Central Christian Church

A chilling whisper. That’s how many remember the legacy of Central Christian Church in Los Angeles. While the church stands as a testament to architectural beauty, a dark chapter is etched into its history. Central Christian Church, originally built in 1912 as the First Church of Christ, Scientist, later became a hub for the People’s Temple. In the early 1970s, the building transitioned from a synagogue to house the Disciples of Christ congregation of the People’s Temple Christian Church, led by the infamous Jim Jones. Jones, known for his unsettling charisma and pronouncements, used Central Christian Church as a base for his growing following. He preached here every two weeks, captivating a predominantly African American congregation. The church witnessed the rise of Jones’s influence, as his followers grew to an astounding 20,000. Central Christian Church in Los Angeles became a part of the unsettling narrative of the People’s Temple, forever linked to the tragic events in Jonestown, Guyana in 1977. Today, the fencing surrounding Central Christian Church serves as a reminder of this dark period. It protects the building from vandalism, a stark contrast to its original intention as a place of worship and community. The Romanesque/Beaux Arts design by Elmer Grey, envisioned as a grand space for spiritual reflection, stands as a silent observer of this tumultuous history. Central Christian Church, a landmark in Los Angeles, bears the weight of its past, a chilling reminder of the dangers of blind faith and unchecked power.