In the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, find Christian United Methodist Church. It’s a church with a unique story. Christian United Methodist Church began its life in 1853 in the El Dorado Saloon. Yes, you heard that right, a saloon. From these humble beginnings, it grew to become a force for social change. The church partnered with Biddy Mason in the fight for emancipation and integration. It swelled to 6000 members by the 1900s. The church later moved from its historic location on 8th and Hope to a new building. But the story takes another turn. By the late 1990s, the building no longer served the community’s needs. A courageous decision was made. The church sold the building to invest in affordable housing. Christian United Methodist Church became a church without a home. Today, the congregation worships outdoors in a parking lot at Flower and Olympic. This lot represents their commitment to serving the community. They plan to transform this very space into permanent supportive housing. This will include workforce housing and market-rate options. The vision extends to creating a theologically centered co-housing community. This will be a place where residents contribute to the neighborhood and support one another. Christian United Methodist Church continues its legacy of creative compassion and courageous action. They serve as a beacon of hope in the heart of Los Angeles.
Tujunga Spreading Grounds
Hidden in plain sight, the Tujunga Spreading Grounds is more than just a patch of land. It’s a hidden reservoir,