Christian Church in Action;formerly First Methodist

A beacon of faith and resilience, Christian Church in Action, formerly First Methodist, has quite a story to tell. It began its life not in a grand cathedral, but in the boisterous El Dorado Saloon in 1853. Imagine a church born amidst the clinking glasses and spirited conversations of a saloon. This unconventional beginning speaks to the church’s dedication to reaching people where they are. Christian Church in Action has always been a place for the “rowdy and incorrigible,” embracing those often marginalized by society. In its early days, the church, then known as First Methodist Episcopal Church, partnered with Biddy Mason. She was a remarkable woman who championed emancipation and integration. Together, they fought for a more just and equitable Los Angeles. The church flourished, its congregation swelling to 6,000 members in the 1900s. However, as Los Angeles grew and its residents migrated to the suburbs, the church faced challenging times. It relocated from its historic location at 8th and Hope Street. In the late 1990s, the church leadership made a bold decision. Recognizing the pressing need for housing in the community, they chose to demolish their building and invest in providing homes for those in need. Today, Christian Church in Action is a “church without a home.” It holds services in a parking lot at the corner of Flower and Olympic, a testament to its adaptability and commitment to serving its community. It’s a church without walls, without borders, without barriers. It remains a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of faith and service.