First Methodist Church

In 1853, a church was born in the unlikeliest of places: the El Dorado Saloon. This was the beginning of the First Methodist Church of Los Angeles. It’s a story of resilience and transformation, a testament to a church that has consistently chosen compassion over comfort. The First Methodist Church’s early days were intertwined with the fight for justice. The church partnered with Biddy Mason, a remarkable woman who fought tirelessly for emancipation and integration. As Los Angeles grew, so did the First Methodist Church. Its congregation swelled to 6,000 members in the 1900s. The church thrived on Hope Street. But as residents migrated to the suburbs, the church faced new challenges. In a courageous act, the church leaders made a difficult decision. They tore down their building on 8th and Hope. They chose to invest in the community’s most pressing need: housing. Today, the First Methodist Church of Los Angeles is a church without a home. It meets in a parking lot at the corner of Flower and Olympic. This unconventional setting reflects the church’s open and inclusive nature. They are a church without walls, without borders, a sanctuary for one and all. They continue their legacy of service, their commitment to creativity, courage, and compassion unwavering. The First Methodist Church of Los Angeles stands as a symbol of resilience, a testament to the power of faith to adapt and thrive, even in the most unexpected of circumstances.