Angelus Temple facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Angelus Temple |
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A worship service at the temple in 2010
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| Location | Los Angeles |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Pentecostal |
| History | |
| Founded | 1923 |
| Founder(s) | Aimee Semple McPherson |
Angelus Temple is a very large Pentecostal church in the Echo Park area of Los Angeles, California. A church this big is often called a megachurch. It was started in 1923 by a famous preacher named Aimee Semple McPherson. Many people think it was the first megachurch in the United States.
Today, the church is part of the Foursquare Church group. Its main pastor is Matthew Barnett. In 2015, about 8,975 people attended the church every week.
Contents
The History of Angelus Temple
The church was founded in 1923 by Aimee Semple McPherson. She decided to build the temple in Los Angeles after she said she had a vision. She was praying for her sick daughter when she imagined "a little home in Los Angeles." When she found the perfect spot near Echo Lake, she knew it was the right place.
The Angelus Temple building officially opened on January 1, 1923. It was huge and could seat 5,300 people. On its opening day, McPherson told a reporter it was the happiest day of her life. She raised $250,000 to build it, which was a lot of money back then. The temple's dome was 125 feet wide, making it the largest in North America at the time. Sometimes, as many as 10,000 people would come to hear her speak.
New Additions to the Temple
In 1924, the church started its own radio station, KFSG. Two towers were built on the roof to hold the antenna for broadcasting.
A few years later, in 1927, the church opened a food bank and soup kitchen. They gave out food, clothing, and blankets to people in need.
In its first seven years, the church had 40 million visitors. McPherson often made her sermons into exciting shows to attract large crowds. The temple was updated in 1972 with a $500,000 renovation. In November 2001, Matthew Barnett took over as the main pastor.
Helping the Community
Angelus Temple is known for helping people. It works with an organization called the Dream Center. The Dream Center is based in a nearby building that used to be a hospital.
This center runs a food bank and gives out clothing. It also has programs to help people who have been through disasters, domestic violence, or other difficult situations. In 2001, Pastor Matthew Barnett officially joined the Dream Center with Angelus Temple to work together.
The Temple Building
The Angelus Temple building is a famous landmark in Los Angeles. A special stone on the building says it is "Dedicated unto the cause of inter-denominational and worldwide evangelism." This means it was built to spread its Christian message to people everywhere, no matter their specific church background.
Architectural Design
The temple was designed by an architect named Brook Hawkins. It was built with concrete and steel to be fireproof. Its most famous feature is its giant, round dome. The dome is coated with a special mix that includes ground abalone shells, which makes it shine.
Inside, the ceiling of the dome is painted to look like a blue sky with fluffy clouds. The church also has eight beautiful stained-glass windows that show scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. A lighted cross sits on top of the dome and can be seen from far away.
McPherson wanted the church to feel bright and happy. She chose a verse from the Bible, Hebrews 13:8, to be placed behind the stage: "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today and forever." She especially loved the temple's large Kimball pipe organ, which she said always calmed her down.
Because of its special history and design, the Angelus Temple was named a National Historic Landmark in 1992.
Other Buildings
Next to the temple, a school called L.I.F.E. Bible College was started. Today, that building is used by the Angelus Temple Hispanic Church. McPherson also lived in a house right next to the temple, which is now open for visitors to see.
See also
In Spanish: Templo del Ángelus para niños
- List of Registered Historic Places in Los Angeles
- List of the largest churches in the USA
- List of the largest evangelical churches
- List of the largest evangelical church auditoriums
- Worship service (evangelicalism)
