Glendale Japanese Free Methodist Church

Tucked away in the vibrant city of Glendale, the Glendale Japanese Free Methodist Church whispers tales of resilience and faith. The church’s story begins in the early 20th century, amidst a growing Japanese-American community in Glendale. By 1915, over fifty Japanese families had made Glendale their home. In this burgeoning community, a seed of faith was planted. Dr. Julius Soper, a Methodist missionary with a deep love for Japan, established a Japanese Sunday School in 1921. Partnering with Grace Van Loon, a member of the Christian Missionary Alliance, Soper began afternoon classes at Tropico Presbyterian Church. Imagine Soper and Van Loon’s husband, Alvin, diligently transporting the children to and from the church. The dedication of teachers like Soper’s daughter, Maud, further nurtured the fledgling community. The Glendale Japanese Free Methodist Church, born from this humble Sunday school, stands as a testament to their efforts. The congregation eventually moved to a private home on South Central Avenue, enabling them to hold Sunday morning classes and adult worship services. The church’s growth necessitated a larger space, leading to the construction of a dedicated building on West Palmer Avenue in 1937. A Japanese architect designed and oversaw the project, a reflection of the community’s cultural heritage. The Glendale Japanese Free Methodist Church was officially dedicated in 1938. However, the shadow of World War II loomed large. During the war, many parishioners were unjustly sent to Manzanar Relocation Center. Ironically, the very church they had built became a storage facility for their belongings. Upon their release in 1945, the church served as a temporary shelter while they sought employment and rebuilt their lives. The Glendale Japanese Free Methodist Church, once a symbol of their thriving community, now bore witness to their resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the scattering of its members after the war, the church persevered, eventually becoming part of the Pacific Coast Japanese Free Methodist Conference. The Glendale Japanese Free Methodist Church, a beacon of faith and resilience, continues to inspire, its story deeply interwoven with the history of the Japanese-American community in Glendale.