What if I told you this church took on the US government and won? That is the story of the First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles. It stands here as a beacon of progressive values. This church has a rich history. It is a story woven with threads of social justice, activism and a commitment to free thought.
First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles has been a force for change since its founding in 1877. Theodoric and Caroline Seymour Severance founded it. They were Unitarians from Boston. They had been part of Theodore Parker’s congregation. The church first met in the Severances’ home. It was called El Nido meaning the nest.
Caroline Severance was a remarkable woman. She was born Caroline Seymour in New York in 1820. She advocated for women’s rights. She helped found the American Woman Suffrage Association. In Los Angeles she founded the Friday Morning Club a woman’s club. She championed various civic causes. These included women’s suffrage and kindergartens. Women gained the right to vote in California in 1911. Caroline Severance registered and voted. She was 91 years old.
The First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles embraced progressive causes. This earned it a reputation. It was a place of controversy and a beacon of justice. The church’s location is on the border between Koreatown and Westlake. This reflects its diverse congregation.
In 1954 the First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles refused to sign a loyalty oath. The State of California demanded this oath. It was a condition for non-profit status. The church believed this violated free speech. They struck out the oath on the paperwork. The church then sued the County of Los Angeles. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the church in 1958.
Rev. Stephen Hole Fritchman served as minister. He served from 1948 to 1969. The church supported blacklisted Hollywood writers during the McCarthy era. It opposed the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
The church’s activism extended to racial inclusion. Black members founded BURR in 1967. BURR sought to reform Unitarian Universalism. They wanted it to be more inclusive of Blacks. BURR’s actions led to the creation of a Black Affairs Council within the UUA.
The current church building was completed in 1927. Allison & Allison were the architects. It stands as a testament to the congregation’s resilience.
Sunset Hall was a retirement home for religious liberals. Members of First Church founded it. It provided support for elderly progressives. The documentary Sunset Story tells its story.
Today First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles continues its legacy. It remains a beacon of justice. Its members engage in contemporary progressive movements. These include Black Lives Matter and immigration rights. Its affiliated organization Urban Partners Los Angeles provides community programs.
The First Unitarian Church of Los Angeles stands as a powerful reminder. It is a reminder that faith can be a catalyst for social change. Its history inspires us. It encourages us to stand up for our beliefs. It urges us to fight for a more just world. This church’s story is not just about the past. It is about the present and the future. It is a call to action for all who seek a better world.