In 1867, a small group of Protestants gathered in Los Angeles. They dreamt of a spiritual home. This dream took shape as the First Christian Church. This church stands as the city’s oldest continuous Protestant congregation. The First Christian Church has witnessed Los Angeles transform from a dusty pueblo to a sprawling metropolis.
First Christian Church wasn’t always this grand structure. The congregation worshipped in several locations before settling here in 1932. The current building, an impressive English Gothic Revival masterpiece, is their fifth home. Architects Allison & Allison designed this massive concrete structure. It’s reinforced with over 500 tons of steel. The church sits gracefully at the northwest corner of Lafayette Park.
The church’s most striking feature is its soaring 157-foot tower. This tower, weighing 30,000 tons, was supported by over 150 caissons. These caissons extended 45 feet into the bedrock. The tower withstood the test of time. It even braved the 1994 Northridge earthquake, although the four three-ton pinnacles suffered damage. These pinnacles were later removed and replaced with fiberglass replicas. The original pinnacles now stand as monuments at the church’s driveway entrances on Commonwealth Street.
Inside, the sanctuary is a sight to behold. It stretches 198 feet long and reaches 76 feet high at the crossing. The design, inspired by French and English cathedrals, exudes spaciousness, dignity, and tranquility. Carved oak pews, doors, organ cases, and chancel furniture enhance the grandeur. The reredos, a hand-carved oak screen, frames the altar. Added in 1949, it features symbolic carvings of vines, grapes, and roses, representing Christ, his followers, and new life. The dominant cross on the reredos reinforces the church’s central faith. Flanking the cross are symbolic carvings: a peacock (Resurrection), a ship (the Church amidst adversity), a crown of thorns and nails (Crucifixion), and the Lamb of God (Christ).
First Christian Church also houses impressive bronze doors. Created by Canadian artist Albert Gilles in 1946, these three-inch-thick doors weigh a thousand pounds each. They depict scenes from Christ’s life, welcoming worshippers into the sanctuary. The pulpit also holds symbolic significance. Its seven carvings represent the four evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), the Old Testament (menorah), the Christian Church (ship), and Jesus Christ (cross inscribed with “IC XC NIKA,” meaning “Jesus Christ, Conqueror”).
Shatto Chapel, named after Clara Shatto who donated the land for Lafayette Park, offers a more intimate worship space. It’s said to have the same dimensions as the Mayflower ship. This chapel hosts informal services, weddings, and concerts. Its stained-glass windows, created by Charles Connick, depict the cycles of life.
The First Christian Church has played a significant role in Los Angeles history. It stands not just as a place of worship. It’s a testament to the enduring faith and spirit of the city’s oldest Protestant congregation.