“Our Vision: To be the house of faith.” That’s what Heritage United Methodist Church declares. Heritage United Methodist Church stands as a beacon of faith for the multicultural community of Los Angeles. It is a thriving ministry.
Heritage United Methodist Church has a rich history. It began with the merging of two significant churches. These were Wesley United Methodist Church and Bowen Memorial United Methodist Church. The union happened in 2018. It created a stronger, more unified place of worship.
Wesley United Methodist Church was founded in 1888. It is known as a historical Black United Methodist Church. It is the mother church for African-American Methodism on the West Coast. Bowen Memorial United Methodist Church was established in 1940. It had a devoted congregation. They were dedicated to serving the underserved in the community. Together these churches gave over 200 years of service to South Los Angeles.
Bowen Memorial UMC has its own unique story. It began as Bethel Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church in 1913. It served a German-speaking congregation. In 1943, the Southern California-Arizona Conference of Methodist Church designated the property for “negro work”. Rev. Hamilton Boswell led a group of three people. They organized the church. They met in Miss Olive Hughes’ home. In September 1943, the group bought the Trinity Street property. Bishop James C. Baker made Bowen Memorial an official Methodist church. The church was named after Dr. J.W.E Bowen Sr. He was a professor and elected Bishop.
Many pastors have led Bowen Memorial UMC. Rev. Hamilton Boswell was the first. He put organizations and boards into action. Rev. John C. Bain remodeled the church. Rev. D. Dewitt Turpeau acquired property for a parking lot. Rev. Paul Marshall led the church through financial challenges. Rev. William H. Stevens brought the congregation together.
Other pastors included Rev. L.L. Hayes who oversaw renovations and growth. Rev. Lorenzo Hubbard started weekly Bible study classes. Rev. Marguerite Terrell was the first Black female pastor. Rev. Lee A. Thigpen was known for his humor. Rev. Paul Hill started English as a second language classes. Rev. Franklin Jamison had a short tenure. Rev. Alvin Hawkins initiated earthquake-proof construction. Rev. Clayton Hammond hosted Sunday morning breakfasts for the homeless. Rev. Cedrick Bridgeforth built the Trinity Street Gathering House. Rev. Roger DeMarr and Rev. Margaret Finnie also served. Rev. Alberto Garces drew in the Hispanic community. Rev. Ivan Sevillano is the current pastor.
Today, Heritage United Methodist Church continues this legacy. It operates on two campuses. One is the Heritage Campus. It is located at 112 W 52nd St. The other is the Trinity Campus. It is located at 3522 Trinity St.
Every Sunday at 9:30 am, you can join the congregation for worship. The services are also live-streamed on Facebook. Heritage United Methodist Church also serves food every Thursday from 10 AM to 12 PM at 5139 S Main St. Everyone is welcome.
Heritage United Methodist Church is more than just a building. It’s a vibrant community. It’s a place where faith and service come together. It’s a place where everyone can experience God’s love.