Angelus Temple facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Angelus Temple |
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Worship service 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 large Pentecostal church located in the Echo Park area of Los Angeles, California, United States. It was started by Aimee Semple McPherson in 1923. Many people consider it the first "megachurch" in the U.S.
Today, Angelus Temple is part of the Foursquare Church. Its main pastor is Matthew Barnett. In 2015, about 8,975 people attended services there each week.
History of Angelus Temple
The church was founded in 1923 by Aimee Semple McPherson. She chose Los Angeles after feeling that God wanted her to build there. When she found the land near Echo Lake, she knew it was the right spot.
McPherson hired Brook Hawkins to design the building. He was a famous architect who also designed the Culver Hotel and the Pasadena Playhouse.
Angelus Temple opened its doors on January 1, 1923. It could seat 5,300 people. McPherson was very excited on opening day. She had raised $250,000 from supporters to pay for the building. This church was the first "megachurch" built in the United States. Its large dome, 125 feet wide, was the biggest in North America at the time. In McPherson's day, as many as 10,000 people would attend services.
In 1927, the church opened a food bank and soup kitchen. They gave out food, clothes, and blankets to people in need.
Church records show that 40 million visitors came to Angelus Temple in its first seven years. Aimee Semple McPherson often preached at every service. She would create dramatic scenes to attract large crowds.
The temple was updated in 1972 with a $500,000 renovation.
In November 2001, Matthew Barnett became the main pastor.
Helping the Community
The building that used to be the Queen of Angels Hospital is now home to the Dream Center. This organization helps people in many ways. It has a food bank, gives out clothing, and offers help to people affected by disasters. In 2001, Pastor Matthew Barnett and the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel joined the Dream Center with Angelus Temple.
About the Buildings
Angelus Temple was officially opened on January 1, 1923. A stone at the building's base says it was "Dedicated unto the cause of inter-denominational and worldwide evangelism." This means it was built to help spread the Christian message everywhere.
The temple is located across from Echo Park Lake. It originally had 5,300 seats. After a renovation in 2002, it now seats 3,500 people.
Angelus Temple was a very large building for its time in North America. It rose 125 feet from the main floor. The ceiling has a painting of clouds by artist Anne Henneke. There are also eight beautiful stained glass windows that show scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. These were made by artist George Haskins. The building was renovated in 1972, but it still looks much like it did when it was first built. The lighted cross on top of the dome is a well-known landmark. In 1992, the entire temple was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a very important historical place.
The temple was built to be fireproof, using concrete and steel. Its most special feature is its large, unsupported concrete dome. The inside of the dome is painted azure blue with fluffy clouds. This was meant to remind people to "work while it's day" and "to look for His coming." McPherson wanted the church to feel bright and joyful. Behind the pulpit, her favorite Bible verse from Hebrews 13:8 was displayed: "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today and forever."
After the temple opened in 1923, the 5,300-seat auditorium was full three times a day, seven days a week.
L.I.F.E. Bible College was started in a building next to Angelus Temple. This building is now used by the Angelus Temple Hispanic Church.
Aimee Semple McPherson lived in a house right next to the Temple. Visitors can now tour this house.
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)
