History
We are a church with a long, rich history. Founded at El Dorado Saloon in Los Angeles in 1853; First Methodist Episcopal Church on Fort Street (now Broadway) was a partner with Biddy Mason in the fight for emancipation and integration. After moving from Fort Street to Hope Street, the church swelled to 6000 members in the 1900s, but fell on hard times as Downtown LA's residents moved to the rapidly-developing suburbs. The church moved from its historic site on 8th and Hope Street to our current location. In the late 1990s, it was clear the building was not serving the needs of the congregation. A courageous choice was made to tear it down, and invest in the most critical need of the community: affordable housing. Since then, Los Angeles First United Methodist Church remains a church without a home. We own the parking lot at the corner of Flower and Olympic, which is where we meet for worship under tents.
Specialties
Los Angeles First United Methodist Church is a church without a home. We own the parking lot at the corner of Flower and Olympic, which is where we meet for worship under tents. We remain in solidarity with our houseless neighbors; until we can create affordable and supportive housing on site, we will be a houseless church. We remain a church without walls, without borders, without barriers. This reflects our theological openness, and the way we believe God's love should be experienced and shared. We are LGBTQIA+ affirming and welcoming, advocates for those living in poverty and experiencing homelessness, and witnesses for justice and joy.