
During his visit, Brother Lee spoke about the tree of life. Stephen Kaung translated for him. Lee asked a question that resonated with some members. He asked “Have you eaten Jesus today?” He insisted on the word “eaten”. This question lingered especially with John Ingalls and Jim Reetzke.
Samuel Chang often spoke about the ground of the church. However, Charles Harrison eventually limited Chang’s speaking. Harrison said Chang was teaching something from the East. Despite this, Chang’s words intrigued some members.
Chang invited those interested to his home. There they could hear more about the Lord’s recovery. These gatherings included John Ingalls and Jim Reetzke. About fifteen other people attended. Chang emphasized the importance of oneness. He believed believers needed to stand on the ground of locality.
T. Austin-Sparks visited Westmoreland Chapel. He also visited the Reetzkes’ home in Altadena. He thought it would be a good ministry center. However, Jim Reetzke remembered Chang’s words. Chang had said the ministry should build up the church not provide a platform for a minister.
Some members desired the church life more intensely. Around October 1960 Charles Harrison asked Chang and his group to leave Westmoreland Chapel. In December 1960 Witness Lee met with the group again. He spoke about the scriptural basis for Chang’s teachings.
Westmoreland Chapel played a crucial role. It was where individuals seeking a deeper understanding. They questioned faith began a journey that reshaped their spiritual lives. The seeds of change were sown within its walls. These led to new beginnings and a renewed focus on the church’s foundation. Westmoreland Chapel remains a reminder of this transformative period.