“Founded at El Dorado Saloon in 1853.” That’s quite the origin story for a church. I am excited to share the story of the Evangelical Methodist Church in Los Angeles. Today, we find ourselves standing before a testament to faith, community, and change.
The Evangelical Methodist Church started from humble roots. It offered God’s love to the rowdy and incorrigible of Los Angeles. This reflects a history of radical inclusion.
In its early days, the Methodist Episcopal Church held its first services in the home of Mayor J. C. Nichols. That was in the spring of 1850. Rev. John Brier preached the first Methodist sermon. It was the earliest Protestant sermon in a Roman Catholic-dominated town.
Three years later, Rev. Adam Bland arrived as a missionary. He preached in Wilmington and El Monte. He also preached in Los Angeles. Despite facing persecution, the church persevered.
The Evangelical Methodist Church played a role in establishing the University of Southern California in 1880. Methodists were at the forefront of the temperance movement. They also advocated for Prohibition.
In the early 20th century, the church grew significantly. It mirrored Los Angeles’ expansion. Many Protestants migrated from other parts of the United States. Pastor Charles Edward Locke addressed social issues like “white slavery.”
In July 1923, the church dedicated its third permanent location. The new building stood at Hope and 8th streets. The Los Angeles Times covered the event in detail. Publisher Harry Chandler was a benefactor.
The church faced financial challenges. The construction of the church cost over one million dollars. The congregation sacrificed to make it possible. The architect, John C. Austin, designed the Spanish Renaissance-style building. It had motifs from the cathedral at Toledo, Spain. Tiffany Studios created mosaic panels. These panels depicted Christ, apostles, and Methodist figures like John Wesley.
The dedication week included broadcasts over KHJ radio. Organist Arthur Blakekey performed recitals. Mrs. I.S. Leavitt wrote a dedication hymn.
The church remained at its location for nearly sixty years. The congregation declined as downtown Los Angeles changed. The property was sold for $9 million to the Southern California Gas Company.
Ironically, the gas company never built on the site. The church invested the proceeds in housing for the needy. Today, the Evangelical Methodist Church is a church without a home. It meets in a parking lot at Flower and Olympic. It is a church without walls, borders, or barriers.
Today, the Evangelical Methodist Church continues. It welcomes all. It loves all. It embodies creativity, courage, and compassion. It stands in solidarity with its houseless neighbors. It advocates for the marginalized. The church acknowledges the Tongva people. They are the original caretakers of the land. They acknowledge Biddy Mason. She was a champion for freedom.
The story is not just about a building. It’s about people. It’s about faith. It’s about a community that continues to evolve and serve. As we leave this place, let’s carry the spirit of the Evangelical Methodist Church with us. A spirit of creativity, courage, and compassion.