First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles |
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First AME Church Los Angeles
2270 S. Harvard Boulevard Los Angeles, CA |
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| Country |  United States |
| Denomination | African Methodist Episcopal Church |
| Website | http://www.famechurch.org/ |
| History | |
| Founded | 1872 |
The First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles (often called First A.M.E. or FAME) is a very large church in Los Angeles, California, United States. It is part of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) group. This church is special because it is the oldest church in Los Angeles started by African Americans, dating all the way back to 1872. Today, it has more than 19,000 members!
Contents
History of FAME Church
How the Church Started
The First A.M.E. Church was founded in 1872. A remarkable African American woman named Biddy Mason helped start it. She was a nurse, a successful real estate owner, and someone who loved helping others. Biddy Mason and her son-in-law, Charles Owens, held the first meetings in her home. She even gave the land where the very first church building was constructed.
About the AME Church Family
The larger AME Church group is a type of Methodist church. It was started by Reverend Richard Allen in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1816. Today, the AME Church has over 2 million members across North and South America, Africa, and Europe. It includes other big churches like the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York and the Reid Temple A.M.E. Church in Maryland.
Church Locations Over Time
The First A.M.E. Church has been in a few different places. From 1902 to 1968, it was located at 8th & Towne. This building was even named a Los Angeles Landmark in 1971. Before that, the church was on Azusa Street. Sadly, the 8th & Towne building burned down on July 4, 1972. The church's current home, in the West Adams district, was finished in 1968. It was designed by a famous African American architect named Paul R. Williams.
Protecting the Church Community
In 1993, government officials found out about a plan by some young men to harm the First A.M.E. Church. These individuals were stopped before they could carry out their plan. They later made agreements with the authorities.
Church Leaders and Growth
In 1977, Cecil Murray became the pastor of the church. At that time, it had only 300 members. Under Pastor Murray's amazing leadership, the church grew a lot over the next 27 years, reaching 18,000 members!
After Pastor Murray, Reverend Dr. John Joseph Hunter became the senior minister in 2004. Later, in 2012, J. Edgar Boyd became the new pastor.
FAME Church and Community Action
The First A.M.E. Church is a very important place for political and social action in Los Angeles. It helps the community in many ways.
Helping the Community
In the 1980s and 1990s, the church created many groups to help people. These groups focused on important issues like health, helping people without homes, providing emergency food and clothing, and offering job training. President George H. W. Bush even recognized the church for its great work in community services. In December 1989, city leaders, including Mayor Tom Bradley, joined church leaders to start building FAME Arms. This was an apartment complex with 40 units for people with physical disabilities and low incomes.
Support After Disasters
After an earthquake in January 1994, FAME Renaissance, which is the church's non-profit group for economic development, helped small businesses. They provided loans of up to $25,000 to businesses that were affected by the earthquake and couldn't get help elsewhere. In September 2009, the church also started an outdoor fresh food market. This market helped bring healthy foods to people living in South Los Angeles.
See also
- List of the largest churches in the USA
External links
- Photographs at the Los Angeles Public Library
