First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Los Angeles, is the oldest church founded by African Americans in the City of Los Angeles, dating to 1872. Biddy Mason established the church to minister to the mind, body, and soul of the community. This church served as the cornerstone of the community for spiritual growth, social uplift, and economic development. Exterior view of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church, the 1902 building located at Towne and 8th St., a Gothic revival style building with a large tower. 1940’s era cars are visible in the foreground and background. Photo caption: 1st A.M.E. Church, 8th & Towne Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. 1941. Typescript on back of photo: First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Los Angeles. L.A's first black church was organized in 1872. It moved to several locations before the notable edifice at Eighth Street & Towne Avenue was built in 1902. The congregation worshipped here for almost seven decades before moving to its present location at 2270 South Harvard Blvd. In 1971 the Eighth & Towne Church was the first black building in Los Angeles to be named an historical cultural monument. Plans were being made to convert it into a museum and community center when it was destroyed by fire in July 1972. Today, a bronze sidewalk plaque marks the site of this important monument.
Type
image
Identifier
uclalsc_1889_b17_f12_001a.tif ark:/21198/z1ks88nz
Subject
African American churches Gothic revival (Architecture) First African Methodist Episcopal Church (Los Angeles, Calif.)
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