A beacon of faith stands before us. This is the Greater Phillips Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. It’s more than just a building. It’s a testament to resilience. It’s a story etched in wood and stained glass.
The Greater Phillips Chapel CME Church holds a special place in history. It’s the oldest African American CME church built west of the Mississippi River. Imagine the journeys of those who laid its foundation. They arrived in Santa Monica in the late 1800s seeking a better life. They escaped Jim Crow laws. They sought opportunity in the California sun.
The congregation first met in 1905. Their initial gathering place was Hull’s Hall. It wasn’t a grand space but it was theirs. A symbol of their shared faith and hope. By 1908 they had acquired a Washington School building. This was no ordinary transaction. CME congregations across the nation rallied together to raise the funds. They purchased a building damaged by fire. They transformed it into a sanctuary.
This wasn’t simply a renovation. It was a rebirth. The schoolhouse at 4th and Bay Streets became the first African American house of worship in Santa Monica. Picture the community gathering. They worked together to create their place of worship. This humble schoolhouse likely held a rich history long before. It might be the oldest continuously used public building in Santa Monica.
Through the years the Greater Phillips Chapel CME Church underwent several transformations. There were remodels in 1910 and the 1940s. Yet through it all the building maintained its Colonial Revival architectural style. The structure stands as a timeless symbol of their endurance.
The church’s first pastor was Reverend James A. Stout. He wasn’t just a spiritual leader. He played a crucial role in establishing several other CME churches on the Pacific Slope. The Stout family became a cornerstone of the Ocean Park neighborhood.
The cornerstone dedication in 1909 was a momentous occasion. More than 100 people attended. Imagine the joy and pride. They celebrated their shared faith in a new space. The eleven stained glass windows tell a story. They commemorate the prominent families who built this community.
In 2005 the Greater Phillips Chapel CME Church received landmark status. It remains a vital part of Santa Monica. It’s a unique example of a historic African American community surviving and thriving. Descendants of those early settlers continue to worship here. The Greater Phillips Chapel CME Church stands as a vibrant reminder of faith perseverance and community.