Faith Bible Church

In 1917, a small group of Norwegian families built a church. This church, the Faith Bible Church, became the first church in Northridge. Originally named Zelzah Norsk Evangelisk Luther’s Kirke, meaning Norwegian Lutheran Church, it reflected the heritage of its founders. The location, Zelzah, would later become Northridge. This Carpenter Gothic Victorian style church was more than just a place of worship for the community. It stood as a testament to their faith and perseverance. The Faith Bible Church’s simple yet striking design featured thin moldings and a monochromatic exterior. Its basilican style, with the steeple at the entrance, and steep stairs evoked a sense of reverence. Over the years, Faith Bible Church served under different names. It was known as the First Lutheran Church of Northridge. Later, it became the Northridge Free Methodist Church and also the Los Angeles Antioch Church. It even served as part of the Korean Senior Citizen’s Association complex. Today, it’s known as Valley Life Baptist Church. This evolution of names reflects the changing demographics and needs of the community. But through it all, the original structure of the Faith Bible Church remains. It stands as a reminder of the small group of Norwegian families who first established a place of worship in what would become Northridge. In 1976, the City of Los Angeles recognized the historical and cultural significance of the Faith Bible Church by designating it a Historic-Cultural Monument.